Thanksgiving is a cherished American tradition—a time to gather with family and friends to give thanks for the blessings in our lives. Dating back to the Pilgrims' first feast in 1621, this holiday has always been about togetherness and gratitude. For over 40 years, Ocean Reef Resorts has been helping families create unforgettable Thanksgiving memories in Destin and along 30A  by offering exceptional beachfront rentals. Our beautiful, well-maintained homes and condos provide the perfect setting for a holiday celebration filled with warmth and joy.

Why Celebrate Thanksgiving in Destin & 30A?

The Emerald Coast in autumn is truly enchanting. With mild, breezy weather featuring sunny days and low humidity, it's the perfect time for a beach getaway. Temperatures typically range from the 70s during the day to the 50s at night—ideal for leisurely beach walks, outdoor activities, and cozy evenings with loved ones. Vacation rentals are near their lowest rates of the year, traffic is light, and local dining spots offer relaxed atmospheres with minimal wait times. This serene environment provides a delightful twist on traditional Thanksgiving gatherings, combining the comforts of home with the allure of the beach. It's the perfect setting to focus on what truly matters—spending quality time with family and friends in a picturesque coastal paradise.

Here’s a look at some of our favorite beachfront condos still available for your Thanksgiving festivities:

Capistrano – Seacrest Beach

2 Bedrooms / 2 Full Bathrooms / 6 Guests / Pet-Friendly

Nestled along Scenic 30A in Seacrest Beach, Capistrano is a charming, low-rise beachfront condo complex offering a serene escape for your Thanksgiving holiday. Guests can soak in breathtaking Gulf views from their private balcony or step directly onto the sugar-white sand beach for a peaceful retreat. Capistrano is one of the few beachfront condos on 30A that welcomes small dogs, so feel free to bring your furry friend along. If you're looking for a bit of excitement, you'll find plenty to explore in Seacrest Beach or in the nearby communities of Seagrove, Seaside, and Rosemary Beach.

Features:

• Pet-friendly accommodations
• Private balconies with stunning Gulf views
• Easy access to Seacrest Beach, Seaside, and Rosemary Beach

Intimate, beachfront, and pet-friendly, Capistrano provides the perfect setting for a memorable coastal Thanksgiving.

Crystal Dunes – Destin

3 Bedrooms / 3 Full Bathrooms / 6-10 Guests

Located along Scenic Highway 98 in the sought-after Crystal Beach area, Crystal Dunes is a family-friendly, gated beachfront condo complex known for its coastal elegance and exceptional views. Each three-bedroom rental comfortably sleeps six (or more) guests and features bright, open-concept living spaces with tile floors, custom kitchens, and private balconies overlooking the Gulf. Within the property, a seasonally heated pool and hot tub offer a relaxing retreat just steps from the beach.

Features:

• Family-friendly, gated beachfront community
• Private balconies with stunning Gulf views
• Seasonally heated pool and hot tub
• Easy access to local dining, shopping, and attractions

Crystal Dunes’ prime location also places guests within easy reach of local dining, shopping, and popular attractions, making it a top choice for vacationers in Destin.

Edgewater – Miramar Beach

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

Nestled along the sparkling shores of Miramar Beach, Edgewater offers a French Riviera-inspired escape with luxurious beachfront accommodations and amenities. Located just east of Destin, this iconic resort combines elegance and comfort, featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos with private Gulf-front terraces. Guests enjoy direct access to sugar-white sands, two enticing pools, and an oversized hot tub, all surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Edgewater’s prime location places guests close to Silver Sands Premium Outlets, boutique shopping, and premier dining at Destin Commons.

Features:

• French Riviera-inspired, beachfront resort
• Private beach access and Gulf-front balconies or terraces
• Two pools and an oversized hot tub
• Putting green, workout facility, and tropical gardens
• Convenient access to Destin’s top shopping and dining

Ideal for those seeking a tranquil yet luxurious beach experience, Edgewater offers the perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication.

Emerald Dunes – Destin

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

Emerald Dunes is a private, six-story beachfront condo complex in Destin’s sought-after Crystal Beach community. This mid-rise property offers two- and three-bedroom condos with Gulf-front balconies and is equipped with exclusive amenities, including gated beach access, a seasonally heated pool, hot tub, and a grilling area. Positioned near Destin’s top attractions, Emerald Dunes places you within walking distance of Henderson Beach State Park, Destin Commons, and popular dining spots like Camille’s at Crystal Beach and BeachWalk Café, making it a perfect coastal getaway for families and friends alike.

Features:

• Private, gated beachfront community in Crystal Beach
• Seasonally heated pool and outdoor hot tub
• Gulf-view balconies and commercial-grade grilling area
• Easy access to Henderson Beach State Park, Destin Commons, and local dining

Ideal for those seeking a laid-back yet refined beach retreat, Emerald Dunes combines coastal charm with convenient access to Destin’s best attractions.

Mainsail – Miramar Beach

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

Mainsail is an acclaimed beachfront resort in Destin’s Miramar Beach, spanning over 15 acres of lush, tropical grounds right on the Gulf. This gated community features two luxurious towers, two pools—including a South Pool Pavilion with a hot tub and kids’ wading pool—a fitness center, and lighted courts for tennis, basketball, and shuffleboard. Guests enjoy direct access to the sugar-white sands and are within easy reach of Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Baytowne Wharf, and local beachfront restaurants.

Features:

• Gated beachfront community on 15 acres in Miramar Beach
• Two pools, hot tub, kids’ wading pool, and sun deck
• Fitness center, tennis courts, basketball, and shuffleboard
• Easy access to Silver Sands Premium Outlets and Baytowne Wharf

Perfect for family gatherings or a romantic rendezvous, Mainsail combines relaxation with plenty of resort-style amenities for a memorable coastal escape.

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.

Sea Haunts – Santa Rosa Beach

3 Bedrooms / 2-3 Full Bathrooms / 8-10 Guests

Scream for the beach at Sea Haunts, a charming, gated townhome complex ideally located in Santa Rosa Beach along Scenic 30A. This beachfront community provides a secluded South Walton retreat while remaining close to popular destinations like Blue Mountain Beach, Seaside, and Destin. Each spacious townhome spans multiple levels, offering guests privacy and hauntingly beautiful panoramic Gulf views. Sea Haunts shares amenities with neighboring San Remo, including a Gulf-view community pool and a relaxing hot tub, creating the perfect escape for a laid-back beach getaway.

Features:

• Gated beachfront townhome complex in Santa Rosa Beach
• Multiple levels with panoramic Gulf views
• Access to community pool and hot tub with Gulf views
• Close to Blue Mountain Beach, Seaside, and Destin

Ideal for those seeking a peaceful coastal retreat, Sea Haunts combines privacy, convenience, and stunning Gulf views for an unforgettable beach escape.

Seacrest Townhomes – Seacrest Beach

2 Bedrooms / 2 Full Bathrooms / 6 Guests

Welcome to Seacrest Townhomes, an exceptional beachfront community perfectly positioned along the scenic 30A corridor in Seacrest Beach. These two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhomes offer a luxurious escape with private balconies, breathtaking Gulf views, and direct access to the pristine sugar-white sands. Designed for comfort and style, each rental features spacious living areas and fully equipped kitchens, making them ideal for families and small groups. Guests enjoy the serene ambiance of Seacrest Beach, with opportunities to explore nearby coastal dune lakes, scenic bike trails, and vibrant beach towns like Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach.

Features:

• Prime beachfront location along scenic 30A in Seacrest Beach
• Spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhomes with private Gulf-view balconies
• Direct access to a private, serene beach
• Close to local attractions, nature trails, and neighboring 30A communities

Perfect for those seeking a tranquil yet convenient Gulf Coast getaway, Seacrest Townhomes provides the best of 30A.

Seawinds – Miramar Beach

4 Bedrooms / 3-4 Full Bathrooms / 14-15 Guests

Seawinds is a delightful beachfront townhome complex located directly on the sugar-white sands of Destin’s Miramar Beach. These spacious multi-story townhomes feature ground-floor patios and second-floor balconies, both offering stunning Gulf views, making them perfect for families or groups. Located along Scenic Gulf Drive, Seawinds provides easy access to local dining and shopping, with several popular spots within walking distance.

Features:

• Beachfront townhomes with ground-floor patios and second-floor balconies
• Panoramic Gulf views from every level
• Easy access to local dining and shopping along Scenic Gulf Drive
• Spacious accommodations perfect for family gatherings

Ideal for those seeking a classic beach retreat with modern conveniences, Seawinds combines ample space with an unbeatable location for a memorable stay.

Summerhaven – Miramar Beach

3 Bedrooms / 3 Full Bathrooms / 10-16 Guests

The Summerhaven beachfront townhomes in Destin's Miramar Beach exude charm and timeless appeal, offering three-story accommodations with oversized balconies on two levels. These expansive decks provide front-row seats to the sugar-white sands and sparkling emerald waters of the Gulf, perfect for sunset views or relaxing with a morning coffee. A set of stairs leads directly from the balconies to the beach, inviting you to stroll along the shoreline or search for seashells with family. Located in the heart of Miramar Beach, Summerhaven places you within easy reach of Destin’s top dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Features:

• Three-story beachfront townhomes with oversized balconies on two levels
• Direct beach access from balconies to sugar-white sands
• Spectacular Gulf views and sunset vistas
• Conveniently located near Destin’s dining, shopping, and attractions

Beloved by families who return year after year, Summerhaven combines scenic beauty with the laid-back lifestyle of the Gulf Coast, making it the ideal choice for an unforgettable beach vacation.

Sunseekers – Blue Mountain Beach

2-3 Bedrooms / 2 Full Bathrooms / 6 Guests

A true hidden gem along the coast, Sunseekers is a quaint, low-rise beachfront condominium nestled directly on the sands of Blue Mountain Beach. Far removed from high-rise complexes and traffic, this quiet retreat offers a rare, peaceful setting just steps from the Gulf. Sunseekers’ charm lies not only in its secluded beachfront location but also in its proximity to Blue Mountain Beach’s laid-back attractions. Guests can enjoy local spots like For the Health of It for organic smoothies and groceries, Johnny McTighe’s for a casual late-night pizza, or Big Daddy’s for bike rentals to explore even more of scenic 30A.

Features:

• Low-rise, secluded beachfront complex in Blue Mountain Beach
• Quiet setting with no high-rise buildings or heavy traffic nearby
• Walking distance to local attractions, shops, and dining
• Convenient access to bike rentals for exploring 30A

Combining tranquility with easy access to local favorites, Sunseekers is the perfect choice for a relaxing coastal escape. With limited rentals available, be sure to book your stay soon!

Plan Your Thanksgiving with Ocean Reef Resorts

We invite you to explore each of these exceptional properties here on our Ocean Reef Resorts website. You'll find:

• Full Property Details: Comprehensive descriptions of amenities and features.
• High-Quality Images: Vivid photos showcasing each property's unique charm.
• Aerial Location Views: Understand the proximity to the beach and nearby attractions.
• Seasonal Rental Rates: Take advantage of our lowest rates of the year.
• Availability Calendar: Check dates and book your preferred property with ease.

Wishing You a Blessed Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, surround yourself with the people who matter most in a setting that enhances the spirit of gratitude and togetherness. Whether you're feasting on a home-cooked meal, taking sunset strolls along the beach, or starting your holiday shopping at nearby outlets, the Emerald Coast offers a magical backdrop for your celebrations.

From all of us at Ocean Reef Resorts, we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with joy, warmth, and cherished memories. We look forward to welcoming you and helping make your holiday truly special.

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.