Thanksgiving Golf on Florida's First Coast

Situated along the coast of sunny Northeast Florida, the golf courses, hotels and resorts, and experiences of Florida’s First Coast offer an unforgettable, summer-like experience in late November.

Here are four excellent reasons why golfers — and their families — should choose to spend their Thanksgiving holiday weekend along Florida’s First Coast:

1. Unbeatable Weather on Unparalleled Courses

Did you know that Florida’s dry season starts in November? This means you don’t have to worry about severe storms arriving in the middle of your vacation, which could dampen your golf game or make for a windy day on the course. Not only is Florida less rainy in November, it’s also cooler and very pleasant, with average temperatures in the low 80s during the day and the mid 60s at night.

These optimal conditions make for perfect late-fall days spent on the 100 miles of coastal golf courses in Northeast Florida. For a true only-in-Florida November golfing experience, choose from one of the oceanfront or waterfront courses located on the serene Amelia Island, like The Amelia River Club, Fernandina Beach Golf Club, or Oak Marsh at Omni Amelia Island Resort, or listen to soothing ocean waves crash just yards away as you golf your way through the otherworldly Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort.

For a full list of our signature courses, click here.

2. Holiday Deals & Vacation Packages at Florida Golf Resorts

As the official start of the holiday season, Thanksgiving is the ideal time to plan a golf vacation because many area resorts and hotels offer special deals and vacation packages leading into the winter. Look for special offers that bundle luxurious stays at top resorts — like Hammock Beach Resort, Omni Amelia Island Resort, Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, and Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa — with play at one of our signature courses, like the iconic PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass or the Nicklaus/Palmer-designed King & Bear Course at World Golf Village. These golf getaway packages also make for excellent holiday gifts and memorable couples vacations along Florida’s First Coast.

To view a full list of golf vacation packages, click here.

3. Endless Activities

Northeast Florida is incredibly diverse and is filled with plenty of unique experiences that are sure to keep any golfer busy when they are not on the course. The region boasts the state’s largest city — Jacksonville — as well as some of its most beautiful beaches. Traveling with a group of buddies or your family, including the kids and grandparents? No worries. Everyone in your group will find something to love about Florida’s First Coast.

Feast on Fresh, Local Food

From fine dining to fish camps, food lovers will find much to appreciate about the restaurant scene in Northeast Florida. Many restaurants will be open and ready to serve you on Thanksgiving Day and throughout the weekend, whether you’re craving a traditional turkey dinner, fresh seafood, or something a bit different. Golf aficionados shouldn’t miss the scratch-made meals available at Murray Bros. Caddyshack, located within the World Golf Village Resort.

Sip Suds from Regional Breweries

Adults will love exploring Northeast Florida’s booming craft beer scene. Make a few stops along the Jax Ale Trail, whose Brewery Passport rewards imbibers with special prizes as they visit different breweries, bars and bottle shops. In honor of the holiday, be sure to try Bold City Brewery’s Pumpkin Ale and toast to the season. West of Jacksonville in Clay County you can check out Pinglehead Brewery, whose seasonal brews include a malty PHestbier lager.

Relax at Florida’s Finest Spas

Take some time for wellness and relaxation while you are visiting Northeast Florida, where you will find some of the finest spas in the state, such as the renowned nature-inspired spa at the Omni Amelia Island Resort. Also located on Florida’s First Coast are Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa and Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The exclusive spas at these resorts offer a wide range of services in tranquil and luxurious settings.

Embark on a Shopping Spree

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the boutique and souvenir shops, art galleries, traditional malls and outlets, and even arts and crafts fairs throughout Florida’s First Coast. You can even find unique gifts here that you would not find anywhere else — like a bottle of water from the actual Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine. For all of your golf needs, visit the PGA TOUR Superstore in Jacksonville, where you can stock up on golf attire, clubs and accessories, and even improve your skills at the on-site 1,134-square-foot putting green.

Bond Over Family-Friendly Activities

From award-winning zoos and wildlife parks to watersports, fascinating museums, and historic sites, Northeast Florida wins the game when it comes to experiences for every member of the family. The sheer number and variety of things to do is what defines this vacation destination. Infuse a bit more golf into your family fun time with a trip to Topgolf in Jacksonville. This high-tech driving range is perfect for a little family competition as you take turns driving balls into illuminated targets, with state-of-the-art ball-tracking technology keeping score as you play.

4. Celebrate the Holiday Season, Florida-Style

All across Florida’s First Coast, unique and festive events take place during Thanksgiving holiday weekend. You won’t glimpse snow and reindeers in these parts, but how about watching the magical Light Boat Parade in downtown Jacksonville? During this event, which has been celebrated in Jacksonville for over 30 years, boats decked out in their holiday finest make their way down the St. Johns River, to the sheer delight of onlookers who gather on the riverbanks to watch the spectacle.

In St. Augustine, you can walk through the historic district and witness the dazzling festival of lights known as the Nights of Lights, listed among the top 10 holiday light displays in the world by National Geographic and celebrating its 29th year in 2022. Also during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, TPC Sawgrass hosts its enchanting annual tree lighting ceremony, complete with joyful carolers and hot chocolate.

Start planning your Thanksgiving holiday golf getaway to Florida’s First Coast today! View our award-winning courses, acclaimed resorts and hotels, and browse available vacation packages.

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