Last checked: September 2026. Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 26, 2026. Holiday hours change, so confirm anything you plan to rely on.
Planning Thanksgiving in Clearwater, FL with a big family? A rental house solves the hardest part: everyone under one roof, a real kitchen and a table that fits. This is what we tell our guests, as the hosts, about beds and bathrooms for a crowd, cooking (or not cooking) the meal, what is closed on the holiday itself and how to fill the days around it. It is written for group Thanksgiving rentals in Florida, from six people up to sixteen.
Group Thanksgiving rental in Florida: what to check first
Before you book any house for a holiday crowd, check four things: beds, bathrooms, table seats and parking. A home that sleeps 16 can feel tight with too few bathrooms, and a table for 8 is awkward for 14 people.
| Home | Area | Sleeps | Table and yard | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodtimes Waterfront | Largo | 16 | Grill, fire pit, pool table, dock; driveway parking for up to 6 cars | Yes |
| On the Creek | Largo | 10 | Indoor table for 10, outdoor dining for 12, garage game room, backyard | Yes |
| Casa Blue Horizon | Indian Rocks Beach | 10 | Outdoor kitchen, two fire pits, game room, 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths | No |
| The Salty Parrot | St. Petersburg | 10 | Pool table converts to a dining table, 3 full baths, parking for 4 | Yes |
Facts are from each home’s listing. Two things guests should know: Goodtimes has a fifth sleeping room inside the fourth bedroom, so ask us for the bed map, and The Salty Parrot does not allow street or lawn parking.
Be realistic about your headcount. If some relatives are coming just for dinner, the house still needs room to sit them. Our Largo homes were built with groups in mind.
Cooking the meal, or not
Most families mix these three options.
- Cook it all. Shop before Thanksgiving Day. Publix stores have traditionally closed on Thanksgiving Day, so confirm with your store and do the big shop by Wednesday. Guests tell us a Publix and pharmacy are about five minutes from Goodtimes, and a Publix and Walmart are about three minutes from The Salty Parrot. Bring special pans or serving dishes you rely on, and message us to ask what the kitchen holds.
- Cook part of it. Many stores and restaurants take pre-orders for sides and pies. Call ahead for availability and pickup times.
- Eat out. Some restaurants serve a Thanksgiving menu, but many require reservations, and hours change. Confirm with each place. Our dining guide has ideas for the rest of the week.
We have stocked a guest’s grocery order before arrival, so ask early if you would like help with that.
Thanksgiving week, day by day
| Day | Plan | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Nov 25 | Arrive, big grocery shop, easy dinner | Best day to shop if stores close Thursday |
| Thursday, Nov 26 | Optional Turkey Trot in the morning, then dinner at the house | Largo Central Park lights open that night (5 to 10 pm) |
| Friday, Nov 27 | Beach morning, Holiday Lights in the Gardens at night | The county lists the daytime gardens closed the day after Thanksgiving and the light show starting Nov 27; confirm the evening hours |
| Saturday, Nov 28 | Fishing, games or the pool at the house | Keep one open day for rest |
| Sunday, Nov 29 | Slow morning, leftovers, depart | Traffic can be heavy on travel day |
Thanksgiving morning: the Clearwater Turkey Trot
The Achieva Clearwater Turkey Trot is held on Thanksgiving morning, with races starting at Clearwater High School on Keene Road, just south of Gulf to Bay Boulevard. The city lists a 5K timed run at 7:00 AM, a family fun run at 8:00 AM and a one mile run later in the morning, ending by 11:00 AM. Registration is through RunSignUp, so sign up in advance and confirm times.
Thanksgiving Day: stay home
Many attractions close on the holiday. The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sunken Gardens is closed on Thanksgiving and the Museum of Fine Arts is closed on both holidays. The Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center is also closed Thanksgiving Day. The county lists Florida Botanical Gardens as closed the day after Thanksgiving, not on the holiday itself. Use Thursday for the meal, a walk, football and a fire pit, and check hours before driving anywhere.
Friday and Saturday: beach and lights
A late November beach walk is a nice way to shake off the feast, but the water can be cool, so bring layers. From Goodtimes, Indian Rocks Beach is about 10 minutes by car, and Casa Blue Horizon is four blocks from the Gulf. See our Clearwater beach guide and the beaches page.
Holiday Lights & Carnival Rides at Largo Central Park opens on November 26, 2026 and runs nightly, 5 to 10 pm through December 27, with free parking and free walking. Holiday Lights in the Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens opens Friday, November 27, with a suggested $10 donation for guests over 12. See our guide to Christmas lights in St Pete and Clearwater for details.
The pool in late November
Homes with a heated pool have heating included. Heat pumps warm the water roughly 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above the current air temperature, so a cool evening can limit it. Treat the pool as a bonus, not the main event.
Homes for a big Thanksgiving
Goodtimes Waterfront: sleeps 16, dock, fire pit, pool table, heated pool and pets allowed. Guests have held reunions and birthdays here, and one family of 16 said everyone fit comfortably.
On the Creek: sleeps 10, heated pool, backyard, garage game room and pets allowed. It is our highest rated home.
Casa Blue Horizon: sleeps 10, four blocks from the Gulf, heated saltwater pool and spa, no pets. See Indian Rocks Beach rentals.
Thanksgiving week is popular. The total price is shown with taxes before you pay, and there is no service fee when you book direct.
Quick answers
Hours change on the holiday, and several attractions in the area are closed. Call or check official sites before you go.
Goodtimes Waterfront sleeps 16 and has a grill and driveway parking for up to six cars. Ask us what cookware and serving pieces are in the kitchen.
Homes with a heated pool have heating included. Heat pumps warm the water roughly 10 to 20 degrees above the air temperature, so cold weather can limit it.
Goodtimes Waterfront and On the Creek allow pets. Casa Blue Horizon does not.
Yes. The Achieva Clearwater Turkey Trot is held on Thanksgiving morning at Clearwater High School. Confirm times and register in advance.
Keep planning
Choose your dates and see the total price before you pay. Questions about beds, tables or the kitchen? Call or text +1 727-295-2319.