You can also take the Big Blue Bus #3 to Santa Monica from LAX Bus Center or from bus stops on Century/Airport Blvd (across the street from Westin or in front of Marriott). $1 each way. Buses will be running on Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving day.

Same concept as going to Manhattan Beach except you ride a real bus that runs more frequently in the afternoon and early evening than the gimmicky trolly that only runs every 30 minutes. It also runs late into the night (last bus leaving Santa Monica 11:45 pm) so if your dinner runs late, you are not stuck with a cab.

The selection of restaurants in Downtown Santa Monica is more diverse than Manhattan Beach, although both are good places.

http://www.bigbluebus.com/pdf/Route3.pdf