The Most Beautiful Restaurants in Florida for a Thanksgiving Dinner with a View

Thanksgiving in Florida doesn’t mean you have to give up amazing views while enjoying your holiday feast.

The Sunshine State offers stunning waterfront restaurants where you can watch the sunset over the Gulf, gaze at city skylines, or spot dolphins swimming by while savoring your turkey and stuffing.

Whether you prefer elegant fine dining or a casual barefoot atmosphere, these restaurants combine delicious holiday meals with scenery that will make your Thanksgiving truly unforgettable.

1. Rusty Pelican Miami (Key Biscayne)

Picture yourself sipping champagne while Miami’s glittering skyline reflects across Biscayne Bay. This sophisticated restaurant has earned its reputation as one of South Florida’s premier waterfront dining destinations, especially during the holidays.

The panoramic views through massive windows create an unforgettable backdrop for your Thanksgiving celebration. Confirmed to host a special 2025 Thanksgiving experience, the menu blends traditional holiday favorites with fresh coastal flavors.

Sunset timing makes this spot magical, as the sky transforms into brilliant oranges and pinks behind downtown Miami’s iconic buildings. Reserve early because this chic venue fills up quickly during holiday weekends.

2. Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant (Fort Myers)

Fort Myers locals know this hidden gem offers some of the most peaceful waterfront dining on the Gulf Coast. Positioned right where boats enter Port Sanibel Marina, you’ll watch vessels glide past while enjoying your holiday meal.

The spacious covered deck means you can dine outdoors without worrying about Florida’s unpredictable weather. Their confirmed 2025 Thanksgiving menu promises classic turkey dinners alongside fresh Gulf seafood options that celebrate local flavors.

Families love the relaxed atmosphere here; kids can watch for fish jumping in the inlet while adults appreciate the calming marina views. The sunsets paint the sky in spectacular shades that photographers dream about capturing.

3. Cap’s on the Water (St. Augustine)

St. Augustine residents will tell you this restaurant serves up what might be Florida’s most breathtaking sunsets. Positioned directly on the Intracoastal Waterway, the view alone is worth the trip to America’s oldest city.

The expansive outdoor deck gets you close to the water, where you can feel the gentle breeze while watching boats cruise by during your Thanksgiving feast. Known for hosting large holiday gatherings, this venue likely offers special Thanksgiving seating in 2025.

History meets natural beauty here, as the ancient city’s charm blends with modern waterfront dining. Arrive a bit early to snag a prime deck table and watch the sun slowly sink into the horizon.

4. Chart House (Daytona Beach)

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Halifax River like a living painting at this upscale dining destination. Part of a respected fine-dining chain, Chart House brings reliability and elegance to your Thanksgiving celebration.

Marina Point’s location means you might spot dolphins playing in the river or manatees surfacing for air between courses. The yacht-filled marina creates a sophisticated backdrop that transforms your holiday dinner into something extraordinary.

Passing boats add movement and interest to the scenery throughout your meal. As a major chain known for holiday service, you can count on them offering Thanksgiving dining in 2025 with their signature attention to detail and quality.

5. Bon Appétit Restaurant (Dunedin)

Voted “Best Waterfront Dining in Tampa Bay,” this restaurant lives up to its French name with culinary excellence and jaw-dropping views. St. Joseph Sound stretches before you with Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands creating a postcard-perfect horizon.

The panoramic setting makes every seat feel special, whether you’re inside or on the patio. Known for celebrating major holidays with style, there’s high confidence they’ll offer Thanksgiving dining in 2025.

Dunedin’s charming small-town vibe adds to the experience, making this feel like a discovery rather than a tourist trap. The combination of award-winning food and unbeatable scenery creates memories that last long after dessert.

6. Latitudes (Sunset Key, Key West)

Reaching this exclusive restaurant requires a short ferry ride to a private island—an adventure that sets the tone for an extraordinary Thanksgiving. Once you arrive, the crowds of Key West fade away, replaced by swaying palms and endless ocean vistas.

The quiet, intimate setting feels worlds away from typical tourist dining despite being just minutes from downtown. Known for hosting special holiday events, this venue likely offers Thanksgiving service in 2025 for those seeking something truly unique.

Open ocean views stretch to the horizon, creating a sense of escape and luxury. The combination of island exclusivity and top-notch cuisine makes this worth the extra planning effort.

7. The Grand Marlin (Panama City Beach)

Elegance meets Gulf Coast charm at this refined waterfront establishment overlooking the scenic Grand Lagoon. The oyster bar adds a sophisticated touch that elevates your Thanksgiving beyond standard turkey-and-gravy fare.

Confirmed to offer a special Thanksgiving feast in 2025, they expertly blend traditional holiday classics with fresh coastal seafood. The lagoon views provide a calmer, more serene alternative to open-ocean dining while still capturing that essential waterfront atmosphere.

Panama City Beach’s reputation for beautiful waters shines through the windows here. Families appreciate the upscale-yet-welcoming vibe that makes everyone feel comfortable, whether dressed up or keeping it casual Florida-style.

8. Ulele (Tampa)

History comes alive at this beautifully restored building sitting right on Tampa’s Hillsborough River. Named after a Native American princess, the restaurant honors Florida’s rich cultural heritage while serving innovative cuisine.

Watch rowers glide past your window as you enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with a view of the city’s waterfront history. As a major local culinary landmark, they’re highly likely to offer holiday dining in 2025.

The unique setting combines urban energy with natural river beauty in a way few restaurants achieve. The building’s architectural charm adds character that cookie-cutter restaurants simply can’t match, making your Thanksgiving feel both special and authentically Floridian.

9. The Sandbar Restaurant (Anna Maria Island)

“No shoes required” is the unofficial motto at this laid-back Gulf-side gem sitting directly on the sand. Anna Maria Island’s old-Florida charm shines through in this casual spot where formality takes a backseat to spectacular views.

Watch the sunset literally melt into the Gulf of Mexico while wiggling your toes in the sand between bites of Thanksgiving dinner. As a staple for holiday beachfront dining, they’re highly likely to serve Thanksgiving in 2025.

Families with kids love the relaxed vibe; nobody worries about sandy feet or beach hair here. The combination of traditional holiday flavors and that salty Gulf breeze creates an unforgettable Thanksgiving that’s quintessentially coastal Florida.

10. Rusty Pelican Tampa (Rocky Point)

Rocky Point’s tropical ambiance creates an island-resort feeling without leaving the Tampa Bay area. This Rusty Pelican location offers completely different views than its Miami sister restaurant, showcasing Tampa Bay from the scenic Courtney Campbell Causeway perspective.

The unique vantage point captures both natural beauty and urban energy as the causeway stretches across the bay. Lush landscaping enhances the tropical vibe, making you feel like you’ve escaped to somewhere more exotic.

Tampa Bay’s calmer waters create peaceful reflections during sunset hours that photographers adore. The combination of accessibility, stunning views, and reliable quality makes this an excellent choice for families wanting a memorable Thanksgiving without excessive formality.