Written by Colin Tate
Colin writes for Dunes Realty, bringing you local recommendations and hidden gems around Garden City and Surfside Beach.
Thanksgiving on the Grand Strand offers a totally different experience from celebrating the holiday at home. Instead of spending all day in the kitchen, those who choose to vacation in November can enjoy a sunrise walk by the water, explore local bike trails, or just relax in the sand before letting a local restaurant handle the food. A Thanksgiving beach getaway can be easy, with several restaurants across Garden City Beach, Surfside Beach, and Myrtle Beach offering special menus for the holiday. From traditional holiday dinners to local seafood restaurants and steakhouses, here are some places to consider for Thanksgiving dining at the beach.
Ready to book your Thanksgiving beach getaway? View all of our available Grand Strand vacation rentals now!
In This Post:
- Gulfstream Cafe
- California Dreaming
- Carolina Roadhouse
- New York Prime
- Black Drum Brewing
- Shoreline Cafe
- Spend Your Thanksgiving at the Beach
- Frequently Asked Questions: Thanksgiving in Garden City Beach & Surfside Beach
Gulfstream Cafe
If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving meal with a view, it’s hard to beat Gulfstream Cafe in Garden City Beach. Known for its waterfront setting and sunset views, this longstanding local restaurant offers a traditional Thanksgiving dinner on the holiday. You can expect a menu that includes turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, stuffing, cornbread, and other classic favorites.
Usual menu items, like she-crab soup, crab cakes, and grouper, will also be available, making it a great choice for groups with members who want to change things up. For visitors staying nearby, the option to enjoy a traditional holiday meal while taking in the beautiful coastal scenery makes Gulfstream a particularly appealing pick.
California Dreaming
California Dreaming in Surfside Beach is another convenient choice for Thanksgiving visitors who don’t want to cook at their rental. While the everyday menu includes steaks, pasta, salads, and seafood favorites, such as fried shrimp platters and roasted salmon, the restaurant also typically offers a special Thanksgiving Day selection. Past highlights have included oven-roasted turkey, sugar-cured ham, pecan praline sweet potatoes, and green beans.
Carolina Roadhouse
For something a little less formal, consider having your Thanksgiving dinner at Carolina Roadhouse. This popular Myrtle Beach restaurant is known for its large portions, quality steak and seafood, and famous honey-butter croissants. They also serve a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner featuring oven-roasted turkey, southern-style stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more. For groups that prefer a familiar Myrtle Beach restaurant experience with a holiday twist, Carolina Roadhouse is a great choice.
New York Prime
Not every Thanksgiving meal has to revolve around turkey. New York Prime in Myrtle Beach offers an upscale alternative to the traditional holiday dinner. Specializing in steaks paired with seafood, salads, and à la carte sides, this New York-style steakhouse is great for couples or small groups looking for a unique Thanksgiving outing. You’ll also find a considerably more refined setting than the typical casual beach spot, making it an ideal pick for those who want to dress up and make a special occasion out of their holiday dinner.
Black Drum Brewing
For a unique local take on Thanksgiving dinner, check out Black Drum Brewing in Myrtle Beach. This restaurant typically features a Carolina-inspired smokehouse menu, with barbecue dishes, burgers, pizza, and shareables. On Thanksgiving Day, Black Drum offers a special feast with their own unique spin on the holiday. Hickory-smoked turkey, brown sugar-glazed ham, family-style sides, and seasonal desserts highlight the limited-time holiday menu.
Shoreline Cafe
For another option in Myrtle Beach, consider Shoreline Cafe. This spot hosts a Thanksgiving Day buffet, with scheduled seatings at 12:30, 2:30, and 4:30 pm. The menu includes herb-roasted turkey breast, brown sugar ham, garlic mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and more. The expansive menu and multiple reservation windows make Shoreline another excellent pick for group dining on the holiday.
Spend Your Thanksgiving at the Beach
Featured Garden City Beach Vacation Rental: The Drunken Pelican
Thanksgiving is a great excuse to trade the usual holiday routine for a few days on the South Carolina coast. With local restaurants serving a combination of traditional Thanksgiving meals, family-style feasts, and regular menu favorites, it’s easy to find something for everyone. Just be sure to check with your preferred restaurant in advance for the latest hours, menus, and reservation requirements.
If you don’t want to cook but still would prefer to celebrate back at your vacation rental, most local restaurants serving Thanksgiving meals also offer heat-and-serve to-go options. Consider booking a beautiful oceanfront vacation rental and ordering a takeout Thanksgiving dinner in Garden City Beach this year.
Picking the right accommodations can take your Thanksgiving beach vacation to the next level. At Dunes Realty, we offer a curated selection of properties that are perfect for experiencing everything the Grand Strand has to offer. With dog-friendly units, homes with heated pools, and rentals just a short walk from the beach, we have something to meet every group’s needs. Browse our available units, pick the home that’s best for you, and lock in your November dates today!
Frequently Asked Questions: Thanksgiving in Garden City Beach & Surfside Beach
Where can I eat Thanksgiving dinner near Garden City Beach?
You can find Thanksgiving dinner at several restaurants near Garden City Beach. Gulfstream Cafe is a convenient local option, while additional restaurants in nearby Surfside Beach and Myrtle Beach also offer traditional Thanksgiving meals, buffets, and family-style dining.
Can I get a takeout Thanksgiving dinner near Garden City Beach?
Yes! Some Grand Strand restaurants offer Thanksgiving meals for takeout. Black Drum Brewing and Shoreline Cafe have published Thanksgiving takeout options, while other restaurants may also offer holiday to-go meals. Check directly with the restaurant for current menus, ordering deadlines, and pickup times.
Should I make Thanksgiving restaurant reservations in advance?
Definitely. Thanksgiving is a busy dining day, and restaurants that remain open often have limited seating or special reservation requirements. If you're planning to eat out during your Thanksgiving beach getaway, it's best to make reservations as early as possible.
Is Thanksgiving a good time to visit Garden City Beach?
Thanksgiving is a great time for a quieter beach getaway. While the weather is cooler than in the summer, visitors can still enjoy the coast, local restaurants, and time with family without the peak-season crowds. Staying in a vacation rental also gives you the flexibility to dine out, prepare a meal, or combine both during your holiday visit.
