Thanksgiving 2025 Guide: The Best Holiday Dining & Events in Coastal San Diego
Thanksgiving in coastal San Diego is more than a holiday — it’s a celebration of ocean breezes, golden sunsets, and elevated gatherings surrounded by some of the most beautiful communities in Southern California. From luxurious resort brunches in Rancho Santa Fe to ocean-level dining in La Jolla and family-friendly feasts in Carlsbad, each neighborhood brings something special to the season.
Here’s your definitive guide to the best Thanksgiving 2025 dining and events across Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Coronado, Carlsbad, Encinitas, and La Jolla.
Rancho Santa Fe: Luxury Holiday Dining & Timeless Traditions
Thanksgiving at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Thursday, November 27, 2025 • 10 AM – 4 PM
Rancho Valencia’s famed Thanksgiving feast is a holiday experience unlike any other, featuring carving stations, seasonal dishes, gourmet desserts, and live music in a lush Mediterranean-inspired setting.
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Adults: approx. $245
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Children (11 & under): approx. $95
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Reservations required
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Details: https://ranchovalencia.com/san-diego-events/thanksgiving/
A quintessential choice for those who love a refined, resort-style holiday.
Del Mar: Coastal Elegance & Ocean-View Celebrations
Thanksgiving at L’Auberge Del Mar – Adelaide Restaurant
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Brunch Buffet
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11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (buffet open until 4 PM)
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Adults: $125
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Children (12 & under): $39
Thanksgiving Dinner
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Adults: approx. $155
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Children: approx. $49
Reservations:
https://www.opentable.com/r/adelaide-at-lauberge-del-mar
With sweeping ocean views, beautiful terraces, and an elevated menu, this is one of Del Mar’s most coveted Thanksgiving options.
Solana Beach: Chic Coastal Dining & Seasonal Menus
Herb & Sea
Thursday, November 27, 2025 • 1 PM – 7 PM
An elegant take on Thanksgiving with fresh, coastal-inspired dishes.
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Adults: $92
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Children: $38
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Reservations: https://www.herbandsea.com/thanksgiving
Pamplemousse Grille
Thursday, November 27, 2025 • 11 AM – 9 PM
A North County classic offering a luxurious, multi-course Thanksgiving dinner.
LANA (Solana Beach)
Thursday, November 27, 2025 • 1 PM – 7 PM
A modern three-course Thanksgiving menu served in a stylish coastal setting.
Menu highlights include:
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Butternut squash soup
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Hamachi crudo with yuzu ponzu
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Roasted turkey with potato purée & Brussels sprouts
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Red wine–braised short rib
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Pumpkin pie or warm skillet cookie
Pricing:
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Adults: approx. $85
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Children: approx. $25
Reservations:
https://www.lanasb.com/events/thanksgiving-day-at-lana/
Coronado: Island Charm & Iconic Holiday Traditions
Thanksgiving at Hotel del Coronado
The Del’s iconic Thanksgiving buffet blends historic charm with coastal elegance, offering carving stations, seafood displays, and seasonal desserts.
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Reservations: https://www.hoteldel.com/events/thanksgiving/
Coronado Turkey Trot (Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary)
Thanksgiving Morning • 8 AM
A festive 5K along the bay — a local favorite and perfect pre-feast activity.
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Location: Tidelands Park
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Registration:
https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Coronado/CoronadoTurkeyTrotPresentedByRadyChildrensHospital
Carlsbad: Family-Friendly Dining & Relaxed Coastal Vibes
Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining (Cape Rey Carlsbad)
Thursday, November 27, 2025
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Brunch Buffet: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
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Evening Three-Course Dinner
Details:
https://visitcarlsbad.com/blog/where-to-dine-in-carlsbad-this-thanksgiving-2025/
20|Twenty (The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa)
Thursday, November 27, 2025 • 2 PM – 8 PM
A refined four-course dinner featuring turkey, salmon, and fall desserts.
Details:
https://www.kpbs.org/events/2025/11/27/thanksgiving-dinner-at-20-twenty-the-westin-carlsbad-resort-spa
Ember & Rye (Park Hyatt Aviara)
Thursday, November 27, 2025
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Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
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Thanksgiving Dinner Specials: 5 PM – 8:30 PM
Details:
https://parkhyattaviara.com/resort-dining/ember-and-rye/
The Crossings at Carlsbad – Thanksgiving Brunch
Thursday, November 27, 2025 • 10 AM – 4 PM
A festive brunch buffet overlooking the golf course.
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Adults: approx. $105
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Kids: approx. $49
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Details:
https://www.thecrossingsatcarlsbad.com/events/carlsbad/thanksgiving-brunch-buffet
Carlsbad’s variety makes it ideal for families or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed and delicious coastal Thanksgiving.
Encinitas & Cardiff-by-the-Sea: Laid-Back Coastal Comfort
UNION Kitchen & Tap – Encinitas (Dine-In)
Thursday, November 27, 2025 • Starting at 2 PM
A hearty Thanksgiving dinner inspired by coastal California flavors.
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$44.95 per person
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Reservations:
https://localunion101.com/union-encinitas-thanksgiving-dinner-for-4/
UNION “Dinner for 4” – Thanksgiving Takeout
Pickup: November 26–27, 2025
A convenient take-home meal perfect for relaxed holiday hosting.
Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden
Opening Thanksgiving weekend, this immersive illuminated trail is one of Encinitas’ most beloved holiday experiences.
La Jolla: Premium Coastal Dining & Iconic Culinary Experiences
La Jolla’s Thanksgiving offerings are some of the most luxurious and scenic in Southern California, with oceanfront restaurants and resort-level dining.
A.R. Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Thursday, November 27, 2025 • 12 PM – 6:30 PM
A three-course, locally sourced Thanksgiving feast overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course.
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Adults: $150
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Children: $65
The Marine Room — Thanksgiving Dining
Thursday, November 27, 2025
One of San Diego’s most iconic holiday dining experiences — enjoy a prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu while waves crash dramatically against the glass.
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Details & updates:
https://www.marineroom.com/
La Valencia Hotel — Thanksgiving Brunch or Dinner
A glamorous, Mediterranean-inspired holiday meal in La Jolla Village.
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Adults typically around $150
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Children around $65
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Updates:
https://www.lavalencia.com/
More La Jolla Options:
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George’s at the Cove — Thanksgiving prix-fixe with cove views.
https://www.georgesatthecove.com/ -
Sugar & Scribe — Gourmet pies and full Thanksgiving take-home meals.
https://sugarandscribe.com/
Celebrate Thanksgiving in True Coastal Style
Whether you’re savoring a luxury brunch in Rancho Santa Fe, an oceanfront dinner in Del Mar or La Jolla, or a cozy family gathering in Carlsbad or Encinitas, each coastal community captures the warmth, beauty, and sophistication that make San Diego one of the most desirable places to call home.
Thanksgiving 2025 showcases the best of our region — refined yet relaxed, community-focused, and full of moments worth savoring.