I am trying to figure out where I want go over Thanksgiving week this year. Last year I went to Portugal (Lisbon for most of it) and it was a great choice. Mostly sunny, and in the 60s for the most part. I'm an amateur photographer and I had a multitude of subjects to choose from - it's a very photogenic country!
This year I'm torn between going back there again or staying in the US. I'm leaning to a US destination.
I'd like to pick a destination that is expected to have decent weather during late November. Some rain is ok, but a steady diet of it I wouldn't like (not to mention I'm not going to lug all my gear in the rain...). Temps no lower than the 50s during the daytime would be preferable as well. A photogenic area is a must, and I'm not a camper - at all.
Any ideas? Current thoughts include Sedona, possibly Santa Fe and environs.. possibly San Francisco and environs.. that sort of thing. I've already been to Santa Fe and San Francisco a few times so a new inviting place to visit would be great.
I had also thought New England would be great to visit but I think that's a month too late for the weather I'm hoping to find.
Tucson and Death Valley are the first places that come to mind. Especially Death Valley, which is one of the most photogenic places I've ever been. It is kind of lonely and out of the way, though, if that bothers you. Tucson is also amazing, and the weather in both areas would be pleasant that time of year.
We've been to Death Valley several times over Thanksgiving weekend and the weather was always great.
Well, we got to Sedona every year for Thanksgiving. Absolutely love it. Great place to take pics too. Weather is usually pushing 70's. Have not had any rain the last couple of years.
Tucson is what came to mind for me. I love the area and I think you would find lots of photographic opportunities. You might also even find a bit of fall color although I think it will be too late even for Tucson. Google Tucson fall color to get an idea of type of color, time frame and places. There are many canyons in the area which have maples, aspens and cottonwoods which provide color. The peak season for color in SW looks to be late October/early November.
Also, do you hike? Some of the interesting cactus are in the canyons accessable by hiking. If not, there are still good areas in the park. If you hike there are also interesting rock formations in Chirachua National Park. For non-nature photographs, there would be opportunities in the Spanish and Indian heritage in the area. Here is a page from the Tucson Visitor's Centers site to give you an idea of the opportunities.
Death Valley is also a spectacular site for photography. The only hesitation I have on it is there are few facilities in the park (2 hotels) and it can be a little bit difficult to get to some of sites without 4 wheel drive.
