Florida has plenty of great beaches, but a seasoned beachgoer always picks a patch of sand close to a watering hole. Here are a few bars where shirts and shoes are always optional.
Whiskey Joe’s Bar and Grill
7720 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, 33607
No, they don’t just serve whiskey here, there’s other options for those who want more fruit and less bite to their drinks. Play a game of cornhole and sit at the tiki hut tables when you’re not trying to figure out what glass to take on next.
Photo via Whiskey Joe’s Bar and Grill Tampa/FacebookBongo’s Beach Bar and Grill
5250 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 33706
With over 200 frozen drinks, two musicians rolling through a day and some easy kickback vibes, this eatery plopped down on the coast of the Mexican Gulf is worth the mini-trek it takes to get there.
Photo via Bongo’s Beach Bar and Grille/InstagramCoconuts on the Beach
2 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, 32931
If you have not visited this “right of passage provider” then head east until you’ve hit water and you’ve nearly made it to Cocoa Beach’s most sandy drinking depot.
Photo via coconutsotb/InstagramJimmy B’s Beach Bar and Bistro
6200 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 33706
This supple little spot tucked behind the Beachcomber Beach Hotel brings two musical acts and 365 days of fun and sun. Why not let them offer you what they’ve been gathering for some time now in this location, which is a tan and some relaxed leaning back.
Photo via Jimmy B’s Beach Bar and Bistro/FacebookSharky’s on the Pier
1600 S. Harbor Drive, Venice, 34285
With a sunset not worth skipping out on, this shark tooth capital-based beach bar brings entertainment and pier-side hangouts to the forefront of focus. WIth lunch, dinner and coffee to boast, this locale is truly a praise-worthy host.
Photo via sharky’s on the pier/FacebookPalm Pavilion Beachside Bar and Grill
10 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater, 33767
This beachside eatery and bar is probably older than most if not all of its customers, having opened its doors way back in 1926. Bite into the self-proclaimed “Best Burger on the Beach” while you bob your head to the beat of the local musicians. Performances happen twice a day, so you’ll almost always have music accompanying the rhythm of nearby waves.
Photo via Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill and Bar/FacebookShephard’s Beach Resort
619 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, 33767
Party, party, party. That’s what it’s all about at Shephard’s. The stage for the band is huge as is the one for dancing, the latter of which goes over the water. Drinks keep on coming, so if you’re worried about not being able to make it home, the accompanying hotel is a quick, stumbling walk away. Oh, and the food is good too.
Photo via Shephard’s Beach Resort/FacebookTropix Island Tiki Bar
655 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, 33706
Checking into the accompanying resort isn’t necessary to grab a drink here. Live music may find its way to the bar, but this isn’t always the case. If you’re really itching for some tunes, your best bet is to call before heading over.
Photo via danisurf124/InstagramGolden Lion’s Cafe
501 N Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach, 32136
Notoriously referred to as the Local’s Place, this oceanview deck is sporting its 25th year of existence in 2017. Why not go help celebrate their tenure in laid back educating.
Photo via Golden Lion Cafe/FacebookHarry’s Beach Bar
5300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 33706
The oldest beach bar on St. Pete Beach, while sitting in the shade of Sirata Beach Resort, brings a wonderful example of tightrope walking between family and adult atmosphere. Enjoy your down time in the correct way, by finding this beach spot and making it your own.
Photo via Harry’s Beach Bar/FacebookOcean Deck
127 S Ocean Avenue, Daytona Beach, 32118
There’s plenty of alcohol to go around here. Drinks (they’re served in Mason jars!) can conveniently be bought at both the first-floor and second-floor bars, so you’ll have easy access to your fair share of margaritas no matter where you’re dancing. Musicians can be caught performing nightly, but it’s only on the weekend that you can see them jamming out on the only on-the-beach stage this side of the U.S.
Photo via Ocean Deck/FacebookRacing’s North Turn
4511 S Atlantic Avenue, Ponce Inlet, 32127
This beach bar isn’t just for drinking and dancing. The spot is brimming with history given that it’s sitting right by the birthplace of racing in the Daytona Beach area, making it a perfect fit for racing fans. And really, any place that’s made it onto floridabeachbars.com’s Top 10 list five years in a row is worth checking out.
Photo via Racing’s North Turn/FacebookFrenchy’s Rockaway Grill
7 Rockaway Street, Clearwater, 33767
It might be tempting to go to any of the other Frenchy’s nearby, but this is the only one right on Clearwater Beach. Visit for the She Crab soup and happy hour, but stay for the tropical decor and unparalleled view of the sunset.
Photo via kurt_marston/InstagramThe Breakers Restaurant
518 Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, 32169
If you can get a seat here, Breakers is one of the best spots in New Smyrna to grab a drink or some grub. Try one of their many burgers or their shrimp skewers.
Photo via scott_murrish/InstagramSquid Lips
1477 Pineapple Avenue, Melbourne, 32935
Maybe the mental image that comes to mind with the name isn’t necessarily appealing, but that’s not reflective of the quality. Squid Lips technically isn’t a beach bar, at least in the natural sense, but the man-made “beach” location on the Indian River works just as well for your tiki needs. Dock your boat right on the spot after a long day of sailing around in preparation for an order of cracked conch and something from the impressively long 50+ Bloody Mary Bar drink menu.
Photo via ihustleforher/InstagramCrabby’s Bar and Grill
333 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater, 33763
Although it hasn’t been around long, Crabby’s sure knows how to fit right into the beach lifestyle, what with the eight-hour happy hours and all. In case the name didn’t clue you in, you might want to get some crab, be it the snow crab or crab cakes, while you’re there.
Photo via crabbysbargrill/InstagramThe Casino Beach Bar
41 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, 32561
Signature cocktails and caribbean-esque atmosphere has culminated to form this bar that sits along the sandy edge of Quietwater Beach. Take your daycation here and snag some delicious cuisine while you’re at it.
Photo via wnshoemaker/InstagramThe Beach Bucket
867 S Atlantic Avenue, Ormond Beach, 32176
You won’t even have to do any fishing to get your meal for the evening; Pair an order of fish tacos with $2.50 bottle beer specials at Ormond Beach’s only by-the-water bar. Stop by and check the local bands on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights to fully submerge into the shoreside lifestyle.
Photo via robuls/InstagramJohnny D’s Beach Bar and Grill
1005 N Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach, 32136
Free karaoke, wi-fi and juke box access means that an evening here not only brings you the company of atmosphere and ocean, but good company and a deliciously-pet friendly spot to decompress next to the ocean.
Photo via blainedraisey/InstagramThe Lemon Bar
120 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, 32266
Voted Void Magazine’s number one beach bar, this pina colada dispensing beach bar offers freshly squeezed deliciousness to the Neptunians and visitors that walk on up. Snag some ahi tuna while you’re at it.
Photo via ginger_merson/InstagramDania Beach Bar and Grill
65 N Beach Road, Dania Beach, 33004
This 1904 Danish settlement has been drawing visits from people both from near and the furthest of afars with its white Broward sands and it general antique-esque feel. COme check out the happy hour and setting features worth a day of drinking and sand.
Photo via crabil1/Instagram
