Planning a holiday getaway with a large group on the Emerald Coast can create unforgettable memories for family and friends. Whether you’re gathering for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or the Fourth of July, the stunning coastline of Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and 30A offers plenty of activities and group-friendly dining options to make your holiday celebration one to remember. Here’s a guide to organizing a festive, hassle-free holiday vacation, complete with tips for holiday-themed activities and group dining.
1. Christmas on the Emerald Coast
Christmas on the Emerald Coast is a magical experience, with beautiful lights, holiday parades, and festive markets. For large groups, staying in a spacious beach home allows everyone to be together while enjoying the cozy warmth of the season.
Festive Activities:
- Destin Harbor Christmas Lighted Boat Parade: One of the most popular holiday events in Destin, this annual boat parade lights up the harbor with festively decorated boats. Afterward, gather with your group to watch the fireworks show.
- Santa’s Arrival at Baytowne Wharf: The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Miramar Beach hosts an array of holiday activities, including ice skating, light displays, and even Santa’s arrival by horse-drawn carriage.
- 30A Holiday Markets: Along 30A, you’ll find holiday markets filled with unique gifts and handmade crafts. It’s a great way to shop for holiday gifts while supporting local artisans.
Group-Friendly Dining:
Many restaurants along the Emerald Coast offer holiday-themed menus, perfect for group dining. For Christmas dinner, consider:
- Vue on 30A: This waterfront restaurant offers beautiful views and a holiday menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
- Cuvee Kitchen + Wine Bar: Located in Destin, Cuvee offers a cozy yet upscale environment, ideal for holiday gatherings with family and friends.
After a day of holiday fun, head back to your Legacy Beach Home, where you can celebrate the season in a spacious, luxurious setting. Visit Legacy Beach Homes to explore our beautiful vacation rentals, perfect for large groups.
2. Thanksgiving on the Emerald Coast
Thanksgiving on the Emerald Coast provides the perfect blend of warm weather, delicious dining, and opportunities to spend quality time with loved ones. Whether you prefer cooking a Thanksgiving feast in a fully equipped kitchen or dining out, the Emerald Coast has it all.
Festive Activities:
- Thanksgiving Day 30A 10K & Fun Run: Start your Thanksgiving with a family-friendly 10K or 5K race along 30A. This scenic run is a great way for large groups to bond and stay active before indulging in Thanksgiving dinner.
- Beach Bonfires in Santa Rosa Beach: After your Thanksgiving meal, gather around a cozy beach bonfire in Santa Rosa Beach. Many local companies, such as La Dolce Vita, will set up a bonfire and provide seating, allowing your group to relax and enjoy the evening together.
Group-Friendly Dining:
If you’d rather skip the cooking, there are several great restaurants offering Thanksgiving feasts:
- Harbor Docks: This Destin institution serves a free Thanksgiving meal to the community, making it a great option for those who want to give back and enjoy a delicious meal.
- Café Thirty-A: A favorite in Santa Rosa Beach, Café Thirty-A hosts a lavish Thanksgiving dinner with all the traditional fixings.
Staying at Legacy Beach Homes offers the added benefit of being able to cook a home-cooked meal for your group, with large kitchens that make preparing Thanksgiving dinner a breeze.
3. Fourth of July Celebrations on the Emerald Coast
The Fourth of July is one of the most exciting times to visit the Emerald Coast, with fireworks, beach parties, and patriotic events taking place all along the coast. Whether you’re staying in Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, or 30A, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate with your group.
Festive Activities:
- Destin Fireworks over the Harbor: Every Fourth of July, Destin Harbor lights up with a spectacular fireworks display. Book a pontoon boat or find a spot on the beach to watch the show with your group.
- Red, White, and Baytowne: The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Miramar Beach hosts a family-friendly Fourth of July celebration with live music, kids’ activities, and a grand fireworks display over the lagoon.
- Seaside Fireworks: 30A’s Seaside community hosts one of the area’s most beloved Fourth of July events, featuring a patriotic parade, live music, and a breathtaking fireworks show on the beach.
Group-Friendly Dining:
For a Fourth of July cookout, consider grabbing fresh seafood from local markets like Sexton’s Seafood in Destin or Goatfeathers Seafood Market in Santa Rosa Beach. These markets offer the freshest seafood perfect for grilling with your group at one of Legacy Beach Homes’ spacious vacation rentals.
Alternatively, if dining out is more your style, many restaurants host Fourth of July parties with festive food and drinks:
- The Bay: Located on 30A, The Bay is a great spot to enjoy casual dining with waterfront views, perfect for group gatherings.
- Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House: With a prime location on Destin Harbor, Boshamps offers fresh seafood and Southern favorites, making it a fun and festive place to dine with large groups.
Plan Your Holiday Getaway with Legacy Beach Homes
Whether you’re planning a Christmas retreat, Thanksgiving gathering, or a Fourth of July celebration, Legacy Beach Homes is the ideal place for large groups to stay on the Emerald Coast. With the largest collection of newly-built vacation homes in Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and 30A, our properties are designed for multi-family and multi-generation vacations.
Our homes feature spacious living areas, 8-bedroom beach homes that sleep 20+ guests, and side-by-side homes that can accommodate groups of 50 or more. With amenities like private pools, golf carts, paddleboards, and easy beach access, Legacy Beach Homes ensures that your holiday vacation is both relaxing and memorable.
Visit Legacy Beach Homes today to book your holiday getaway and start planning your perfect vacation on the Emerald Coast.
Hashtags:
#EmeraldCoastHolidayGetaways, #DestinChristmasVacation, #MiramarBeachThanksgiving, #30AFourthofJuly, #SantaRosaBeachHolidayFun, #LegacyBeachHomes, #LargeGroupVacationRentals, #MultiFamilyVacationRentalHomes, #MultiGenerationVacationRentalHomes, #DestinLargeBeachRentals, #MiramarBeachLargeVacationRentals, #30ALargeBeachVacationHomes, #BeachVacationRentalsForLargeGroups, #FloridaLargeBeachVacationHomes, #8BedroomBeachHomes, #SideBySideBeachRentalsForLargeGroups, #VacationRental, #MultigenerationVacation, #MultifamilyVacation, #GroupVacationFlorida
Hashtags without commas:
#EmeraldCoastHolidayGetaways #DestinChristmasVacation #MiramarBeachThanksgiving #30AFourthofJuly #SantaRosaBeachHolidayFun #LegacyBeachHomes #LargeGroupVacationRentals #MultiFamilyVacationRentalHomes #MultiGenerationVacationRentalHomes #DestinLargeBeachRentals #MiramarBeachLargeVacationRentals #30ALargeBeachVacationHomes #BeachVacationRentalsForLargeGroups #FloridaLargeBeachVacationHomes #8BedroomBeachHomes #SideBySideBeachRentalsForLargeGroups #VacationRental #MultigenerationVacation #MultifamilyVacation #GroupVacationFlorida