San Diego is 2016's 3rd Most Popular Thanksgiving Destination: AAA

SAN DIEGO -- Of the 48.7 million Americans expected to journey 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving, San Diego is the preferred destination of a substantial number, according to statistics by AAA.

This year, many of the top destinations are on the West Coast, with the top three locations being Las Vegas, San Francisco and San Diego, according to AAA.com bookings.

"One million more Americans than last year will carve out time to visit with friends and family this Thanksgiving,” AAA President and CEO Marshall Doney said. “Most will travel on the tried and true holiday road trip, thanks to gas prices that are holding at close to $2 per gallon. Others will fly, take the bus or set off on a cruise to celebrate with their loved ones."

This year’s increase in Thanksgiving travel, according to AAA, is spurred by improvements in the economy during the second half of the year, including rising wages, increased consumer spending and overall strength in consumer confidence.

The top 10 destinations for Thanksgiving 2016, AAA says, are:

1. Las Vegas, Nevada
2. San Francisco, California
3. San Diego, California
4. Orlando, Florida
5. New York City, New York
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
7. Anaheim, California
8. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
10. Seattle, Washington

Image courtesy of AAA