4. Grand Del Mar

We know, there were no horses at the first Thanksgiving, but don't let that keep you from saddling up at the Grand Del Mar's equestrian center this holiday weekend. The smell of fresh hay wafts over eight stalls and tack and feed rooms, where riders of all levels can learn the ropes, enroll in a beginner's day camp, or take in the rocky landscape on a trail ride through the 4,100 breathtaking acres of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. Feeling saddle sore? Treat yourself to a stay at the luxe San Diego resort, complete with pillow-top beds, Pratesi linens, and deep soaking tubs. From $395; thegranddelmar.com