Florida Dining Destinations Offering Thanksgiving With A Splash Of The Coast
Thanksgiving in Florida doesn’t have to mean staying indoors all day. Along the coast, restaurants blend traditional holiday meals with ocean views and fresh seafood that make the celebration extra special.
Whether you’re craving classic turkey or something with a coastal twist, these dining spots offer memorable experiences right by the water.
1. Coastal Kitchen
Golden Ginger and Carrot Soup starts your meal at this Fort Walton Beach gem, setting the stage for an unforgettable holiday feast. Coastal Kitchen serves a traditional Thanksgiving spread with a creative flair that keeps guests coming back year after year.
At the carving station, you’ll find turkey, maple-glazed ham, and prime rib ready to fill your plate. Sides like Sriracha Honey Glazed Heirloom Carrots and Chef’s Recipe Mac and Cheese add bold flavors to the traditional lineup.
Pumpkin Pie and Apple Cobbler round out the dessert menu perfectly. Two seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. accommodate different schedules, with adults at $66 and kids under 11 at $35.
2. Beach Walk Cafe
How often do you get to enjoy Thanksgiving with stunning Gulf views as your backdrop? Beach Walk Cafe in Destin makes that dream a reality with upscale coastal cuisine served from noon to 6:45 p.m.
This spot caters to a more refined crowd, welcoming guests ages 13 and up for an adult dining experience. The atmosphere combines holiday warmth with sophisticated beachfront elegance that feels both festive and relaxed.
At $105 per person, you’re paying for quality food and an unforgettable setting. Reservations fill up quickly, so booking through OpenTable or calling 850-650-7100 early ensures you won’t miss out on this coastal celebration.
3. Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant
Right on the sand in Panama City Beach, Sharky’s brings a laid-back vibe to Thanksgiving that families absolutely love. Kids can play on the beach before or after the meal, making it more than just dinner it’s an adventure.
Their buffet spreads out turkey, prime rib, fresh seafood, all the classic sides, and homemade pies. Adults pay around $34.95 while kids eat for approximately $18.95, making it budget-friendly for larger groups.
It’s the kind of place where you can kick off your shoes and enjoy the holiday without any stuffiness. Calling 850-235-2420 for reservations ensures your family gets a table with the best beach views available.
4. Vue on 30a
Brunch instead of dinner? Vue on 30a flips the script with their annual Thanksgiving brunch that’s become a local tradition. Fried turkey takes center stage alongside a prime rib carving station that draws a crowd.
Savory bread stuffing, a mashed potato bar, Mahi Mahi, oysters, and shrimp offer something for everyone’s tastes. The waffle station adds a fun breakfast twist, while fresh fruits and desserts finish things off sweetly.
This Santa Rosa Beach spot combines holiday classics with coastal favorites in one delicious spread. Reservations are required, so calling 850-267-2305 ahead of time guarantees your spot at this popular brunch celebration.
5. Harbor Docks
For 25 years, Harbor Docks has opened its doors for a completely free Thanksgiving Day feast that serves the community with open hearts. It’s not just about the food donations collected support area non-profits that help neighbors in need.
No reservations are accepted here; everyone is served on a first-come, first-served basis from noon till 5 p.m. This creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere where strangers become friends over shared plates.
Located in Destin, the restaurant embodies the true spirit of Thanksgiving by giving back generously. Whether you’re traveling alone or with family, you’ll find a seat and a warm meal waiting for you.
6. O C White’s Seafood & Spirits
St. Augustine’s historic charm pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving at O C White’s Seafood & Spirits, where the past meets present deliciously. Their special menu features traditional Thanksgiving meals alongside other tempting options for those wanting variety.
Open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., this seafood restaurant gives you flexibility in timing your holiday meal. The waterfront location adds a serene backdrop that enhances every bite you take.
Strong reservations are suggested since this popular spot fills up fast during the holidays. Calling ahead ensures you won’t be disappointed when you arrive hungry and ready to celebrate by the water.
7. The Columbia Restaurant
Did you know Florida’s oldest restaurant serves Thanksgiving with a Spanish-Cuban twist? The Columbia Restaurant in Tampa has been family-owned since 1905, blending cultural traditions into their holiday menu beautifully.
Roast turkey appears alongside black beans, yuca, and plantains that honor the restaurant’s heritage. It’s a fascinating fusion that shows how different cultures celebrate together in Florida’s melting pot.
The atmosphere feels grand yet welcoming, with tile floors and ornate details transporting you to another era. Families love returning here year after year, creating traditions that span generations in this iconic dining space.
8. Ocean Prime
When sophistication meets coastal dining, you get Ocean Prime in Miami Beach, where Thanksgiving becomes an elegant affair. This upscale steakhouse and seafood spot elevates the holiday with premium ingredients and impeccable service.
Their menu balances traditional turkey with fresh catches from the Atlantic, giving diners choices beyond the usual spread. Each dish is plated like artwork, making your Instagram feed as happy as your taste buds.
The modern interior and ocean proximity create an atmosphere that’s both refined and relaxed. Reservations are essential for this popular spot, where celebrating Thanksgiving feels like a special occasion worth dressing up for.
9. The Floridian
Farm-to-table isn’t just a buzzword at The Floridian in St. Augustine it’s how they approach every meal, including Thanksgiving. Local ingredients shine in dishes that taste fresh and support nearby farmers simultaneously.
Their holiday menu changes based on what’s available, ensuring peak flavor and sustainability. You might find sweet potatoes from a farm down the road or greens picked that morning.
The casual, cozy vibe makes everyone feel like family gathering around the table. It’s perfect for travelers who want authentic Florida flavors without the fuss of overly formal dining. Calling ahead helps secure your spot at this beloved local gem.
10. Bern’s Steak House
Since 1956, Bern’s Steak House in Tampa has been serving meals that become memories, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Their massive wine cellar holds over 500,000 bottles, offering perfect pairings for your holiday feast.
While turkey is available, many guests opt for their famous aged steaks that have made this place legendary. Every cut is hand-selected and aged in-house, ensuring quality that’s hard to match anywhere else.
The old-school elegance and attention to detail create an experience that feels timeless. Dessert in the upstairs Harry Waugh Dessert Room is practically mandatory, offering sweet endings to your coastal Thanksgiving celebration.
11. Rusty Pelican
Panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline make Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne a visual feast before you even taste the food. Thanksgiving here means watching boats glide by while you enjoy your meal.
Their seafood-forward menu incorporates traditional Thanksgiving dishes with coastal twists that reflect Florida’s unique character. Fresh catches and local flavors take center stage alongside classic holiday favorites.
Sunset dining adds magic to the experience, painting the sky in oranges and pinks as you give thanks. It’s romantic for couples and scenic for families, making everyone’s holiday photos absolutely stunning without even trying.
12. Chart House
Are you looking for variety at your Thanksgiving table? Chart House in Fort Lauderdale delivers with a buffet that spans traditional turkey to fresh seafood caught locally.
The nautical atmosphere and marina views create a relaxed coastal vibe that takes pressure off the holiday. Kids love watching the boats while adults appreciate the extensive selection that pleases even picky eaters
Their dessert spread alone is worth the visit, featuring pies, cakes, and chocolate creations. Multiple Chart House locations across Florida offer similar experiences, so you can find one near your Thanksgiving destination easily.
13. Marker 88
When Thanksgiving falls in the Florida Keys, Marker 88 in Islamorada offers the ultimate tropical holiday experience. Palm trees sway while you dine steps from turquoise waters that sparkle in the sunshine.
Their menu blends Keys seafood traditions with Thanksgiving classics, creating dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Fresh lobster might share the table with stuffing and cranberry sauce in this unique fusion.
The outdoor patio seating lets you feel the ocean breeze while enjoying your feast. It’s the kind of Thanksgiving where shorts and flip-flops are perfectly acceptable, making it wonderfully casual and memorable.
14. Sandbar Restaurant
Toes in the sand while eating Thanksgiving dinner? That’s the reality at Sandbar Restaurant on Anna Maria Island, where casual coastal living meets holiday traditions. The Gulf of Mexico provides the soundtrack with gentle waves lapping the shore.
Their laid-back approach to Thanksgiving means you can relax completely without worrying about dress codes or formality. Fresh Gulf seafood complements turkey and traditional sides for a menu that celebrates Florida’s bounty.
Families appreciate the kid-friendly atmosphere where spills and laughter are welcomed warmly. It’s the kind of place where Thanksgiving memories are made without anyone stressing over perfection.
15. Blue Heaven
It’s impossible to have a boring Thanksgiving at Blue Heaven in Key West, where roosters roam freely and history lives in every corner. This quirky spot once hosted Ernest Hemingway for boxing matches, adding character to your holiday meal.
Their outdoor garden setting feels like dining in a tropical paradise, with lush plants and colorful buildings surrounding you. The menu features Caribbean-influenced Thanksgiving dishes that taste as vibrant as the atmosphere looks.
Expect the unexpected here, from wandering chickens to live music that gets toes tapping. It’s perfect for adventurous eaters who want their Thanksgiving with a side of Key West weirdness and charm.
