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It’s hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It’s a time for friends and family to come together and savor delicious food. But with the long weekend looming, what do you do to fill the time? And if you don’t like to cook, where do you go? Luckily, Thanksgiving in San Diego offers fun activities and incredible restaurants sure to delight. Read on to find out more.

Where to Feast When Celebrating Thanksgiving in San Diego

According to a 2021 Thanksgiving Travel Survey taken by The Vacationer, about 13 million people will eat their Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant, and close to 9 million people will vacation for the holiday. Being a vacation destination, many restaurants in San Diego are open for Thanksgiving with delectable and innovative menus. Check out some of our suggestions below. Be sure to make your reservations early!

Mister A's in Bankers Hill is an elegant choice for Thanksgiving in San Diego.
Mister A’s is perched atop the Manchester Building in Bankers Hill.

Mister A’s

2550 Fifth Avenue, 12th Floor, San Diego ~ (619)239-1377

Mister A’s in Bankers Hill is presenting a 3-course dinner for Thanksgiving. Pick an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Main courses include roasted organic turkey, sea bass, lamb chops and prime rib. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available.

Hotel del Coronado is presenting a lavish feast for Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving at the Hotel del Coronado is sure to be an exquisite affair.

Hotel del Coronado

1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado ~ (619)435-6611

Dine in Hotel del Coronado’s elegant Southpointe Ballroom, the hotel’s largest event venue. Feast on a lavish Thanksgiving spread with all of the trimmings while listening to live music. The historic building and grounds will be festively decorated for the holidays.

Enjoy Thanksgiving brunch at Humphrey's Half Moon Inn.
Indulge in Thanksgiving brunch at Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn.

Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn

2303 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego ~ (619)224-3411

For early birds, Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn is offering a Thanksgiving Brunch from 10:00am to 6:00pm on Thanksgiving Day. Featuring an omelet bar, popular breakfast dishes, seafood, pastries, a carving station, pasta and more, there is something for everyone to relish.

Enjoy a magnificent view of the San Diego skyline at Island Prime.
Island Prime overlooks the magnificent San Diego skyline.

Island Prime

880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego ~ (619)298-6802

Savor a 3-course Thanksgiving dinner at Island Prime. Besides free-range turkey, find sea bass, prime rib, filet mignon and more to choose from. Soup or salad and dessert are also included. Island Prime boasts views of the San Diego skyline that are breathtaking.

Vessel Restaurant & Bar is another spot to enjoy Thanksgiving in San Diego.
Vessel Restaurant & Bar is located in the Kona Kai Resort.

Vessel Restaurant & Bar

1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego ~ (619)819-8195

Vessel Restaurant & Bar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Thanksgiving day. Choose from a traditional Thanksgiving supper served family-style, a plated prix fixe dinner or Thanksgiving inspired a la carte selections. Located in the Kona Kai Resort, reserve your marina-front table today.

What to Do When Celebrating Thanksgiving in San Diego

For many, Thanksgiving is a 4-day holiday. For those lucky enough to have the extra time off, you might be wondering what there is to do besides eat and shop Black Friday. Don’t fret. There is plenty to do in San Diego.

A Turkey Trot is a great way to start the day.
A Turkey Trot is a great start to the day.

Start Your Day Off With a Turkey Trot

Americans eat between 3000 and 4500 calories on average each Thanksgiving. Get a head start on burning those off with a Turkey Trot. Not only are they a fun and energizing start to your day, they are a wonderful way to give back to the community.

Father Joe’s Villages Annual Thanksgiving Day 5k raises monies to feed the homeless through their crucial meals program. Held in Balboa Park, it is family, stroller and pet friendly. San Diego’s longest-running trot, this is their 21st event.

Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary Coronado Unit is hosting their 9th annual Turkey Trot at Tidelands Park in Coronado. Last year they raised $90,000 for the hospital. This year the goal is $100,000 plus! Rady Children’s Hospital serves 92% of the children in San Diego, 63% in South Riverside and 52% in Imperial County.

Tour the San Diego Bay Thanksgiving Weekend

If you are wondering what to do with all those leftovers, Eco Boat Rentals has the answer. Whip up some turkey and cranberry sandwiches, grab your favorite bottle of bubbly and take in the spectacular views of the San Diego Bay. Options include their beautiful French-built sailing yacht or one of their colorful and fun Duffy pink party boats. Both include your own private captain. The yacht can hold up to six people while the party boat can accommodate 6-8 guests. What could be better than fresh ocean air, amazing scenery and time spent with loved ones?

For those looking for a little more physical activity, rent a peddle boat from Eco Boat Rentals. Each boat can hold up to 3 adults and 1 child with the capacity for 2 people to peddle at the same time. Plus, they are dog friendly! You can burn close to 300 calories per hour making it an easy way to work off Thanksgiving dinner.

Ice skate with a view of the Pacific at the Hotel del Coronado.
You don’t need snow to go ice skating in San Diego.

Ice Skate at Hotel del Coronado

Who needs snow to go ice skating? Hotel del Coronado’s popular Skating by the Sea is back for another season. Glide across the ice surrounded by stunning views of the Pacific. Reserve the Frostbite Lounge with comfortable seating, fire pits, holiday-themed cocktails and bites. Skating by the Sea benefits Make-A-Wish San Diego.

The San Diego Jazz Fest& Swing Extravaganza is celebrating 43 years!
The San Diego Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza is celebrating 43 years!

Kick Up Your Heels at the San Diego Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza

Started in 1980, the San Diego Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza takes place November 23-27, 2022, at the Town & Country Hotel in Mission Valley. Put on your dancing shoes and revel in traditional jazz, swing, boogie woogie, ragtime and rhythm & blues. Over 17 bands and guest artists will perform over the weekend. 5-day, 3-day and single day tickets are available for purchase.

We love to hear from you. Let us know your favorite Thanksgiving tradition in the comment section below.