Last year, Las Vegas edged out New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and San Diego to become the top vacation destination in the United States for Thanksgiving. Los Angeles didn't even rank in the top ten last year. Boston was absent for the first time.

It happens almost every year, but the results always seem to surprise people. Las Vegas, after all, doesn't seem like an obvious choice for a traditional Thanksgiving. But the people who do visit are always pleasantly surprised. So, we've made a quick list, featuring our top five things to do in Las Vegas for Thanksgiving.

Top Five Things To Do In Las Vegas For Thanksgiving. 

5. Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner. Many Las Vegas restaurants serve traditional Thanksgiving dinner menus for the time-honored holiday. The Stirling Club used to publish a list of the top five Thanksgiving dinners in Las Vegas. While it no longer does, some of its selections were among the best in the city, with organic turkey breast and free range turkey among the choicest entrees. As an alternative to tradition, consider Kung Fu Plaza, which is the oldest and most authentic Thai and Chinese restaurant in Las Vegas and serves several delicious duck recipes.

4. Shop For The Holidays. While the city has become synonymous with international brands in recent years, Crystals at City Center is one of the newest shopping environments in Las Vegas. Recently, Crystals turned itself into a winter wonderland with a new holiday decor that includes white crystal-embossed LED trees, ranging from 8 to 24 feet. The center also includes 16 live trees from Mt. Shasta and more than 4,000 white and red poinsettias blanketing areas between Halo and the Treehouse. Some of the retailers there include Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Roberto Cavalli, and Tom Ford.

3. Ride Horses At Red Rock. Located just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip, you can take in the wonders of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area just as the settlers did in the 1800s. The trail itself is legendary, with several miles of it staying true to the Old Spanish Trail that used to run through Las Vegas. The original trail was established by Native American footpaths, which led traders and frontiersmen from Santa Fe to Los Angeles. With an early pickup time from your hotel and return time in the afternoon, the lunch ride is one of the best distractions offered away from the Las Vegas Strip.

2. Run Fremont For Fitness. Although better known to locals, Las Vegas has hosted its annual Turkey Trot (10K, 5K, 1 Mile Walk) for 31 years and annual Catch the Gobbler 5K (Nov. 24 at Bunker Park). The events are held by the Las Vegas Running Team, which hosts marathon runs throughout the year. In addition to this traditional run, Las Vegas is also becoming a new home for Life Time Fitness Day 5K Las Vegas, which will start and finish on Las Vegas Boulevard and the world famous Fremont Street. All three events are to raise awareness for physical fitness.

1. Meet Native Americans. If you want to do something truly unique this year, consider taking time out to express some gratitude to the Hualapai, a tribe of Native Americans who lives in the mountains of northwestern Arizona. Their vibrant heritage still exists on a 100-mile stretch of land along the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Hualapai economy is based on tourism and river rafting, including one of our most comprehensive eco-tour adventures. Making plans to visit the Hualapai during Thanksgiving honors our nation's first communal tradition between Native Americans and New England settlers.

For more Thanksgiving options or assistance with reservations, visit TourGuy.com for one of the most comprehensive lists of adventure and eco-tours in Las Vegas. If you would like additional assistance in planning group tours or other vacation packages, call 1-888-801-1575 or 1-702-664-2599. TourGuy.com specializes in adventure and eco-tours, but also offers custom excursion arrangements to some of the most remote, exciting, and specialized tours in the American Southwest.

More importantly, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving! We have a lot to be thankful for, more than we sometimes think.