Spending Thanksgiving on Florida’s Gulf Coast
is hard to beat: sugar-white sand, emerald water, and a kitchen that doesn’t have to be spotless at the end of the night. Whether you’re staying in one of our Best Beach Getaways vacation rentals from Pensacola to Panama City Beach or on Anna Maria Island, you’ll find plenty of restaurants ready to handle the cooking for you.
Below is your coastal Thanksgiving dining guide, including options from Pensacola to 30A to Panama City Beach—plus bonus recommendations for Anna Maria Island. Always confirm current menus, pricing, and hours directly with each restaurant.
Pensacola & Pensacola Beach
- Angelena’s Ristorante Italiano
101 E Intendencia St, Pensacola, FL 32502 · (850) 542-8398
angelenaspensacola.comUpscale Italian in downtown Pensacola serving wood-fired specialties and refined pastas, often with a Thanksgiving feature that puts a coastal twist on classic holiday flavors.
- Brother Fox
415 N Alcaniz St, Pensacola, FL 32501 · (850) 208-6913
brotherfoxsisterhen.comA modern, wood-fired kitchen in a converted church, known for creative seasonal plates and a cozy Thanksgiving feast built around live-fire comfort food.
- Chef Ant’s Catering
Pensacola to Panama City Beach · (954) 240-3738
chefantscatering.comPrivate chef and catering service offering full Thanksgiving spreads—turkey, sides, and desserts—delivered to your vacation rental so you can stay in and still skip the cooking.
- The District: Seville Steak & Seafood
123 E Government St, Pensacola, FL 32502 · (850) 332-5224
districtsteaks.comClassic steak-and-seafood house in Pensacola’s historic Seville district, featuring hand-cut steaks and fresh Gulf seafood with special holiday menus for Thanksgiving.
- Drift – Modern Coastal Cuisine
41 Fort Pickens Rd, 2nd Floor, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 · (850) 733-7331
driftpcola.comElevated yet relaxed restaurant overlooking the water, serving a modern coastal take on a traditional Thanksgiving plate alongside fresh seafood and inventive cocktails.
- The Fish House & Atlas Oyster House
600 S Barracks St, Pensacola, FL 32502 · (850) 470-0003
fishhousepensacola.comDockside landmark on Pensacola Bay offering a turkey-and-trimmings option plus a full seafood menu, ideal for groups who want traditional and coastal dishes at the same table.
- Five Sisters Blues Café
421 W Belmont St, Pensacola, FL 32501 · (850) 912-4856
fivesistersbluescafe.comSoulful Southern spot in the Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood, known for fried chicken, sides, and a fixed-price Thanksgiving menu that feels like a home-cooked feast.
- Hilton Pensacola Beach – Royal Palm Ballroom
12 Via De Luna Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 · (850) 343-6791
hilton.comBeachfront hotel hosting a large Thanksgiving buffet in the ballroom with carving stations, salads, seafood, kid-friendly dishes, and plenty of desserts, just steps from the sand.
- Jackson’s Steakhouse
400 S Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32502 · (850) 469-9898
jacksonsrestaurant.comElegant downtown steakhouse offering a three-course Thanksgiving menu in a historic setting, perfect for guests who want a dressier holiday dinner.
- Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar
17401 Perdido Key Dr, Perdido Key, FL 32507 · (850) 492-0611
florabama.comIconic state-line beach bar hosting a free community Thanksgiving potluck, providing turkey and ham while guests bring sides—casual, loud, and very memorable.
- Red Fish Blue Fish
5B Via de Luna Dr, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 · (850) 677-8899
redfishbluefishpensacolabeach.comFun, family-friendly spot on the sound side offering relaxed coastal fare and holiday take-out options so you can enjoy a full meal back at your condo.
Destin, Miramar Beach & Fort Walton Beach
- AJ’s on the Bayou
200 Eglin Pkwy NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 · (850) 226-7579
ajsonthebayou.comWaterfront spot along the bayou hosting a free plated Thanksgiving meal with turkey and classic sides, with donations supporting local kids’ charities.
- AJ’s Grayton Beach
63 Defuniak St, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 · (850) 424-5125
ajsgrayton.comLaid-back Grayton Beach hangout offering a complimentary Thanksgiving meal in a casual setting, perfect if you want a no-frills holiday by the beach.
- Beach Walk Café at Henderson Park Inn
2700 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541 · (850) 650-7100
beachwalkhendersonpark.comIntimate adults-only restaurant overlooking the Gulf, featuring a gourmet Thanksgiving feast with wine pairings and some of the best views in Destin.
- Bitterroot
4463 Commons Dr W #F-102, Destin, FL 32541 · (850) 424-7201
bitterrootdestin.comScratch kitchen offering Thanksgiving side dishes by the pan—like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole—ideal for supplementing your own turkey.
- Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer
210 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 · (850) 460-8900
brotulas.comHarbor-front restaurant hosting an annual Thanksgiving buffet with coastal favorites, traditional turkey, and indulgent pasta dishes, popular with big family groups.
- The Crab Trap – Destin
3500 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541 · (850) 654-2722
crabtrapdestin.comBeachfront, kid-friendly restaurant serving a traditional Thanksgiving plate plus a trimmed-down regular menu, so you can eat and walk straight out to the sand.
- Emerald Grande Harborview Room
10 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 · (850) 424-0622
emeraldgrande.comResort buffet with set Thanksgiving seatings in a harbor-view ballroom, offering carving stations, sides, salads, and desserts in a polished, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Grande Vista Bar & Grill
10 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 · (850) 424-0621Restaurant inside Emerald Grande featuring a three-course Thanksgiving menu with starter, entrée, and dessert, ideal for those who prefer table service over a buffet.
- The Gulf – Okaloosa Island
1284 Marler Ave, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 · (850) 387-1300
thegulf.comOpen-air, container-style restaurant on the sound, offering a relaxed Thanksgiving feast with traditional turkey plates, Cajun options, and dessert—no reservations needed.
- Harbor Docks
538 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 · (850) 837-2506
harbordocks.comDestin institution hosting a long-running free Thanksgiving Day Feast, with donations benefitting local charities and a come-as-you-are harborfront setting.
- Henderson Beach Resort & Spa
200 Henderson Resort Way, Destin, FL 32541 · (855) 741-2777
hendersonbeachresort.comLuxury resort offering a Thanksgiving feast with carving stations, sides, and desserts, plus to-go packages for groups who want to dine back at their rental.
- Jackacuda’s
36120 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541 · (850) 460-2909
jackacudas.comBustling harbor restaurant serving a full Thanksgiving buffet that combines traditional favorites with snow crab legs and a small à la carte menu.
- Marina Café
404 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541 · (850) 837-7960
marinacafe.comLongtime fine-dining staple on Destin Harbor, known for a big Thanksgiving buffet that often becomes one of the restaurant’s busiest events of the year.
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House
15000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541 · (850) 837-7884
ruthschris.comUpscale steakhouse opening early on Thanksgiving with a three-course holiday menu plus their signature steaks, sides, and desserts.
- Bricktop’s – Grand Boulevard
600 Grand Blvd Suite M-103, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 · (850) 659-7155
bricktops.comStylish American restaurant offering a special take-out Thanksgiving menu featuring roast turkey, prime rib, or beef Wellington with classic sides.
- Commelfó
90 Seascape Dr, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 · (850) 353-2991European-inspired restaurant at Seascape serving a Thanksgiving meal with continental touches and live music, making for a relaxed but festive holiday evening.
- Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue
9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy W, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
eviemaesfla.comBarbecue favorite offering whole chilled meats—like brisket, ham, and prime rib—plus desserts for guests who want a smoked-meat Thanksgiving at home.
- Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
600 Grand Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 · (850) 269-0835
flemingssteakhouse.comPolished steakhouse with a special two-course Thanksgiving menu featuring turkey or steak entrées, a kids’ menu, and optional catering platters.
- Kenny D’s
2964 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 · (850) 650-0755
kennyds.netCasual Cajun grill known for its fried turkeys and full Thanksgiving feasts, with both pickup and dine-in options for a spicy twist on the holiday.
- Mezcal Mexican Grill
80 Seascape Dr, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 · (850) 502-8353
seascape-resort.comMexican grill at Seascape hosting a traditional Thanksgiving buffet with multiple seatings at very family-friendly prices.
- Ovide at Hotel Effie
1 Grand Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 · (850) 351-3030
hoteleffie.comChef-driven restaurant inside Hotel Effie serving an elegant Thanksgiving feast with refined sides and desserts in a stylish setting.
- Sandcastles – Hilton Sandestin
4000 Sandestin Blvd S, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 · (850) 267-9500
hiltonsandestinbeach.comResort buffet with a wide-ranging Thanksgiving spread, carving stations, salads, and desserts, conveniently located inside the Hilton Sandestin.
- Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood
4000 Sandestin Blvd S, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 · (850) 622-1500
seagars.comFine-dining steakhouse offering an à la carte Thanksgiving experience with premium steaks, seafood, and special holiday dishes.
- SOLARIS Thanksgiving Cruise
Baytowne Marina, Sandestin, FL · (850) 650-2519
sunquestcruises.com125-foot yacht serving a Thanksgiving buffet while cruising Choctawhatchee Bay, giving guests a holiday meal paired with waterfront views from every seat.
- Surf Hut
551 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 · (850) 460-7750
surfhutfl.comCasual beachfront spot offering a traditional Thanksgiving plate plus a limited regular menu, with seating first-come, first-served.
- Vin’tij Food & Wine
500 Grand Blvd Suite J-104, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 · (850) 650-9820
vintij.comWine-focused restaurant serving a traditional Thanksgiving feast alongside seafood, vegan, and gluten-free options, making it ideal for groups with varied diets.
30A & Santa Rosa Beach
- Café Thirty-A
3899 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 · (850) 231-2166
cafethirtya.comIconic Seagrove restaurant offering a three-course Thanksgiving dinner in-house plus popular take-out packages that feed the whole crew.
- Chanticleer Eatery
55 Clayton Ln, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 · (850) 213-9065
chanticleereatery.comCasual local favorite providing family-style Thanksgiving catering for pickup the day before, so you can serve a restaurant-quality meal at your rental.
- The Citizen
20 Mark Twain Ln, Alys Beach, FL 32461
citizenalys.comChic coastal brasserie in Alys Beach offering a prix-fixe Thanksgiving lunch with oysters and seafood towers available à la carte, in a very stylish setting.
- Cuvee 30A
12805 US-98 E, Suite N101, Inlet Beach, FL 32461 · (850) 909-0111
cuvee30a.comChef Tim Creehan’s restaurant known for Louisiana-style fried turkey and classic sides, offering dine-in Thanksgiving seatings that fill up fast.
- Edward’s Fine Food & Wine
66 Main St, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461 · (850) 231-0550
edwards30a.comIntimate Rosemary Beach bistro preparing heat-and-serve Thanksgiving meals to go, perfect for smaller gatherings.
- Farm & Fire
24200 US-331, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 · (850) 622-3871
farmandfiresouth.comBayfront restaurant offering Thanksgiving lunch and dinner plus a take-out menu, featuring wood-fired dishes and a cozy, rustic vibe.
- FOOW – Fish Out of Water
34 Goldenrod Cir, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 · (850) 534-5050
dinefish30a.comGulf-front spot at WaterColor serving Thanksgiving specials throughout the day, first-come, first-served, with incredible beach views from the dining room.
- Ambrosia Restaurant
7000 E County Hwy 30A, Watersound, FL 32461 · (850) 909-0100
ambrosia30a.comWatersound Town Center restaurant hosting a refined Thanksgiving dinner with soup or salad, hearty entrées, and classic desserts.
- Fonville Press
147 West La Garza Ln, Alys Beach, FL 32461 · (850) 641-0043
fonvillepress.comCafé and market in Alys Beach taking preorders for Thanksgiving sides and baked goods, plus hosting Turkey Trot morning festivities on Thanksgiving Day.
- Gallion’s
104 N Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
gallions30a.comIntimate Rosemary Beach restaurant offering a heat-and-serve Thanksgiving package for up to six guests with turkey, sides, and desserts.
- The Great Southern Café
83 Central Square, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 · (850) 231-7327
thegreatsoutherncafe.comSeaside favorite known for “New South” cuisine, serving a traditional Thanksgiving menu with a Southern twist.
- Havana Beach Bar & Grill
63 Main St, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461 · (850) 588-2882
havanabeachbar.comRestaurant at The Pearl Hotel hosting a grand Thanksgiving buffet with multiple stations, desserts, and a resort-style setting.
- LaCo – Latin Coastal Kitchen
10343 E County Hwy 30A, Seacrest Beach, FL 32461
lacoseacrest.comColorful Seacrest restaurant putting on a Thanksgiving buffet with salads, sides, and seasonal desserts, plus a relaxed, walkable 30A location.
- Modica Market
109 Central Square, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 · (850) 231-1214
modicamarket.comSeaside grocery and deli offering carry-out Thanksgiving packages with turkey, sides, and pies, ideal if you want to heat and eat at your rental.
- North Beach Social
24200 US-331, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
northbeach.socialCasual bayfront hangout preparing a family feast-to-go for four, packaged to warm and enjoy at home or on your balcony.
- Old Florida Fish House
5235 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 · (850) 534-3045
oldfloridafishhouse.comLakeside restaurant along 30A offering a traditional Thanksgiving buffet in a casual, family-friendly setting with water views.
- Pecan Jacks
4368 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 · (850) 231-0953
pecanjacks.comIce cream and candy shop creating seasonal pies and sweet holiday treats that are perfect for rounding out your Thanksgiving dessert table.
- The Perfect Pig
Seagrove · WaterColor · Gulf Place
theperfectpig.com/thanksgivingTrio of 30A cafés offering a Thanksgiving buffet at select locations plus “Everything But the Turkey” take-out options for guests who want sides covered.
- Roux 30A
114 Logan Ln, Unit 1A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 · (850) 909-0111
roux30a.comIntimate chef’s table concept offering family-style Thanksgiving seatings throughout the day with a creative, seasonal menu.
- Stinky’s Fish Camp
5960 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 · (850) 267-3053
stinkysfishcamp.comLocal favorite in Dune Allen serving a casual Thanksgiving meal with a mix of seafood and holiday comfort food.
- Vue on 30A
4801 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 · (850) 267-2305
vueon30a.comUpscale restaurant with panoramic Gulf views, offering a special Thanksgiving menu that pairs coastal scenery with classic holiday dishes.
- WaterColor LakeHouse
WaterColor Inn & Resort, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
watercolorresort.comResort venue hosting a buffet-style Thanksgiving brunch and lunch with a broad selection of holiday favorites.
Panama City Beach & Inlet Beach
- Market 30A (Destin Ice Market 30A)
12805 US-98 E Suite O-100, Inlet Beach, FL 32461 · (850) 502-4100
destinicemarket30a.comGourmet market offering Thanksgiving mains, sides, and desserts to-go, ideal if you want a full holiday spread ready for your rental.
- The Grand Marlin – Panama City Beach
5323 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 · (850) 249-1500
pcb.thegrandmarlin.comPolished seafood and steak house serving a special Thanksgiving menu alongside regular coastal favorites, with indoor and covered-deck seating by the water.
- Runaway Island
14521 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 · (850) 634-4884
runawayislandpcb.comTwo-level beachfront restaurant hosting a Thanksgiving buffet with plenty of space and a laid-back beach-bar feel.
- Shades Bar & Grill
10952 E County Hwy 30A, Inlet Beach, FL 32461 · (850) 231-9410
shades30a.comPopular sports bar at the east end of 30A offering fried turkey pick-ups and holiday catering for groups staying nearby.
- Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant
15201 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 · (850) 235-2420
sharkysbeach.comFamily-friendly beachfront staple hosting a Thanksgiving buffet with clear adult/child pricing and an easygoing, toes-in-the-sand vibe.
Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Area
- Beach Bistro
6600 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 · (941) 778-6444
beachbistro.comFine-dining restaurant right on the Gulf, perfect for a special-occasion Thanksgiving with a carefully curated wine list and intimate atmosphere.
- The Sandbar Restaurant
100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216 · (941) 778-0444
sandbardining.comIconic toes-in-the-sand dining on the north end of Anna Maria Island, often pairing holiday specials with incredible sunset views.
- The Feast Restaurant
5406 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 · (941) 778-5092
feastrestaurantami.comCasual neighborhood restaurant with a broad menu—seafood, pizza, pasta—great for families who want more than just turkey on the table.
- Pier 22 – Bradenton
1200 1st Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205 · (941) 748-8087
pier22.comWaterfront restaurant on the Manatee River that frequently offers holiday buffets and special-occasion menus, just a short drive off the island.
Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving at the Beach
- Reserve early—many of these restaurants sell out well before Thanksgiving Day.
- Confirm menus, pricing, and serving times directly with the restaurant, as details change yearly.
- Consider to-go packages and catering if you want to enjoy a full feast in your vacation rental.
- Plan for traffic and parking, especially around Destin, 30A, and busy resort areas.
Stay with Best Beach Getaways
From large family beach homes to Gulf-front condos perfect for couples, Best Beach Getaways has the ideal rental for your Thanksgiving trip. Enjoy full kitchens for snacks and leftovers, spacious living areas for everyone to relax, and unbeatable access to restaurants and beaches along the Gulf.
Book your Thanksgiving getaway today and let the restaurants take care of the cooking while you enjoy the sand, sunshine, and time with the people who matter most.