When the rest of the country is bundling up and raking leaves, the Alabama Gulf Coast is still warm and sparkling under turquoise skies. Thanksgiving at the beach? You bet your sweet tea it’s a thing, and once you’ve done it, you might just trade in your flannel for flip flops every November ever after. Whether you’re gathering around a beach house table loaded with Gulf shrimp or looking for a way to give back before that second slice of pie, there’s something special about celebrating on the Alabama Coast. Here’s where to eat, where to volunteer, and how to make this coastal holiday one to remember.

Turkey and Traditions, Gulf Coast Style

Down here, a good meal isn’t just about what’s on the table; it’s about who’s sitting around it. The Gulf Coast’s restaurant scene is stuffed fuller than Grandma’s casserole dish with places serving Thanksgiving spreads that’ll have you loosening your belt in gratitude.

1. The Hangout, Gulf Shores
   The Hangout is hosting its Family Style Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Expect roasted turkey, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, Gulf seafood, and live entertainment for the perfect mix of comfort and coastal fun.
2. Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach
   For an upscale experience with stunning Gulf views, Perdido Beach Resort will once again host its Thanksgiving Buffet, featuring an elegant menu prepared by the talented Voyagers culinary team. Guests can enjoy prime rib, fresh seafood, roasted turkey, and pumpkin crème brûlée. Reservations are required.
3. Flora-Bama Lounge
   Flora-Bama’s Annual Thanksgiving Potluck returns Thursday, November 27, 2025. The turkey and ham are provided; guests bring a covered dish. Serving begins at 1 PM, with dish drop off starting at noon. It’s a laid back local tradition filled with Southern hospitality.
4. Other Local Favorites
   Several local spots are also known for serving Thanksgiving meals:

• LuLu’s (Gulf Shores): Owned by Lucy Buffett, LuLu’s serves up coastal favorites and Southern comfort classics in a family friendly setting. After your meal, stroll the Intracoastal Waterway or relax in a hammock under the string lights.
• Cobalt, The Restaurant (Orange Beach): A coastal classic offering upscale Thanksgiving dining with a view of the water.

From beachside buffets to candlelit suppers, there’s no shortage of places to pull up a chair, pass the gravy, and give thanks by the Gulf.

A Side of Service

If you’re the kind of Beachballer who believes gratitude is best shown through action, Thanksgiving on the coast offers plenty of ways to lend a hand before or after your feast. From food drives to community dinners, there’s no shortage of ways to share a smile.

1. Christian Service Center, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan
   This long-standing organization provides meals and support for local families year-round, and Thanksgiving is one of its busiest times. Volunteers can help prepare meals, pack food boxes, or assist in the thrift store before heading back for turkey time.
2. Feeding the Gulf Coast, Baldwin County
   With drop off locations and volunteer opportunities all along the coast, this group fights hunger for thousands of families. Check their volunteer calendar to help sort and distribute food or donate directly from your holiday grocery haul.
3. Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama
   From serving meals to collecting toys for the Angel Tree program, the Salvation Army always needs extra hands during the holidays. It’s a great way to teach kids that Thanksgiving isn’t just about giving thanks but about being the reason someone else gives thanks too.
4. Local Church Dinners
   Many churches in Gulf Shores, Foley, and Orange Beach host community Thanksgiving dinners that welcome everyone. Volunteers can serve food, deliver meals, or offer fellowship. Check local listings or social media for details.

Sunrise, Shopping, and Sweet Memories by the Sea

Take a Sunrise Walk on the Beach
Begin your day with a peaceful stroll along the shoreline as the sky turns shades of pink and gold. The sea oats swaying in the breeze are a quiet reminder of gratitude.

Host a Beachfront Friendsgiving
Gather your crew, add a few twinkle lights, and enjoy Thanksgiving right on the sand. Fried turkey tastes even better with salt air in your hair.

Shop Small Saturday at The Wharf or in Foley
After the feast, skip the big box stores and browse local boutiques filled with unique gifts and coastal treasures.

Grateful by the Gulf

There’s something special about celebrating Thanksgiving where time slows down and the tide takes your worries with it. Maybe it’s the sound of the surf, the sight of kids building sandcastles in November, or the reminder that blessings come in all shapes and sizes, some even shaped like seashells.

So kick off your boots, sink your toes in the sand, and let your heart be full, not just from the food but from the joy of being together. And if you’re lucky enough to be a Beachballer, you already know the best way to make it happen by staying with BEACHBALL PROPERTIES. From cozy condos in Gulf Shores to beachfront homes in Fort Morgan and Orange Beach, there’s a perfect spot waiting for your family’s favorite holiday memories.

Come Have A Ball At The Beach!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson