Florida’s year-round sun and warmth is what makes it the ideal getaway no matter what time of year you’re here. Time on the beach, taking a plunge in the Gulf of Mexico, and several other fun activities await, plus more special activities in store for the Thanksgiving holiday. Build a Thanksgiving trip that reflects you and your traveling companions’ interests. You’ll find something during Thanksgiving on 30A to make your trip one to remember!
Thanksgiving Dinner
The many restaurants of 30A offer delicious eats just about every day of the year. That includes Thanksgiving! Several establishments are open Thanksgiving Day, serving up your favorite traditional Thanksgiving feast. Some switch gears from their regular fare, while others serve the special meal alongside their regular menu. Other restaurants may be closed for in-person dining but are offering carry-out you can warm up and celebrate with at home.
30A 10K
Every Thanksgiving, residents and visitors alike get some exercise before the big meal. Choose from a 10K run, 5K run/walk, or 1 mile fun run to stretch your legs and burn some pre-Thanksgiving dinner calories. The 10K starts at 7:30 a.m. at Rosemary Beach. The fun run starts just moments later at 7:35 a.m., and the 5K steps off at 9:30 a.m. Register online, and pick up your race packet at The Big Chill on Wednesday, November 22 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. There is NO race day pickup or registration, so plan accordingly.
Stick around after Thanksgiving and ring in the holiday season. The community of Rosemary Beach will be hosting an official Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in the town square. The event takes place Friday, November 24 at 5 p.m.
Beaches
Pack the cooler and your beach gear and prepare for a fun day on land or sea this Thanksgiving. No matter how you enjoy the beach, there’s an activity for you. Sunbathe, take a walk or run on the sand, or plant your beach umbrella and blanket for a picnic with Thanksgiving leftovers. Swim in the waves of the Gulf or take a lesson or rent some gear for activities like stand up paddleboarding and kayaking. You can even plan a horseback ride down the beach!
Coastal Biplane
The Coastal Biplane, better known as the Spirit of 30A, was only built in 2010, but the Ferrari-red craft reflects the look and feel of a classic 1930s biplane aircraft design. The open cockpit design of the Waco YMF-5 biplane seats the pilot and two side-by-side passengers. Look down to catch glimpses of land and sea, and the creatures that inhabit it. Opt for a short 20-minute cruise or choose one of their packages that offer time in the sky!
Dune Lakes
Head to a unique dune lake and experience the water in a different way. Florida is one of just two states in the U.S., and five total places around the world, where coastal dunes are a natural geographic feature. These lakes are typically shallow, irregularly shaped permanent bodies of water. The water is typically brackish and dark-colored due the unique mix of saltwater and freshwater sources. Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, purchase a combo freshwater/saltwater fishing license, or just relax and enjoy the day at the water’s edge.
Hiking
The 30A area is dotted with state parks and hiking trails to create hours of outdoor fun – and exercise – this Thanksgiving. Pack your sun gear, water, and trail snacks and head out to experience the land-based natural beauty of 30A. While you’re out, keep a lookout for local wildlife, including black bear, coyotes, deer, and osprey, to name a few. Take a break from the hike and stop at one of the picnic areas of the state parks to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers.
Snorkel and SCUBA Tours
Tap one of the many companies along 30A for tours that extend your nature and wildlife viewing below the water. You’ll get close to bottlenose dolphins, manatees, rays, sea turtles a variety of fish species, and even sharks! Ask about daytime or sunset tours, as well as gear rental for when you’ve built your confidence and want to dive or snorkel on your own itinerary. Keep in mind, you must be certified before attempting any SCUBA diving on your own.
Spa Day
The beach towns of 30A know how to do relaxation. There are several spas along the historic route that offer massages, body wraps and scrubs, manicures, pedicures, and more. Some even offer special packages for “him” that include manicures, pedicures, and other skin treatments created for his unique needs. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a Thanksgiving visit!
A Memorable Thanksgiving on 30A
Begin and end every day along 30A this Thanksgiving in a vacation rental provided by Dune Vacation Rentals. We have cozy one-bedroom condos all the way up to eight-bedroom single-family homes for a Thanksgiving family reunion at the beach. Prepare the fixings for the Thanksgiving feast or any other meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy the meal in spacious living and dining areas, or in outdoor living and dining spaces. Relax in beautiful and comfortable bedrooms and to bring the feeling of home away from home.
Contact us today to start planning your Thanksgiving on 30A!
