Thanksgiving in Destin and The Emerald Coast

The Ultimate Guide to Your Holiday Getaway

Posted on 10/29/2024

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and there’s no better place to celebrate the season of gratitude than along Destin’s Emerald Coast. With over 40 years of experience welcoming families to this breathtaking area, Ocean Reef Resorts proudly offers insider knowledge on making your holiday unforgettable. For a unique Thanksgiving experience, trade the chill and holiday crowds for warm, sunny days on sugar-white beaches and tranquil Gulf waters. Whether you’re here to relax with family or host an extended reunion, Thanksgiving in Destin blends cherished traditions with a tropical twist—making it the ideal destination for creating lasting holiday memories.


Why Destin for Thanksgiving?

November marks the start of the off-season in Destin, meaning fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation and fun. The mild weather, typically ranging from the mid-60s to 70s °F, creates a perfect climate for outdoor activities, beach exploration, and al fresco dining—a memorable backdrop for a holiday away from the cold.


How to Spend Thanksgiving in Destin

Destin is brimming with exciting activities and laid-back options for a fun Thanksgiving weekend. Here’s a rundown of what you can enjoy:

Destin Beach

Beach Bliss

Give your Thanksgiving a tropical twist by soaking up the sun along Destin’s famous beaches. Play beach games, take a scenic walk, or simply lounge and enjoy the Gulf views. You’ll be thankful for every moment spent in this coastal paradise.

Dolphin Cruises and Sunset Tours

For an unforgettable experience, book a dolphin cruise or sunset tour to enjoy Destin’s natural beauty from the water. Ocean Reef guests receive preferred pricing on Southern Star cruises, so you can witness playful dolphins up close and create lasting holiday memories.

Dolphin Cruises and Sunset Tours
Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise on the Solaris Yacht

Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise on the Solaris Yacht

Combine festive dining with a stunning view on the Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner Cruise aboard the Solaris Yacht. Enjoy a delicious spread of turkey, bourbon-maple glazed ham, and classic sides while cruising through the beautiful waters of the Gulf. Ocean Reef guests also enjoy a 20% discount on regular cruises, perfect for revisiting during a sunset cruise.

Golfing Getaway

Destin’s golf courses are some of the best along the coast, offering well-manicured greens and scenic fairways. Ocean Reef guests receive discounted rates at courses like Seascape and Emerald Bay, so don’t miss a chance to tee off with incredible water views this Thanksgiving—perfect for both seasoned players and casual golfers alike!

Ice Skating at Baytowne Wharf

Ice Skating at Baytowne Wharf

Yes, you can ice skate at the beach! Baytowne on Ice, a seasonal rink at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, is open throughout the holidays. It’s a fun and unexpected activity the whole family will love.


Where to Feast: Destin’s Thanksgiving Dining

From cozy local favorites to luxurious buffets, Destin offers a variety of Thanksgiving dining experiences. Whether you want to dine in or enjoy a meal at your vacation rental, there’s something for everyone.

Home-cooked Meals at Your Vacation Rental

Most Ocean Reef vacation rentals come with fully equipped kitchens and spacious dining areas, making it easy to prepare a home-cooked feast. Or, make Thanksgiving dinner simple by ordering from Sarah K’s Gourmet. Known for their award-winning crab cakes, Sarah K’s offers ready-to-cook entrees, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal with minimal effort. Plus, Ocean Reef guests who order four or more crab cakes receive a complimentary bottle of champagne.

Home-cooked Meals at Your Vacation Rental
Harbor Docks Free Thanksgiving Dinner

Harbor Docks Free Thanksgiving Dinner

Harbor Docks Restaurant hosts a complimentary (donations only) Thanksgiving dinner to benefit Habitat for Humanity and Destin Harvest. It’s a wonderful way to give back while enjoying a delicious holiday meal. Meals are served from 11 am to 7 pm on Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving Buffet at The Henderson Beach Resort

The Henderson Beach Resort hosts a grand Thanksgiving buffet featuring classic holiday dishes with a coastal twist. Known for its Southern hospitality, this resort offers a luxurious and memorable dining experience.

Thanksgiving Buffet at The Henderson Beach Resort

Watefront Dining Options

Enjoy Thanksgiving with a view at one of Destin’s popular waterfront restaurants. Marina Cafe offers a buffet-style Thanksgiving feast, Beachwalk Cafe serves a four-course special dinner, and Royal Palm Grille has a special Thanksgiving menu throughout the day.


Black Friday Shopping and Holiday Festivities

Thanksgiving weekend in Destin isn’t complete without some holiday shopping and festive fun:

Black Friday Shopping
Black Friday Shopping

Visit Silver Sands Premium Outlets for designer deals at over 100 stores, or explore Baytowne Wharf, Grand Boulevard, and Destin Commons for local boutiques and unique finds.

Festival of Trees
Festival of Trees

Kicking off in early December, Grand Boulevard’s Festival of Trees showcases holiday trees decorated by local charities—a perfect stop during Black Friday shopping.

Santa’s Arrival at HarborWalk Village
Santa’s Arrival at HarborWalk Village

Meet Santa and join in the holiday festivities at HarborWalk Village at the end of November, a great family-friendly event to kick off the Christmas season.


Where to Stay: Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals

Ocean Reef Guests

Make this Thanksgiving unforgettable by booking your stay in one of Ocean Reef’s luxurious Destin rentals. From beachfront mansions to charming cottages, our properties offer space, comfort, and breathtaking views to enhance your holiday. Many rentals feature large kitchens for festive feasts, spacious family rooms for quality gatherings, and private heated pools for ultimate relaxation. Don’t wait—secure your ideal Thanksgiving retreat with us today and enjoy a holiday filled with warmth, memories, and the beauty of Destin’s Emerald Coast.

Related Articles

FEATURED VIDEO

Surfing in Destin

Watch Now

Grayton Landing

30A in A Minute

Top 5 Miramar Beach Resorts

Rags to Riches Gratyon Beach

Trending Articles

Related Vacation Rentals

Off the Hook is quite a catch! This impressive vacation home was masterfully designed for entertainment - and is steps from the sugary shore! It is a splendid four-level vacation home that includes six bedrooms with ensuite baths, three wide verandas, and a rooftop viewing deck. Two additional bedrooms, a kitchen, a beautifully appointed living are
Off The Hook
8 BR
7 BA
26 Guests
Home - Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating (5)
This beachfront vacation rental in Miramar Beach includes three bedrooms with multiple beds, bunks, and a queen-sized sleeper sofa to comfortably accommodate sixteen fortunate guests. It has recently received a complete renovation and is filled with upscale, comfortable coastal-styled furnishings. Summerhaven 2 is the perfect place for a beach reun
Summerhaven 2
3 BR
3 BA
16 Guests
Condo - Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating (3)
Vivid vistas and all the comforts and luxuries of home are available at this astonishing beach-side family compound that overlooks the sun-dappled waters of the glistening Gulf of Mexico. This contemporary second tier, three-story vacation home offers 5,600 square feet of well-appointed space that includes five bedrooms and can comfortably accommod
Dune Vista
5 BR
4 BA
18 Guests
Home - Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating (5)
Someone left a tackle box on a snowdrift in Miramar Beach? Well, not exactly. In this case, Tackle Box is the name of a fresh nine-bedroom beach-view vacation home on Snowdrift Road in Destin's Miramar Beach. We rarely ever get snow down here along the Emerald Coast, but the address here is aptly named since the dunes and beach beyond do indeed res
Tackle Box
9 BR
7 BA
28 Guests
Home - Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating (3)