Nothing says summer in Florida quite like capping off a sun-soaked day with bites and brews on the beach. And even though Orlando’s not coastal, we’re luckily never too far from a sandy beach and a classic beachside eatery.
Within just a couple hours’ drive or less are fish shacks, seafood joints, elevated eateries and more restaurants directly on the beach or right next to it. Here are 24 truly beachside restaurants not too far from the Orlando area.
Crabby’s
203 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna BeachWith a waterside location and a menu bursting with seafood-focused dishes, Crabby’s offers everything you need to enjoy some truly beachside dining in New Smyrna Beach. Credit: Image via Google Maps
Caretta on the Gulf
1738, 500 Mandalay Ave., ClearwaterCaretta serves all-natural, organic offerings with expertly paired wines. With both indoor and outdoor seating, Caretta’s vibrant atmosphere provides the perfect setting for an evening enjoying Clearwater Beach’s sparkling blue waters. Credit: Photo via Caretta on the Gulf/Facebook
Cafe Coconut Cove
4210 S. Highway A1A, Melbourne BeachOne of the more intimate spots on this list, Cafe Coconut Cove is an authentic German eatery with homey decor and a waterfront view. The menu features both classic and modern eats, like seafood schnitzel, potato pancakes and bratwurst platters. Visit the oceanside eatery for a touch of Europe brought to Florida’s east coast. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Squid Lips
2200 S. Orlando Ave., Cocoa BeachJust like its sister locations in Melbourne and Sebastian, Squid Lips Cocoa Beach offers seafood specials, drinks and picturesque ocean views in a laidback atmosphere. Try some of their unique takes on seafood like bacon-wrapped scallops, or dive into homegrown Florida classics like smoked fish dip. Credit: Photo via Squid Lips/Facebook
Beachcomber
2 A St., St. Augustine BeachYou’ll really feel the sunshine and sand between your toes at this St. Augustine beach spot. The vibes are casual, and the Beachcomber is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you’re tired of the heat, there’s also plenty of seating options inside. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Beach Bucket
867 S. Atlantic Ave., Ormond BeachThis Ormond Beach spot will have you dining right up against the open sea, with plenty of seafood-centric dishes (for breakfast, lunch and dinner), drink specials and live music. Credit: Photo via Beach Bucket/Facebook
The Oasis Tiki Bar
313 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona BeachSoak up the sun at this Daytona Beach tiki bar that really is its own little oasis. There’s live music by a variety of local musicians, a solid selection of tropical drinks, and tons of classic salty, fried, beach-appropriate eats. Credit: Photo via The Oasis Tiki Bar
Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill
7720 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway, TampaWhiskey Joe’s is the most beachside you can get on Florida’s west coast. The spot is located on a private beach, so boaters can pull right up to the shore to enjoy drinks, eats and a designated party area. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Rowe Bar
3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete BeachLocated inside the Don CeSar Hotel, the Rowe Bar is one of the nicest places to eat and soak up access to a private beach. Grab a hand-crafted cocktail and a bite of the tuna tacos or goat cheese fritters while embracing the Gulf. Credit: Photo via Rowe Bar/Facebook
Crabby’s Oceanside
451 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona BeachAt Crabby’s Oceanside, you can grab a couple of Crab Trap rum buckets and sit back and relax on the laidback grass-lined patio overlooking the Atlantic. They’re open for lunch and dinner, with fresh and local seafood eats including an oyster bar, lobster and crab platter and a whole lot of Crabby’s Combos. Credit: Photo via Crabby's Oceanside/Facebook
Hurricane Seafood Restaurant
809 Gulf Way, St. Pete BeachColorful and vibrant infrastructure brings a tropical feel to life to this three-floor restaurant, which features a different specialized menu on each floor. Diners and beach bums can enjoy an epic rooftop sunset or an upscale dinner on the second level. Some of the spot’s signature dishes include salmon, Old Bay peel & eat shrimp, and calamari strips. Credit: Photo via Hurricane Seafood Restaurant/Facebook
Pier 62 Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar
401 Meade Ave., Cocoa BeachThis oceanside tavern on the Cocoa Beach Pier serves up seafood, classic burgers, a full bar’s worth of sushi and specialized sake cocktail offerings. Stroll in from the beach and take in the views from outdoor seating that has great views of the Atlantic and your fellow beachgoers. Credit: Photo via Pier 62 Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar/Facebook
Paradise Grille
6850 Beach Plaza, St. Pete BeachThis restaurant couldn’t be any closer to the water, with tables just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico. There’s only outdoor seating here, so make sure to slather on the sunscreen and bring some shades. On the menu, Paradise Grille offers classic American treats and a wide selection of drinks to choose from to cap off a picture-perfect beach day on Florida’s Gulf coast. Credit: Photo via Paradise Grille/Google Maps
Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar and Grill
6100 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete BeachCharlie’s promises killer tacos, delicious food, boozy slushies and live entertainment for all the beachgoers who stop in. It also has daily drink specials catered to each and every taste, and offers weekend brunch and live streams of NFL games on game days. Credit: Photo via Coconut Charlie's/Facebook
Sunset Cafe Waterfront Bar & Grill
500 W. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa BeachLocated on the Banana River’s waterfront in Cocoa Beach, Sunset Cafe is open daily, serving plenty of seafood creations and American-style fare. Show up early for their Early Bird Specials, or stay late and experience a true Florida sunset with the eatery’s nightly sunset celebration. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Sloppy Joe’s
10650 Gulf Blvd., Treasure IslandWith extra large and shareable American Caribbean entrées, Sloppy Joe’s offers a great setting to get together with friends. Located at the Bilmar Beach Resort, the restaurant offers one of the best views of Treasure Island Beach and live entertainment every day. Credit: Photo via Sloppy Joe's/Facebook
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar
6100 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete BeachLocated on one of America’s top beaches, the very laidback Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill and Bar offers quick bites ideal for the end of a long beach day. Grab some gator bites or wasabi scallops while you sip on one of their many specialty cocktail options. If you need a place to stay, The Palm Pavilion Inn is located a few steps away — so drink to your heart’s delight. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Harry’s Beach Bar
5300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete BeachHarry’s is a local favorite that offers live entertainment and signature cocktails like the Harry’s Hurricane and the Harry Navel, as well as a selection of craft beer and flavorful bites. Its direct waterfront views promise a good time either at the beach or at the pool of its home hotel, the Sirata. Credit: Photo via Harry's Beach Bar/Facebook
Coconuts on the Beach
2 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa BeachSitting right next to the Atlantic, Coconuts on the Beach is decked out in tropical tiki decor. Cool off inside or take advantage of the outdoor seating while you enjoy eats like conch fritters and satisfying burgers, as well as a selection of boozy buckets or draft beer in your very own souvenir cup. Credit: Photo via Coconuts on the Beach Cocoa Beach/Facebook
Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille
200 Boatyard St., New Smyrna BeachThis on-the-water tiki bar in New Smyrna Beach serves locally caught seafood, craft cocktails and brews, and it’s even furry-friend friendly. Credit: Photo via Outriggers Tiki Bar & Grille/Facebook
Next Door Beach Bistro
509 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler BeachA step up from a fish shack on the water, Next Door Beach Bistro is perched right on Flagler’s sandy shores and brings a touch of elevated flavor to this beach. Credit: Image via Google Maps
