6. Avalon

Apologize to Aunt Betsy: You love her dining room seating chart and paper Pilgrim hats, but this year you're taking the family to the beach. With a rental home in postcard-perfect Avalon, on SoCal's Catalina Island, trade a premeal toss of the football for kayaking or beach volleyball while still hosting three generations around a groaning table. In November, temps are mild and the summertime hordes just a memory. It doesn't matter if you choose a cozy cottage, rambling wood-shingled beach house, or red-tile roofed villa on a hill facing the sea, the place will fill–as Aunt Betsy's does each year–with the smell of roasting turkey. Condos and houses from $125; most have 2-night minimum; catalinachamber.com