Thanksgiving is a time to gather and express gratitude for the year's blessings. For many, it evokes memories of crowded dining tables, laughter, and the warmth of family. But how about enhancing this tradition? Imagine celebrating this special occasion on the stunning Emerald Coast in Destin or along Scenic Highway 30A, where the beachfront becomes your backyard, and the horizon paints the perfect sunset.

Our esteemed guests of Ocean Reef Resorts have discovered the magic of spending Thanksgiving here in Destin, making it a much-beloved annual tradition. The "sweater season" boasts of sunny days, perfect temperatures ranging from highs in the 70s to lows in the 50s, and an atmosphere devoid of the usual tourist rush. With vacation rentals near their most affordable rates, light traffic, and no waiting lines at local eateries, it's a serene escape from the hustle and bustle.

And 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!

Seaspray 9

9 Bedrooms / 7 Full & 1 Half Bathrooms / 29 Guests

Nestled in scenic Miramar Beach, Seaspray 9 stands as an ideal destination for those envisioning a grand Thanksgiving beach reunion. This expansive vacation rental property can comfortably host up to twenty-nine guests across its nine tastefully decorated bedrooms – six in the main residence and three in the guest house. Highlights include a lagoon-shaped pool adjoining a picturesque patio, a primary bedroom boasting a luxury ensuite bath, and an expansive open-plan living area with a cathedral ceiling, presenting breathtaking Gulf views. The guest house, with its dramatic vaulted ceiling, offers additional space, complete with a full kitchen and cozy dining area. Whether you're hosting a feast or just relaxing, the two side-by-side refrigerator freezers are ready to accommodate all your culinary needs. With its blend of elegance and comfort, "Seaspray 9" promises a Thanksgiving that's both memorable and luxurious.

Casablanca

7 Bedrooms / 8 Full Bathrooms / 28 Guests

Casablanca in Santa Rosa Beach stands as a testament to grandeur, an ideal setting for large Thanksgiving celebrations. With seven bedrooms, this Gulf-front vacation home can graciously host up to twenty-eight guests. Boasting a classic Mediterranean design, its sprawling 7,300 square feet seamlessly blends the main three-story residence and a distinct guest house. The primary dwelling showcases five sumptuous bedrooms, all with opulent ensuite baths, and a great room lined with vast windows, opening to a beachfront veranda and a refreshing plunge pool. A gourmet kitchen awaits those eager to prepare a Thanksgiving feast, equipped with a Jenn-Aire stove, double oven, and a chic French refrigerator. Adjacent, an elegant dining area, complemented by a granite-topped bar, is poised for festive gatherings. The primary bedroom is a sanctuary in itself, with a beach balcony and a spa-like bath, providing unparalleled Gulf views. The guest house, a marvel in its right, houses a game room, a cozy living space, and two additional bedrooms, complete with ensuite baths. Topping it all, an open deck offers sweeping views of the Gulf, making "Casablanca" an epitome of opulence and comfort for a memorable Thanksgiving gathering.

Paradis

5 Bedrooms / 5 Full Bathrooms / 14 Guests

Pardis, translating to "Paradise" in French, perfectly encapsulates the essence of this Gulf-front vacation home located in Miramar Beach. Perfect for Thanksgiving festivities, this chic property can host up to fourteen privileged guests across its five meticulously curated bedrooms. Set atop a pristine dune, the estate offers breathtaking Gulf views. Four bedrooms are nestled within the main house, while a beautifully appointed guest house houses the fifth. Every inch of its contemporary interior, from enchanting seascapes to marine life sculptures, mirrors the elegance one might find in a Better Homes & Gardens spread. The primary living space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, offering uninterrupted views of the beach and leading to a deck furnished for both relaxation and dining. Adjacently, a lagoon-shaped pool beckons, complete with a cascading soaking tub. For those hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, a sleek granite-topped bar pairs beautifully with a spacious dining table overlooking the pool. All culinary desires can be met in the fully equipped kitchen. The primary bedroom, a masterpiece in itself, offers beach balcony views and an opulent marble-tiled ensuite bath. The guest house doesn't fall short of luxury, featuring a spacious bedroom, full kitchen, and a cozy living area. Truly, "Pardis" offers a slice of paradise, promising an unforgettable Thanksgiving experience

Cape Monaco

4 Bedrooms / 4 Full Bathrooms / 17 Guests

Cape Monaco in Miramar Beach effortlessly captures the essence of New England's Cape Cod, offering an idyllic Americana setting for a Thanksgiving celebration. With its four bedrooms, this charming three-story home comfortably houses up to seventeen beach enthusiasts. Its distinct architectural flair shines through the dormer windows and two expansive beach decks, crowned by a third-floor balcony that unveils pristine views of the sugar-white beach below. The ground floor is primed for hosting, boasting a well-equipped eat-in kitchen, a formal Gulf-view dining room, and additional al fresco dining options on the veranda. An adjoining beachfront deck, equipped with ample seating and a porch swing, invites guests to bask in the shimmering seascape views. The large sunlit kitchen, adorned with brushed stainless steel appliances and ample counter space, facilitates effortless meal preparation. This Destin area rental residence exudes warmth, thanks to its cozy white cottage coastal furnishings and vibrant beach-themed decor. From the Gulf-framed windows in the first-floor guest bedroom to the majestic primary bedroom with its private balcony, every space in "Cape Monaco" promises a blend of comfort and coastal elegance, ensuring a Thanksgiving to remember.

Seawinds 4

4 Bedrooms / 3 Full Bathrooms / 14 Guests

Seawinds 4 in Miramar Beach seamlessly blends comfort and coastal elegance within its four-bedroom space, accommodating up to fourteen beach-loving guests. This three-story Destin townhome boasts a ground-level sundeck and two upper-level balconies, each providing captivating views of the pristine sugar-white sands and the shimmering gulf waters. Here, chairs and dining tables set the scene for alfresco feasts, accentuated by the mesmerizing backdrop. The first floor houses a spacious guest bedroom with direct sundeck access and another guest bedroom; both sharing a bathroom with a walk-in shower. A level up, the open living and dining area captivates with its soaring cathedral ceiling, allowing sunlight to flood the space. Coastal furnishings and a sizable hardwood dining table create a welcoming ambiance. The adjacent kitchen comes fully equipped, promising a delightful Thanksgiving meal preparation. On this floor, a bunk room grants access to a hall bath. Climbing the open staircase, you reach the spacious loft-style primary bedroom, complete with an ensuite bath and a dedicated vanity area, making "Seawinds 4" the epitome of beachfront convenience for a memorable Thanksgiving.

Related Article:

Destin Beachfront Townhome Rentals

Allow Ocean Reef Resorts to be your guide. With five prime locations along breathtaking Scenic Gulf Drive, you're guaranteed views of the majestic Gulf of Mexico, its sparkling emerald waters, and pristine sugar-white beaches.

Townhomes at Crystal Beach 1

4 Bedrooms / 4 Full Bathrooms / 12 Guests

Townhomes at Crystal Beach 1 in Destin offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable Thanksgiving gathering. This corner unit boasts four cottage-styled bedrooms, accommodating up to twelve guests, making it an ideal beachfront retreat for family and friends. Set across three sunlit stories, it guarantees radiant tropical views, ensuring every moment is steeped in holiday ambiance. The first floor welcomes with a guest suite and kitchenette, while the expansive sun deck beckons for festive outdoor meals. The nautically-themed second floor provides ample dining space, whether you're drawn to the open balcony's gentle breezes or the inviting indoor setting. With a state-of-the-art kitchen, preparing your Thanksgiving feast becomes a delightful experience. The top floor is a sanctuary of relaxation, featuring the primary bedroom with its own beachfront balcony, ensuring serene moments are always at hand. This residence promises to elevate your Thanksgiving memories to new, sun-kissed heights.

Instead of a house or townhome, you may be interested in residing at a condominium at a beachfront resort with lavish amenities. If so, there are four wonderful options available.

Beachside I

2-3 Bedrooms / 2 Full Bathrooms / 6-8 Guests

Beachside Towers I is located in the exclusively gated Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. This Gulf-front residential tower has two and three-bedroom condominiums with handsome furnishings that can sleep six to eight fortunate guests with the use of extra sleeper sofas and bunks. A swimming pool that overlooks the jewel-toned Gulf and sugary shoreline is seasonally heated. A bubbling Hot Tub shares these same views, and there is a picnic area with grills where you may enjoy creating your own beachside feast. A Fitness Center, tennis, and basketball courts can help you work off extra calories before or after your Thanksgiving meal.

Edgewater

1-3 Bedrooms / 1-3 Full Bathrooms / 4-8 Guests

Edgewater is an opulent beachfront tower near Destin that features a design inspired by an original hotel found on the French Riviera. This tower resembles a luxury cruise liner with a unique crescent-shaped curvature and open stepped-up terraces that serve as a "bow ."They rise up gradually from three to sixteen stories in height. One, two, and three-bedroom residences can accommodate four to eight privileged guests. Lush tropically landscaped grounds overlook the glowing jewel-toned Gulf and 420 linear feet of crystalline white sand beach. Two lagoon-shaped swimming pools on two adjoining levels include a waterfall that cascades down from one into the other. One pool is seasonally heated, and a bubbling hot tub provides pampered relaxation A Fitness Center and an outdoor kid's playground is also available. This locale is very close to the famous Silver Sands Premium Outlets, where you may find bargains for world-class designer goods when you begin your holiday shopping on Black Friday!

Emerald Dunes

2-3 Bedrooms / 2-3 Full Bathrooms / 8 Guests

Emerald Dunes is a six-story low-density residential building that sits on a sugary "dune" with panoramic views from every condo of the "emerald" toned Gulf. It includes two and three-bedroom properties, which all accommodate eight beach-going guests. A heated swimming pool and a simmering Hot Tub sit in the front of the building near grounds with clusters of tropical palm trees. A grilling area on the beach side invites you to create a fun 'Surf n Turf' meal if you ever tire of tasty turkey. This location in Crystal Beach is very close to the popular idyllic retail village of Destin Commons. It has pedestrian-friendly avenues lined with Royal Palms, a classic fountain, and turret towers, which feature a lovely Mediterranean-styled look. You may begin your holiday shopping in this festive setting at fashion boutiques, fine clothiers, and specialty shops. Restaurants, bars, and an AMC Multiplex Theater are also conveniently located there.

Mainsail

2-3 Bedrooms / 2-3 Full Bathrooms / 4-10 Guests

Mainsail is an acclaimed exclusively gated resort with four total residential buildings located on fifteen acres of lushly landscaped tropical grounds overlooking the glorious waters of the Gulf. It includes two and three spacious vacation rentals that can accommodate four to ten guests with multiple beds, bunks, and queen-size sleeper sofas. There is lots to do here during your Thanksgiving Holiday. Abundant amenities include: Two sparkling swimming pools with one overlooking the Gulf, which is seasonally heated; Hot Tubs, a Fitness Center with showers, dressing areas, and a sauna; Four tennis courts; A basketball court; Shuffleboard; An Arcade Game Room and a Kid's playground. This premier location is close to popular beachfront restaurants with friendly bars, grocery stores, liquor wine shops, and the aforementioned Silver Sands Premium Outlets, which is one of the nation's largest designer discount centers in the nation.

Enjoy taking a closer look at each one of these Destin & 30A Vacation Rentals to enjoy a magical, memorable Thanksgiving beach reunion with family and close friends. Our acclaimed Ocean Reef Resorts website will provide you with full details, vivid property images, an aerial view of each location, our low seasonal rental rates, and the calendar dates still available for your own reservation. We wish you many family blessings for Thanksgiving and the year ahead!

More Thanksgiving Goodness:

30A Thanksgiving Dining Guide

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.