Thanksgiving is all about spending time with the people we love, enjoying delicious food, and making wonderful memories. But who says you have to spend the holiday cooking and cleaning?
Imagine waking up to Florida sunshine, taking a peaceful morning walk along the beach, enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving feast prepared by someone else, and ending your holiday watching a breathtaking Gulf Coast sunset.
Sounds like our kind of Thanksgiving!
Whether you’re staying in St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, or one of our other beautiful coastal communities, there are some fantastic restaurants serving Thanksgiving lunch, brunch, and dinner in 2026.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite local spots to help you plan a stress-free Thanksgiving by the beach!
Thanksgiving Restaurants in St. Pete Beach
1. The Don CeSar – An Elegant Thanksgiving by the Gulf
Location: 3400 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Thanksgiving Experience: Holiday Brunch Buffet
Price: Tickets advertised starting at $65
If you’re looking to make Thanksgiving extra special, The Don CeSar is a beautiful place to celebrate!
Known as St. Pete Beach’s iconic Pink Palace, this historic beachfront resort hosts an elegant Thanksgiving buffet in its King Charles Ballroom.
Guests can enjoy an impressive selection of holiday favorites, including:
- Live carving stations
- Fresh seafood and sushi
- Gourmet breakfast specialties
- Seasonal side dishes
- Delicious holiday desserts
With its beautiful atmosphere and beachfront location, The Don CeSar is a wonderful choice for couples, families, and anyone looking to celebrate Thanksgiving in style.
Sandy Feet Tip: Make time for a stroll along St. Pete Beach before or after your meal at The Don CeSar. There’s nothing quite like Thanksgiving with your toes in the sand!
View Thanksgiving Details & Reservations
2. Island Grand at TradeWinds – Family-Friendly Thanksgiving Fun
Location: 5500 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Thanksgiving Experience: Holiday Brunch Buffet and Special Dinner Menu
For families looking for a relaxed and festive holiday meal, Island Grand at TradeWinds is another great option.
The resort advertises a Thanksgiving buffet featuring roasted turkey, traditional holiday sides, seasonal specialties, and delicious desserts.
A special Thanksgiving dinner menu is also advertised at Pete’s Gulf Bistro.
With its laid-back beach resort atmosphere, TradeWinds makes it easy to enjoy a holiday meal without the stress of hosting at home.
Sandy Feet Tip: TradeWinds is especially appealing for families looking for a fun, casual Thanksgiving celebration near the beach.
View Holiday Dining Information
Confirm 2026 brunch times and pricing directly with the resort when making reservations.
Thanksgiving Restaurants in Clearwater Beach & Sand Key
3. Island Way Grill – Thanksgiving Buffet with Waterfront Views
Location: 20 Island Way, Clearwater, FL 33767
Thanksgiving Experience: All-Day Thanksgiving Buffet
Price: $68 per person, plus applicable taxes and gratuity
Looking for a Thanksgiving celebration with beautiful waterfront surroundings? Island Way Grill is a fantastic option!
Known for its fresh seafood, steaks, and welcoming atmosphere, this Clearwater favorite is offering a special Thanksgiving buffet on November 26, 2026.
The restaurant’s regular menu will not be available on Thanksgiving Day, so guests can focus on enjoying the holiday buffet.
Sandy Feet Tip: Island Way Grill is a great choice for families who want to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving outing in a beautiful waterfront setting.
View Thanksgiving Reservations
4. Ocean Hai – Thanksgiving with Beautiful Gulf Views
Location: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, 100 Coronado Drive, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Thanksgiving Experience: Grand Thanksgiving Buffet
Price: $85 per person
If your ideal Thanksgiving involves delicious food and stunning Gulf views, Ocean Hai deserves a spot on your list.
Located inside the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Ocean Hai is offering a beautiful holiday buffet featuring chef-carved specialties, traditional Thanksgiving favorites, and seasonal desserts.
The elegant atmosphere and coastal views create a memorable setting for your holiday celebration.
Sandy Feet Tip: Pair your Thanksgiving meal with a sunset walk along Clearwater Beach for a picture-perfect holiday evening.
Reservations are required.
View Thanksgiving Reservations
5. SHOR American Seafood Grill – A Thanksgiving Feast for Seafood Lovers
Location: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, Clearwater Beach, FL
Thanksgiving Experience: Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet
Price: Listed up to $99 per person, depending on guest category
Can’t decide between traditional Thanksgiving favorites and fresh seafood? At SHOR American Seafood Grill, you can enjoy both!
The restaurant’s 2026 Thanksgiving buffet includes an impressive selection of dishes, such as:
- Traditional carved turkey
- Beef tenderloin
- Crab legs and crab cakes
- Jumbo Gulf shrimp
- Fresh oysters and sushi
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Sweet potato and green bean casseroles
- Pumpkin pie and additional seasonal selections
It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a little bit of everything while celebrating the holiday at Clearwater Beach.
Sandy Feet Tip: This is a great choice for guests who love seafood but still want all the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving.
View Thanksgiving Reservations
6. Latitude 28 – An Upscale Thanksgiving Dinner
Location: JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, 691 S Gulfview Boulevard, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Thanksgiving Experience: Three-Course Holiday Dinner
Price: $110 per adult, with children’s options available separately
For guests who prefer an elegant, sit-down Thanksgiving dinner instead of a buffet, Latitude 28 offers a wonderful holiday dining experience.
This upscale restaurant is preparing a special three-course Thanksgiving dinner with creative seasonal dishes, including:
- Turkey Wellington
- Braised short rib
- Honey-glazed duck
- Pumpkin-spiced risotto
- Traditional holiday pies
It’s a lovely way to celebrate Thanksgiving with a romantic dinner, a special family gathering, or a little extra holiday indulgence.
Sandy Feet Tip: Latitude 28 is an excellent choice for couples looking to turn their Thanksgiving getaway into a memorable evening.
The restaurant notes a maximum reservation party size of eight, subject to availability.
View Thanksgiving Reservations
7. Columbia Restaurant – A Clearwater Tradition Worth Considering
Location: 1241 Gulf Boulevard, Sand Key, Clearwater, FL 33767
Thanksgiving Experience: Traditional Holiday Dining in Previous Years
2026 Status: Holiday menu not yet confirmed
If your family loves a traditional sit-down Thanksgiving dinner, Columbia Restaurant on Sand Key is worth keeping on your radar.
Known for its Spanish and Cuban cuisine, beautiful waterfront location, and welcoming atmosphere, Columbia has offered special Thanksgiving meals in previous years.
Past holiday menus have featured roasted turkey, homemade stuffing, and traditional sides.
Sandy Feet Tip: Columbia is a wonderful option for guests who enjoy a more traditional plated meal rather than a large buffet.
Be sure to contact the restaurant directly to confirm whether Thanksgiving dinner will be offered in 2026.
Worth the Drive: Thanksgiving Dinner in Downtown St. Petersburg
8. Cassis – A Traditional Thanksgiving in Downtown St. Pete
Location: 170 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Thanksgiving Experience: Brunch and Special Holiday Dinner Menu
Hours: Brunch begins at 8 AM; special Thanksgiving menu served from 11 AM to 9 PM
Looking to explore downtown St. Petersburg during your Thanksgiving getaway? Cassis is a lovely option!
Located along beautiful Beach Drive, Cassis combines a welcoming atmosphere with a special holiday menu.
Their 2026 Thanksgiving entrée features tender turkey served with traditional favorites, including:
- Green bean casserole
- Sweet potatoes
- Country mashed potatoes
- Croissant stuffing
- Cranberry marmalade
- Homemade gravy
A children’s Thanksgiving meal is also available.
After dinner, enjoy a leisurely stroll through downtown St. Pete, explore the waterfront parks, or simply relax and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Sandy Feet Tip: Make a day of it! Downtown St. Petersburg offers beautiful waterfront scenery, parks, and plenty of places to explore before or after your Thanksgiving meal.
View Thanksgiving Menu & Reservations
Our Thanksgiving Dining Recommendations at a Glance
Not sure which restaurant to choose? Here’s a quick guide to help you find the perfect fit.
| Looking For | Our Pick |
|---|---|
| A special holiday experience | The Don CeSar |
| Family-friendly holiday brunch | TradeWinds Island Grand |
| Classic waterfront buffet | Island Way Grill |
| Beautiful Gulf views | Ocean Hai |
| Seafood and Thanksgiving favorites | SHOR American Seafood Grill |
| Elegant three-course dinner | Latitude 28 |
| Traditional turkey dinner | Cassis |
| A restaurant to watch for updates | Columbia Restaurant |
Tips for Planning Thanksgiving on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Make reservations early. Thanksgiving is a popular time for holiday dining, and restaurants with waterfront views or special buffets can fill up quickly.
Confirm pricing and holiday hours. Some restaurants offer separate children’s pricing, while taxes, service charges, and gratuities may be additional.
Allow extra travel time. Beach traffic and holiday dining crowds can make getting around take a little longer than usual.
Plan some beach time! One of the best parts of spending Thanksgiving on Florida’s Gulf Coast is enjoying our beautiful beaches, coastal scenery, and gorgeous sunsets.
Restaurant information is based on publicly advertised holiday offerings as of October 2026. Menus, pricing, hours, and availability are subject to change. Always confirm details directly with the restaurant before making plans.
Stay, Relax & Celebrate Thanksgiving with Sandy Feet Vacation Rentals!
Why limit Thanksgiving to a single meal when you can turn it into an unforgettable beach vacation?
At Sandy Feet Vacation Rentals, we love helping families and friends make lasting memories along Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast.
Whether you’re planning a long Thanksgiving weekend, visiting family in the area, or simply looking for a relaxing escape before the busy holiday season, we have wonderful vacation rentals to help make your stay comfortable and memorable.
Imagine spending your Thanksgiving morning enjoying coffee on the balcony, taking a walk along our gorgeous white-sand beaches, gathering around the table for a delicious holiday dinner, and ending the day with an incredible Gulf Coast sunset.
And the best part? No holiday cooking or cleanup required!
From cozy beachfront condos to spacious vacation homes, we’re here to help you find the perfect place for your November getaway.
Make this Thanksgiving one to remember!
Browse Sandy Feet Vacation Rentals
We can’t wait to welcome you to our little slice of paradise!
