Beachfront bars in Florida are the perfect place to kick back with a cold beverage and soak up the sunshine, whether you’re on vacation or relaxing after a long day at work. No matter what region you explore on Florida’s coast, you’ll find an array of bars that boast a tropical atmosphere where you can hear the waves crashing at a beautiful beach nearby. Quench your thirst this summer with a visit to one of these best beach bars in Florida.
Caddy’s on the Beach, Treasure Island
You’ll be captivated by the impressive beach views found on the second-floor deck of Caddy’s on the Beach on Treasure Island. It might be located off the beaten path, but the journey is worth it to enjoy its tropical atmosphere directly on the Gulf of Mexico. There are complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas to enjoy while relaxing on the beach, while those looking for extra comfort and privacy can book a cabana. They also have locations in Bradenton, St. Pete Beach, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, Johns Pass, and Gulfport.
Jimmy B’s Beach Bar, St. Pete Beach
One of the best-known beach bars in the Sunshine State, Jimmy B’s Beach Bar in St. Pete boasts a nightly sunset celebration that is perfect for a summer escape. It offers great food and drinks combined with a friendly, Key West-style atmosphere. Sip on a Sunset Shooter or a frozen drink on the sand as you listen to live music or watch your favorite sporting events on the open-air veranda or seaside deck.
Aruba Beach Cafe, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Aruba Beach Cafe is a Lauderdale-by-the-Sea oceanfront hotspot where you can enjoy good food, drinks and friends. Nestled in the swaying palms of the beach, this restaurant and bar boast a Caribbean-style ambiance with creative cocktails and three of their on-site bars. Make sure to take advantage of the daily happy hours that include Martini Mondays, Tequila Tuesdays, Wacky Wednesdays and Thursday Mojitos.
Square Grouper, Jupiter
One of Jimmy Buffett’s favorite beach bars, Square Grouper in Juniper is the location where the music video for “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere” with Alan Jackson was filmed. Perched high above the riverwalk, it is a great place to unwind as you listen to one of the live bands play under the tiki hut and admire beautiful views of the Jupiter Inlet and its famous lighthouse.
Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar, Perdido Key
Known for its unique location on the state line between Florida and Alabama, the Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar in Perdido Key is one of the most famous watering holes in Florida. You can put your toe in the sand across the border and enjoy its delicious offerings of bushwhackers. A subject of numerous songs by Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney, you can show up for their famous fish-throwing competition called the “Annual Interstate Mullet Toss.”
Mucky Duck, Captiva Island
Chill out this summer with a visit to Mucky Duck on Captiva Island, which has been a local favorite since 1976. You’ll find darts and a big bar inside, while cozy picnic tables on the beach are the biggest draw. This beachside pub is nestled in the heart of downtown Captiva and serves up local delicacies such as fresh seafood, where you can sit back on one of their beach chairs with a cold cocktail and watch the sunset.
Peg Leg Pete’s, Pensacola Beach
Peg Leg Pete’s in Pensacola Beach is an old-school beach bar with license plates found covering its walls. The maze of bars, dining rooms, tiki huts, and a sandy kids’ play area make it a popular beachside joint located just across the street from Pensacola Beach in from of the Lafitte Cove Marina. Visit the UnderWhere Bar under Peg Leg Pete’s, then walk up to the Upstairs Bar for fresh oysters and a cold Signature Shipwreck drink.
Sliders Seaside Grill, Amelia Island
Head to Sliders Seaside Grill in Amelia Island to enjoy its oceanfront tiki bar and dining, where you can actually dig your toes in the sand. Nestled just steps from the beach, it’s a great place to pull up a chair and marvel at the spectacular views. Families love this spot because there’s a playground and sandbox for the kids to enjoy, while the Tiki Bar showcases local musicians in addition to ocean views.
High Tides at Snack Jack, Flagler Beach
A local favorite since 1947, High Tides at Snack Jack in Flagler Beach is an Atlantic Ocean gem. Find a seat at this surfer-inspired joint and indulge in wild-caught seafood, traditional southern fried baskets, or a cold longneck, and soak up the beautiful beach lifestyle. You can enjoy its laid-back atmosphere while watching the waves roll in from the Atlantic Ocean.
Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill, Panama City Beach
Located directly on the beach across from Pier Park, Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill in Panama City Beach is an oceanfront hotspot. You can experience a bit of Panama City Beach flavor at this spot, where you can indulge in freshly caught seafood, such as fresh fish tacos to the Catch of the Day sandwich. Admire the views and sip on a frozen drink, ice-cold beer, or glass of wine.
Morada Bay Beach Cafe, Islamorada
Pick a table on the sand at Morada Bay Beach Cafe in Islamorada, where you can sip a Painkiller and attend full moon parties. The Mediterranean bistro cafe is located in the heart of Islamorada and offers spectacular views of a palm-lined beach overlooking blue waters. Its laid-back ambiance is paired with a blend of Caribbean and American cuisine, with walls adorned with surfboards, longboards, and surf posters.
Al’s Beach Club and Burger Bar, Okaloosa Island
Not only will you find cold adult beverages at Al’s Beach Club and Burger Bar on Okaloosa Island, but they also serve delicious burgers and frozen custard. Enjoy its selection of live music throughout the week as you soak up beautiful views of the Gulf and Okaloosa Island. Located on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk Okaloosa Island, you’ll regret not trying their adult shakes with alcohol that includes flavors like maple bacon bourbon and chocolate pretzel with whipped cream vodka.
Capt. Hiram's Sandbar Beach Club, Sebastian
This island-themed escape in Sebastian, Fla., isn’t just one bar on the beach — it’s actually three. That’s right, Capt. Hiram’s Sandbar Beach Club features three bars anchored in the sand and surrounded by palm trees along the shore of the Indian River Lagoon. This trio of bars has a spirited menu of frozen concoctions, tropical cocktails, and craft beers. In addition to lively spirits, this bar is a popular live music venue with two stages that regularly host national artists and bands, as well as reggae legends like Toots and The Maytals. Speaking of reggae, the Sandbar hosts an annual summer reggae concert series that includes a lineup of reggae artists, so you’ll be jammin’ out all summer long.
