Where to Eat a Full Thanksgiving Feast by the Ocean in South Carolina

South Carolina’s shoreline sets a serene backdrop for a holiday plate piled high with classics.

Ocean breezes, sparkling horizons, and welcoming dining rooms turn Thanksgiving into a coastal ritual worth planning around.

From polished dining rooms by the dunes to buffets where the tide hums outside, these picks blend tradition with seaside character.

Read on to find distinctive places that make the day feel special, right where the Atlantic meets the Palmetto State.

1. The Boathouse at Breach Inlet, Isle of Palms

At the edge of Isle of Palms, The Boathouse overlooks the swift waters of Breach Inlet where dolphins sometimes surface near sunset. The dining room features wood accents, nautical memorabilia, and wide windows with views that pull your gaze outdoors. On Thanksgiving, the kitchen leans into classic flavors while honoring the coast, a pairing that suits this celebrated South Carolina setting.

Expect roasted turkey accompanied by bright cranberry and herb-laced sides, then look to the seafood section for local catches. Servers move with calm precision, keeping the experience warm and unhurried. The atmosphere invites conversation, with the inlet’s tide offering a gentle soundtrack to the holiday spread.

Book early, since holiday seatings are known to fill. Arrive a bit before your reservation to watch the changing light across the water from the observation deck. Parking is straightforward, and the location sits just over the connector from Mount Pleasant, making it easy for families driving in.

2. SeaBlue Restaurant & Wine Bar, North Myrtle Beach

SeaBlue’s polished blue glow and modern art glass set a refined tone a short hop from the Atlantic. Known for attentive service and a chef-driven approach, the restaurant crafts a Thanksgiving menu that respects tradition while nodding to the sea. The room feels intimate, making it a strong pick for couples or small groups seeking a quieter holiday.

Turkey arrives with seasonal sides, and seafood options rotate with availability, keeping the menu fresh. Staff guide guests through courses with ease, pacing the evening so conversations flow. Its location near the beach means you can step out for a post-meal stroll beneath the salt air.

Reservations are essential since holiday hours can be limited. Ask about seating times and any special features for the day. South Carolina’s coast has many celebratory dining rooms, yet SeaBlue stands out for precision, balance, and a serene atmosphere that lets the meal take center stage.

3. Captain George’s Seafood Buffet, North Myrtle Beach

Captain George’s pairs a grand coastal dining hall with a holiday crowd eager for variety. You will find the bustle of families, the hum of conversations, and a layout that makes navigating stations simple. The building sits near the water, so you can catch ocean breezes when stepping outside between courses.

The Thanksgiving spread highlights roasted turkey and trimmings alongside a deep lineup of seafood. Plates fill quickly, and staff keep stations replenished so options stay consistent. Large parties appreciate the space to spread out, making this a practical choice for multi-generational gatherings.

Arrive early to ease parking and beat peak lines. Once seated, set a relaxed pace and explore sections in stages, starting with savory staples before circling back for Lowcountry flavors. For an unfussy, celebratory feast close to the beach in South Carolina, this buffet delivers volume, choice, and a festive rhythm.

4. House of Blues Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing

Inside Barefoot Landing, House of Blues transforms its lively concert space into a warm Thanksgiving gathering spot. The rustic wood, folk art, and colorful lighting create a soulful setting a short distance from the shoreline. Families and friends settle into roomy seating while the staff keep the mood easygoing.

The holiday buffet centers on traditional favorites, then expands into Southern comfort classics that suit the coastal crowd. Live music often provides a mellow backdrop, adding a celebratory feel without overshadowing conversation. It is a relaxed way to savor the day near the water.

Plan ahead and check holiday seating windows, since demand rises quickly. Arrive early to stroll the boardwalks around the lake, then head inside when your time arrives. For a South Carolina Thanksgiving that blends community spirit, music, and hearty plates, this venue offers an experience with genuine character.

5. 21 Main at North Beach, North Myrtle Beach

Set within North Beach resort grounds, 21 Main presents a polished dining room with crisp linens and coastal garden views. On Thanksgiving, the kitchen builds a chef-led spread that balances classic recipes with seasonal market picks. The setting feels celebratory without being stiff, perfect for extended families.

Look for a carving station and composed sides that arrive with care. Servers pace courses so the table can linger, allowing time to appreciate the calm just inland from the shore. The room’s soft lighting and spacious layout help conversations flow.

Holiday seatings are popular, so book ahead and confirm timing. Consider arriving early to walk the nearby pathways and breathe in the salt air drifting from the beach. In South Carolina’s busy holiday map, 21 Main stands out for precision, grace, and a setting that feels special from the moment you step inside.

6. The Porch Southern Kitchen & Bar, Hilton Head Island

At Beach House Resort, The Porch offers a breezy setting steps from the sand on Hilton Head Island. The dining room opens to airy patios with coastal greenery and gentle surf in the distance. Thanksgiving here blends Southern hospitality with island ease.

Expect a holiday menu centered on turkey and seasonal sides, prepared with a Lowcountry touch. Service keeps the pace smooth for families moving between indoors and the outdoor lounge spaces. After the meal, a short walk brings you to the shoreline for a slow beach stroll.

Confirm holiday hours and reserve in advance, as the resort draws loyal repeat guests. Parking is convenient on site, and the atmosphere suits both relaxed and dressy plans. For a South Carolina Thanksgiving beside the ocean, The Porch delivers comfort, calm, and a setting that makes the day feel unrushed.

7. Bay Watch Resort, North Myrtle Beach

Bay Watch Resort hosts a Thanksgiving buffet inside a bright oceanfront ballroom where windows frame rolling waves. Elevators whisk guests from the lobby to event spaces that feel welcoming and easy to navigate. Families settle at wide tables and watch the Atlantic while planning second helpings.

The buffet features turkey with classic accompaniments and a selection of sides that keep the line moving. Staff manage flow efficiently, keeping the atmosphere relaxed even during peak times. It is a practical, cheerful choice for groups staying along South Carolina’s Grand Strand.

Reserve seats and ask about parking validation or guest access if you are not staying at the resort. Consider timing your arrival to catch a beach walk right before sunset. The combination of ocean views, ample seating, and a well-run service makes this a reliable holiday anchor on the coast.

8. Shoreline Cafe at Grande Shores, Myrtle Beach

Inside Grande Shores, Shoreline Cafe hosts a Thanksgiving buffet in a casual, beach-adjacent dining room. The space opens toward the pool decks and dunes, bringing in soft coastal light. Families appreciate the easygoing vibe and quick seating transitions.

The holiday menu centers on roasted turkey and comforting sides, with desserts that fit the season. Staff are helpful with larger parties, moving tables to accommodate changing group sizes. It is a straightforward, friendly option for travelers who want the ocean nearby without fuss.

Call ahead to confirm seating times and reserve a slot that pairs with your beach plans. Arrive early to park and explore the shoreline before settling in. Among South Carolina’s oceanfront choices, Shoreline Cafe stands out for convenience, calm service, and a location that keeps the Atlantic right within view.