Thanksgiving on Amelia Island pairs coastal scenery, relaxed island pacing, and standout dining options, from beachfront restaurants to elevated resort feasts and ready-to-enjoy holiday meals.
Looking for a destination for your next Thanksgiving celebration? Amelia Island, a quiet barrier island in Northeast Florida, is a great place to infuse the holiday with coastal backdrops, uncrowded beaches, maritime forests, historic charm, and a strong sense of local character.
Beyond that, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to places where you can dine and celebrate Thanksgiving with your loved ones. From traditional turkey dinners served at the table to resort-style feasts and fully prepared meals you can enjoy back at your vacation rental, the island offers plenty of options.
At Stay Better Vacations, we offer a handpicked collection of vacation rentals across Amelia Island and the charming town of St. Marys, Georgia. From relaxed beachfront stays to homes close to history and local flavor, plus plenty of pet-friendly options, it’s easy to find a place that fits the way you want to travel. Planning an Amelia Island escape and looking for tips? Visit our travel blog, where our local experts share curated guides on vacationing with dogs, biking around Amelia Island, top annual events, and more.
In this blog post, I’ve selected some of the best places to dine on Thanksgiving, along with options for meals to go, ideal for an intimate dinner or lunch at your vacation rental with your holiday crew.
TL;DR: Thanksgiving Dining Options on Amelia Island
- 1928 Cuban Bistro: Holiday comfort food with Cuban influence in a lively, colorful setting.
- Sandbar Amelia Island: Thanksgiving dishes served oceanfront, ideal for families.
- Natural Slice & Mellow Yello: Casual pizza-and-dessert option for a holiday meal.
- Surfcaster: Plated Thanksgiving favorites with a coastal twist.
- Falcon’s Nest: Smoked turkey and comfort food in a relaxed pub-style setting.
- Thanksgiving Grand Feast: Festive buffet designed for multigenerational groups.
- Salt: Refined prix fixe Thanksgiving menu with a strong seafood focus.
- Coast: Southern-inspired Thanksgiving buffet with coastal flavors.
- Marché Burette: Fully prepared Thanksgiving meals and gourmet market offerings.
- Pogo’s Kitchen: Customizable Thanksgiving meals for low-stress dining at your rental.
Dining Out on Thanksgiving Day
If you’d rather skip the cooking and enjoy a meal out, these restaurants across Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach are open on Thanksgiving, many with special holiday menus.
1. 1928 Cuban Bistro — Holiday comfort with Cuban influence
1928 Cuban Bistro offers a Thanksgiving experience that blends holiday staples with Cuban flavors and warm hospitality. As you savor dishes known for their bold flavors, you can soak in the restaurant’s colorful, lively atmosphere, giving the Thanksgiving celebration a non-traditional yet meaningful touch.
Highlights:
- Thanksgiving dishes with subtle Cuban touches.
- Flexible option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Ideal for visitors looking for a celebration that’s not overly traditional.
2. Sandbar Amelia Island — Classic Thanksgiving by the ocean
This is one of Amelia Island’s most popular beachfront restaurants, and Thanksgiving here centers on a traditional holiday menu served in a vibrant yet relaxed coastal setting.
Highlights:
- Roasted turkey, ham, and hearty holiday sides.
- Oceanfront location with a festive atmosphere.
- Popular with families and multigenerational groups.
3. Natural Slice & Mellow Yello — Casual, kid-friendly, and completely unfussy
Not everyone wants a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. Natural Slice & Mellow Yello is a great option for a casual, low-key holiday meal centered around pizza and frozen yogurt, making it especially appealing to families with kids or groups with mixed preferences.
Why it works:
- Familiar, crowd-pleasing food.
- Easy takeout or dine-in option.
- Great fallback if plans shift or reservations are limited.
Thanksgiving Dining at Omni Amelia Island Resort
Omni Amelia Island Resort is home to several stylish restaurants that typically offer Thanksgiving-specific menus, ranging from casual to upscale. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, you can make a reservation at one of their restaurants and enjoy the holiday offerings.
4. Surfcaster — Traditional holiday plates with a coastal twist
For traditional Thanksgiving favorites with a coastal twist, Surfcaster is your best bet. Expect turkey or prime rib alongside seasonal sides and light regional seafood influences. One of the highlights is their relaxed boathouse setting, with vibrant coastal design and inviting outdoor spaces that make your holiday celebration all about immersing in beach vibes.
Best for:
- Visitors who want a plated Thanksgiving dinner.
- Seafood lovers.
- Couples or families seeking something elevated but not formal.
- A relaxed boathouse setting for those looking for beach vibes.
5. Falcon’s Nest — Thanksgiving, sandwich-style
Falcon’s Nest is another option for a more casual celebration filled with holiday-inspired comfort food, often featuring smoked turkey prepared in a more relaxed, pub-style format.
Why choose it:
- Less formal than traditional Thanksgiving dinners.
- Familiar flavors with a casual presentation.
- Good option for later dinners or laid-back plans.
Thanksgiving at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
For travelers looking to elevate the holiday into a full culinary event, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is the island’s most upscale Thanksgiving destination.
6. Thanksgiving Grand Feast — A celebratory, large-scale holiday event
Want to get fancy? Designed as a full-scale holiday gathering rather than a simple meal, the Thanksgiving Grand Feast at The Ritz-Carlton brings together classic dishes, generous buffet-style spreads, and showstopper dessert stations.
The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, making it a good fit for groups looking for a festive setting, especially those on a multi-generational Thanksgiving trip.
Why people choose it:
- Extensive holiday buffet.
- Activities for children.
- A festive, refined, and celebratory atmosphere great for big families.
7. Salt — Thanksgiving, reimagined
Salt offers a prix fixe Thanksgiving menu crafted with seasonal ingredients and a strong emphasis on seafood and refined technique. The atmosphere is elegant and a perfect fit for couples traveling over Thanksgiving, as well as those planning a romantic getaway.
Ideal for:
- Food-focused travelers.
- Couples celebrating the holiday together.
- Visitors looking for something distinctly non-buffet.
8. Coast — Southern-inspired Thanksgiving buffet
Known for its modern take on coastal American cuisine, Coast highlights locally sourced seafood, seasonal produce, steaks, fresh pasta, salads, and small plates across breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all served in a relaxed indoor or terrace setting that’s great for groups and families alike.
For a more casual yet elegant Thanksgiving celebration centered on thoughtfully crafted dishes, this should be on your holiday bucket list.
Why it’s popular:
- Familiar holiday dishes with Southern flair.
- Relaxed elegance rather than formality.
- Thoughtfully crafted dishes.
Thanksgiving Meals To Go
If your ideal Thanksgiving involves pajamas, ocean views, and a dining table at your vacation rental, these local businesses offer fully prepared meals for pickup.
9. Marché Burette — A complete Thanksgiving, done for you
Marché Burette serves everything from hearty breakfasts and weekend brunch to fresh, house-made pastries year-round. This beloved local spot combines a restaurant and gourmet market in one inviting space. The adjoining grocery and wine shop offers a curated selection of specialty foods and treats from well-known producers, making it ideal for visitors who want to pick up delicacies to enjoy Thanksgiving in their vacation rentals.
During the holiday, Marché Burette also offers ready-to-serve Thanksgiving meals designed for families or small groups, perfect if you prefer to have everything prepared for a relaxed celebration with loved ones.
What people love:
- Fully cooked turkey and traditional sides.
- Minimal effort beyond reheating.
- A polished, high-quality take-home option.
- Selection of specialty foods and treats from well-known producers.
10. Pogo’s Kitchen — Build-your-own Thanksgiving
Pogo’s Kitchen is a go-to option for travelers who want flexibility on Thanksgiving. Their holiday packages let you order a full feast or simply fill in the gaps. They also offer professionally prepared sides, mains, or desserts to pair with your own cooking. It’s a low-stress choice for celebrating Thanksgiving at your vacation rental, especially if you want homemade vibes without doing all the work.
Why it works:
- Customizable menus.
- Clear reheating instructions.
- Great for travelers who want control without cooking from scratch.
Tips for Planning Thanksgiving on Amelia Island
- Make reservations early: Thanksgiving is a popular time on the island, especially at resort restaurants and well-known local spots, and tables tend to fill quickly.
- Decide on your vibe first: A buffet, a plated dinner, or a take-home feast. Each sets a very different tone for the day, so choose what fits your group best.
- Balance food with time outdoors: A beach walk, a bike ride, or a stroll through Fort Clinch State Park is the perfect counterpoint to a big holiday meal.
- Plan around daylight: Shorter days mean it’s worth scheduling outdoor time earlier, then settling in for a relaxed afternoon or early dinner.
- Don’t over-plan: Part of Amelia Island’s charm is letting the day unfold at an easy pace, with space to linger, explore, and enjoy being together.
Best Things to Do on Amelia Island During a Thanksgiving Getaway
Here are some of the best ways to spend your Thanksgiving getaway beyond the table:
- Beach walks and shell hunting: Late November is one of the most pleasant times of year for long walks along Amelia Island’s wide, uncrowded beaches. Morning strolls are ideal for shelling, while sunset walks offer soft light and open views of the Atlantic.
- Explore historic Fernandina Beach: Centre Street and the surrounding historic district are perfect for a low-effort afternoon wander. Independent shops, bookstores, cafés, and galleries stay lively during Thanksgiving week, and the Victorian-era architecture adds character to the visit.
- Bike the island’s trails and neighborhoods: Amelia Island’s relatively flat terrain and network of bike-friendly paths make cycling an easy way to explore maritime forests, residential streets, and coastal stretches.
- Spend time at Fort Clinch State Park: Fort Clinch mixes history, nature, and scenery in one place. You can walk the preserved fort, explore shaded trails through maritime forest, or head out to the quieter northern beaches for a more rugged coastal experience.
- Plan a relaxed outdoor afternoon: Thanksgiving week is ideal for picnics, porch time, and quality time with family at your vacation rental. Many visitors use the holiday as an excuse to slow down, read, cook lightly, or simply enjoy being together without a packed agenda.
Make Your Trip to Amelia Island Even Better
Specializing in boutique-style service, Stay Better Vacations offers thoughtfully curated vacation rentals across Amelia Island, Florida, and St. Marys, Georgia. As a locally owned, women-operated company, we focus on warm Southern hospitality and stays that feel personal, relaxed, and easy. Get ready for beach days, coastal adventures, and time well spent with family or friends. Traveling with a pup? Select pet-friendly vacation rentals make it simple to include every member of the crew.
