Want to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast without the hassle of grocery runs and a sink full of dishes? A variety of Destin restaurants are ready to handle the holiday cooking for you. From classic sides and the perfect pies to full feasts with beautiful views, here are seven local spots serving up Thanksgiving the easy way. All you have to do is kick back, watch some football, and spend time with your favorite people.

Harbor Docks 31st Annual Thanksgiving Feast

Thanksgiving at Harbor Docks is about as “Destin” as it gets. For 31 years, this local favorite has opened its doors on Thanksgiving Day to serve a traditional, homestyle feast that feels more like a big community gathering than a restaurant meal. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge, though donations are appreciated if you’re able. All proceeds will benefit Food for Thought and Destin Harvest, two local organizations working hard to fight hunger in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Come enjoy beautiful views, delicious food, and warm community vibes on November 27 between 11am and 5pm.

Beautiful Buffet at The Henderson Beach Resort

If you’re after a Thanksgiving that feels a little more resort-chic than kitchen chaos, The Henderson has you covered. Their annual Thanksgiving buffet boasts an incredible spread of holiday classics and chef-inspired creations served in one of Destin’s most elegant settings. With everything from a chilled seafood station to freshly carved sage-butter roasted turkey with all the traditional fixings, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. The ticketed feast runs from 11am to 4pm on November 27. Click here to reserve your spot!

Prefer to keep it cozy at home? The resort also offers a take-home Thanksgiving dinner for 6 – 8 people, so you can skip the cooking and still serve up a five-star spread.

Bring Home the Sides From Bitterroot

No time (or energy) to cook the sides this year? Bitterroot will take care of this for you! Their Thanksgiving takeout menu hits all the classics: deviled eggs, mac and cheese, whipped ricotta, mixed green salad, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cornbread dressing. Each order serves four and costs $40. Place your order by November 19 and pick it up on November 26 between 11am and 6pm.

Annual Thanksgiving Buffet at Marina Cafe

For an upscale Thanksgiving meal in Destin with views of the harbor, Marina Cafe will be hosting its annual buffet featuring a blend of classic holiday dishes and coastal flavors. Kick off your meal with starters like pepper-crusted yellowfin tuna, shrimp cocktail, and fresh salads before moving on to comforting sides such as caramelized sweet potatoes, traditional stuffing, and baked macaroni and cheese. For the main course, you’ll find everything from classic roasted turkey to bourbon-maple ham, miso-glazed salmon, and even blue crab ravioli. Top it all off with their delicious desserts (the pumpkin cheesecake is a must), and you’ve got one of the best stress-free Thanksgiving dinners in town. Available from 11am to 7pm and reservations are encouraged!

Four-Course Feast at Vin’tij

Known for their creative seasonal dishes and expertly paired wines, Vin’tij in Grand Boulevard delivers a chef-driven Thanksgiving experience, whether you’re dining in or picking up food to enjoy at home. This year they’re serving a four-course feast with options like butternut squash soup, a gorgeous red and gold beet salad, and their turkey roulade with all the classic sides: whipped potatoes, praline sweet potatoes, green beans, creamed corn, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. They also offer elevated entrées like crab-encrusted grouper, chargrilled ribeye, and a completely vegan “Lucky Bowl.” Dessert choices range from pumpkin cheesecake to warm lemon pound cake with cinnamon ice cream, plus several gluten-free options.

This elevated eatery also offers a to-go Thanksgiving menu, making it a great pick whether you want to dine in style or bring their gourmet flavors home for the holiday. Give them a call to make a reservation as seats fill up quickly!

Enjoy Sunshine and Bay Views at The Gulf

Spend Thanksgiving by the bay at The Gulf on Okaloosa Island, where the relaxed, open-air setting makes holiday dining feel like a true getaway. They’ll be open from 11am to 9pm, serving up two delicious turkey plates: Traditional Herb-Roasted or Cajun-Style. Each is paired with garlic-parmesan whipped potatoes, green bean casserole, cornbread stuffing, buttery corn and fresh-baked rolls. And don’t skip dessert: the Pumpkin Pie Fritters and Pecan Pie Brownies are the perfect sweet finish. You can enjoy all the holiday favorites along with their full Gulf-inspired menu and bar service, so there’s something for everyone in the family. Rain or shine, The Gulf offers one of the most laid-back, scenic Thanksgiving meals on the Emerald Coast.

Beach Walk Cafe

With a cozy atmosphere, views of the Gulf and incredible cuisine, Beach Walk Café at Henderson Park Inn will be serving up a memorable Thanksgiving dinner on November 27 from Noon to 7pm. Their chef-curated menu features elevated holiday favorites like oven-roasted turkey breast with turkey bone au jus, bourbon honey-glazed ham with pineapple chutney, and a pecan-crusted grouper topped with honey Worcestershire sauce. Guests can choose from gourmet starters and soups, indulge in festive sides such as garlic mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potato with cranberry, turkey stuffing casserole, and green bean casserole, then finish with decadent desserts like pumpkin pie cheesecake or key lime pie. It’s a perfect blend of refined dining and coastal charm, ideal for couples or families looking to celebrate Thanksgiving in an intimate, waterfront setting.

Planning Tips for Thanksgiving in Destin

• Reserve early: If you’re going out, call ahead or check for reservations. These spots fill up.
• Check seating times: Many places serve from around 11am and go until mid-afternoon (and sometimes later).
• Ask about pricing: Menus may be fixed-price for holiday meals.
• Confirm your kitchen details: If you’re staying in a vacation rental, double check what kitchen gear is provided and how much fridge space you’ll have.
• Enjoy the setting: Being in Destin means you could follow your meal with some beach time or a sunset stroll. Be sure to take a break from watching football and enjoy the scenery!

Whether you’re craving a classic turkey feast, fresh Gulf seafood, or a chef-driven holiday menu, Destin offers an incredible range of Thanksgiving dining options. From upscale waterfront restaurants to relaxed, family-friendly spots, there’s truly something for every kind of celebration. No matter where you choose to dine, you’ll find good food, beautiful views, and plenty of coastal holiday charm. Here’s to a delicious and stress-free Thanksgiving on the Emerald Coast!