Thanksgiving activities in south orange county

Thanksgiving Activities 

1. Dana Point Turkey Trot

   • The 48th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot happens on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 27, 2025). Turkey Trot

   • Race options: 5K, 10K, Combo 15K, and a 1-mile “Gobble Wobble” for kids. Visit Dana Point

   • There’s also a health & fitness expo in the harbor beforehand. Dana Point Chamber of Commerce

   • The race benefits local charities (Dana Point Historical Society, YMCA of OC, etc.). Dana Point Chamber of Commerce

   • Location: Dana Point Harbor and along parts of Doheny State Beach. Dana Point Chamber of Commerce

2. Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

   • On Thanksgiving Day, The Ritz-Carlton (Dana Point / Laguna Niguel) hosts a holiday brunch. Visit Dana Point

   • This is a great way to enjoy a festive meal with ocean views and a more relaxing, upscale feel.

3. Harbor & Outdoor Time

   • After (or before) the Turkey Trot, families can walk around Dana Point Harbor, explore the shops, and take in the ocean breeze. Visit Dana Point

   • You could also visit Salt Creek Beach Park, which is in the Dana Point area — good for a beach stroll or picnic. Information

Thanksgiving Activities in Laguna Beach

1. Sawdust Art Festival — Winter Fantasy

   • The Sawdust Winter Fantasy runs weekends from November 21 to December 21, 2025. Sawdust Art Festival

   • Location: 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Sawdust Art Festival

   • What to expect: Over 180 local artists, art demos, live music across three stages, free art classes, glassblowing, and more. Sawdust Art Festival

   • Holiday activities: There’s a community tree lighting, balloon artists, marionettes, and Santa meet-and-greet. Sawdust Art Festival

   • Food & drink: Outdoor cafés, “Saloon Annex,” and food vendors. Sawdust Art Festival

   • Tickets: ~$12 for adults, $5 for kids (6–12), under 5 is free. Visit Laguna Beach

2. Hiking / Nature Time

   • Explore Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, which has beautiful coastal canyons and trails — a lovely way to spend time outdoors on Thanksgiving weekend. Hiking

   • For a hike with views, consider going up to Temple Hill, which overlooks Laguna Beach and offers panoramic vistas. Temple Hills

3. Laguna Art Museum

   • Visit the Laguna Art Museum, which showcases California art — a calm and culturally rich way to spend part of your holiday. Laguna Art Museum

Bonus Ideas / Tips

• Pack for varied weather: Coastal areas like Dana Point and Laguna Beach can get breezy — bring layers for morning and evening.

• Plan for parking: On Thanksgiving and during holiday weekends, parking can be more challenging in Laguna Canyon and at festival grounds.

• Combine activities: Do the Turkey Trot in the morning, then head into Laguna Beach for the Sawdust Festival — makes for a full but rewarding day. Please give me a call @ 949.395-8408 for any local information and visit: www.siriannirealestate.com.