Posted on 10/31/2023By the Ocean Reef Editorial Team
Note: This guide is from 2023. For the latest holiday dining options, please see the 2025 update:
👉 Where to Eat on 30A for Thanksgiving 2025 (Dine-In & Take-Out)
It's that joyous season once again, where the mantra echoes, "Gobble! Gobble! Gobble!" This Thanksgiving, many of our cherished Ocean Reef Resorts guests are heading to our picturesque coastal retreats along Scenic 30A to celebrate their blessings. We're proud to offer a range of upscale 30A vacation rentals — from beachfront homes to luxurious condominiums, nestled in iconic locales such as Grayton Beach and Seagrove Beach.
Scenic 30A is not just about pristine beaches; it's a haven, boasting untouched forests, rare Coastal Dune Lakes, and a sanctuary for wildlife. The historic village centers, like Old Seagrove Beach and the once whimsically named "Skunk Hollow" in Grayton Beach, have evolved into vibrant hubs with renowned establishments like the Red Bar and Chiringo. Coupled with newer destinations like Alys Beach and WaterColor, visitors are treated to a medley of gourmet dining, boutique shopping, and lively entertainment.
If you are planning a magical Thanksgiving Beach reunion among family and close friends, while the allure of dining out might tempt you, remember our 30A vacation rentals come equipped with fully functional kitchens, ready for you to whip up your own festive family feast. For those leaning toward a restaurant celebration, here's a quick glimpse of dining options along Scenic 30A:
Stinky's Fish Camp
5960 W County Hwy 30A, Dune Allen Beach, FL 32459
Stinky's Fish Camp at the western gateway to Scenic 30A in Dune Allen Beach is a popular place that serves surprisingly fresh gulf-caught seafood in spite of its strange, whimsical name. They are planning a Thanksgiving-styled meal but also offer a number of fresh fish entrees, seafood, oysters of all kinds, craft cocktails, beer, and a fine selection of wines. They are serving a classic holiday meal from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations may be made at (850) 267-3053.
Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant
2780 US-98, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant in nearby Santa Rosa Beach is known for wood-fired fish and gulf-caught offerings, an oyster bar, and tropical drinks. Besides dinner and lunch, they also offer brunch on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A three-course Thanksgiving meal is planned there with adult tickets at $55, $39 for children, and $19 for those 12 or younger. Call (850) 586-3015 to secure a reservation.
The Bay
24215 Hwy. 331 South, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
The award-winning waterfront Bay Restaurant on the north side of Santa Rosa Beach is not only a culinary delight but also a testament to the rich flavors of the south. With a serene view of the water, diners can indulge in authentic southern cuisine, fresh Gulf Coast seafood, and the rhythmic beats of talented local bands. A sumptuous special Thanksgiving luncheon is in the pipeline from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Those eager to secure a spot should note that reservations are exclusively by phone. You can ring in at (850) 422-2291, with bookings opening up from November 1st.
Related Article:
Beachfront Rentals Open For Thanksgiving
For this Thanksgiving, we still have some incredible beachfront homes available, ranging from the grand to the cozy, all promising a memorable experience. Let's dive into what each one offers!
Blue Mountain Bakery
2217 W County Hwy 30A, Blue Mountain, FL 32459
The Blue Mountain Bakery in Blue Mountain Beach provides you with the option to dine at your beachfront rental abode and let them do all the work. They offer a Thanksgiving "Family Feast" for up to six people. All you have to do after you pick it up is to pop it in the oven to warm up the trays of food before enjoying the feast. Full details and food orders can be placed on their website, with pick-ups scheduled for Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Red Fish Taco
2052 W County Hwy 30A, Blue Mountain, FL 32459
Red Fish Taco in Blue Mountain Beach is hosting a '3rd Annual Turkey Dance with River Dan' on Thanksgiving Day with live music starting at 6:00 pm. If you want tasty Mexican dishes, margaritas, or other favorite drinks and lots of dance party fun on Thanksgiving, this is the place to be! Although there will be no turkey, the menu includes authentic Mexican food with tasty tacos, quesadillas, seafood, fish, guacamole, queso cheese dips, and more. Reservations may be made by calling (850) 994-7443.
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WaterColor LakeHouse
235 WaterColor Blvd W, WaterColor, FL 32459
The WaterColor LakeHouse in the serene, lovely gulf and lakefront coastal village of WaterColor is holding its annual Thanksgiving Day Brunch. It goes from 10:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. with tickets at $85 for adults and $45 for children 6 through 12. A pre-cooked Thanksgiving feast is also available for six, which is priced at $375 if picked up with an additional $95 service charge if delivered. Reservations may be made by emailing a request to wcisocialedvents@stjoe.com.
Cafe Thirty-A
3899 E County Hwy 30A, Seagrove Beach, FL 32459
Cafe Thirty-A in Seagrove Beach is renowned for widely acclaimed gourmet dining, which includes seafood, steaks, pork, sausage, and pasta dishes. Their opulent multi-course Thanksgiving meal starts with Butternut Squash or She Crab soup and Autumn Butter Lettuce Salad. The Main Entrée Selections include Deep-Fried Tukey with traditional casseroles and whipped potatoes with gravy, Seared Snapper, Cajun Shrimp & Grits, and Grilled Filet Mignon. Desserts include Traditional Pumpkin Pie, Double Chocolate Pecan Pie, or Cinnamon Crème Brulé. Dinner Tickets are $85 and can be reserved at (850) 231-2166.
LaCo
10343 E County Hwy 30A, Seacrest Beach, FL 3246
LaCo Restaurant in Seacrest Beach is planning a classic Thanksgiving buffet from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Their usual fare includes Mexican dishes, ceviche, margaritas, tequila, and favorite tropical drinks. A unique variety of Thanksgiving offerings includes your choice of roasted turkey, glazed ham, fresh salmon, or fried gulf shrimp. Delicious sides include a choice of green bean casserole, southern cornbread dressing, a sweet potato casserole, roasted garlic whipped potatoes with gravy, and creamed corn. Desserts include pumpkin or pecan pie, banana pudding, or chocolate chunk brownies. They will limit seating to 400 reservations, so if interested, call (850) 231-4021 immediately.
Ambrosia Prime Seafood & Steaks
75 Origins Main St, WaterSound, FL 32461
Nestled in the new Watersound area, Ambrosia Prime Seafood & Steaks offers an ambiance that perfectly complements its delectable menu. Known for their commitment to quality and freshness, this establishment promises an unforgettable dining experience, especially during the holiday season. The Thanksgiving Feast begins with choices of Butternut Squash soup or Harvest Salad and concludes with dessert options of Pumpkin or Pecan pie. Adult tickets are priced at $95, while children under 12 dine for $45.
Havana Beach Bar & Grill
63 Main St, Rosemary Beach, FL 32413
Havana Beach Bar & Grill is located in the enchanting Dutch Colonial-style Village of Rosemary Beach at the Pearl Hotel. This charming Hemmingway-inspired restaurant and bar is known as a great destination for inspired dining. It has a relaxed, coastal-styled ambiance and a lovely setting with unique seafood delights. They are offering a special buffet-styled feast with Thanksgiving turkey with all the sides, Maple Bourbon glazed Ham, Prime Rib, and savory seafood cuisine from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Dinner tickets are $85 for adults and $45 for children ages 12 and under. Reservations may be made by calling (850) 588-2882.
Gallion's
104 N Barrett Square Unit C, Rosemary Beach, FL 32413
Gallion's restaurant is also conveniently located in Rosemary Beach. They feature fine wines and bold craft cocktails along with Prime Rib, pork, seafood, fish, and pasta dishes. For Thanksgiving, they have plans to offer a pre-cooked banquet, which includes six servings of turkey, side casseroles, whipped potatoes with gravy, and desserts. The cost for this delicious meal, which you can pop in the oven and serve buffet-style at an entertainment bar, is $365. Pick-ups for orders are scheduled between noon and 2:00 p.m. on November 22nd. Orders must be placed on their website.
For those of you already set to spend a memorable Thanksgiving holiday beach vacation with us at Ocean Reef Resorts, we anticipate you'll relish the culinary delights at one of these esteemed restaurants. If you're still in the planning stages for a festive Thanksgiving beach reunion, now is the time to finalize your accommodations and dining choices. Our distinguished Ocean Reef Resorts website offers detailed descriptions of each of our 30A vacation rentals, vivid property photographs, aerial views of the location, available calendar dates for reservations, and attractive seasonal rates. As we approach this season of gratitude, we extend our warmest wishes for blessings and joy to your family and friends.
Related Content
Make your Thanksgiving celebration unforgettable by expanding your holiday plans beyond 30A and exploring all that Destin and the Emerald Coast offer! From tropical beach days and dolphin cruises to unique dining experiences, check out our ultimate Thanksgiving guide for more ways to make this season special.
The Ocean Reef Editorial Team leads the market in vacation rental, real estate, and coastal lifestyle content, with decades of Destin & 30A expertise behind every story. As the area's largest locally owned and longest continually operating vacation rental company, we welcome over 200,000 guests each year and reach millions who dream of the beach. Our guides serve travelers, homeowners, and locals alike, sharing authentic knowledge you can trust-because this coast isn't just where we work, it's where our story began, and where we'll continue to welcome generations to come.
