A beach vacation without a stop at a local bar is hardly a vacation at all. Florida is home to seemingly countless beaches with clear waters and breathtaking sunsets, and there's no better way to take it all in than by staking out a table at a great local beachfront bar and knocking back a few adult beverages.
We've identified a few of the most beloved watering holes up and down the coasts of Florida. Cheers!
1. Bongos Beach Bar and Grille, St. Pete Beach
Though technically part of the Bellweather Beach Hotel, Bongos is open to the public and offers fair-priced dishes and alcoholic beverages.
It's a favorite among travelers to this area — TripAdvisor reviewers place it in the 14th slot among restaurants in St. Pete Beach, and it has garnered 4.5 stars from the community of travelers.
Their signature drinks and frozen specialties will run you less than $10 — unless you opt for the 15 oz. versions in souvenir glasses, which are a few bucks more.
The drink menu features classics like Mai Tais and Mudslides, but they offer a few interesting original concoctions as well, like the coconut, pineapple and rum mixture dubbed the "Bongos Sunset."
Get a seat on the beach if you'd like to dine just a few yards from the ocean's waves. Otherwise you can enjoy the sweeping vistas from the deck, and enjoy the nightly live music from local bands.
5250 Gulf Boulevard
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
(800) 448-0901
www.bellwetherbeachresort.com/dining/bongos/
2. Lagerheads Beach Bar and Watersports, Key West
Snuggled between two beach resorts is Lagerheads, famous not only for its fish tacos, but also as a rental spot for water sports equipment.
After a fun-filled day in Key West of fishing, snorkeling or boating, get a seat and enjoy a drink in the laid-back, Caribbean-themed eatery set right on the gorgeous white-sand beach.
The menu features affordable classics like hot dogs, hamburgers and crab cakes.
A beer – domestic or imported – won't cost you more than $5, and at just $6 a pop for a frozen daiquiri or margarita, you can afford to have more than one.
0 Simonton Street
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 509-7444
lagerheadsbeachbar.com
3. Shephards Tiki Beach Bar, Clearwater Beach
We all love a good tiki bar, and this gem in Clearwater Beach, which serves as the beachfront beverage-slinging component to Shephard's Resort, comes complete with a concert stage and a full live-music schedule.
Sun-drenched visitors wandering in from the boats anchored just offshore come in search of a party, especially during the Spring Break months.
You'll hear everything from local rock bands to reggae at this Clearwater Beach hotspot.
Grab an ice-cold cocktail or order from the Margarita Grill and then head down to claim one of the loungers set up along the beach.
601 South Gulfview Boulevard
Clearwater, FL 33767
(727) 442-5107
www.shephards.com
4. Coconuts on the Beach, Cocoa Beach
Happy Hour, anyone? This Cocoa Beach bar gets it right, offering well drinks for just $2 and mid-range liquor drinks (think Absolut and Dewars) for just $3.
An imported beer costs a little over $2 during this magical time at Coconuts (4 – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday), and domestic beer won't even hit the $2 mark. At those prices, you'd be crazy not to take advantage.
The people watching opportunities are fantastic here, but expect rowdy crowds during Spring Break.
For dinner, choose from burgers, sandwiches, pasta and wraps, or just come for the mango key lime pie or the coconut bomb pie. Yum!
2 Minutemen Cswy
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
(321) 784-1422
coconutsonthebeach.com
5. Sangrias Rock Bar, Ft. Lauderdale
Beach-lovers are lured into this popular boulevard café by the flashy red-cushioned lounge seats and sexy vibe, but they stay for the Spanish- and Mexican-style food and ample drinks, not to mention the awesome view of Ft. Lauderdale Beach across the street.
Get started with chips and salsa, and then order from Sangrias' menu featuring burritos, fajitas, tamales, burgers and more.
Bring a companion, because the all-day, everyday 2-for-1 giant margaritas are not to be messed with.
And don't forget that Tuesday is taco night — they're only $1! Stick around until 7 p.m. on any given night to hear live Flamenco or Latin jazz.
229 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
(954) 728-9804
www.itsbetteronthebeach.com
6. Shuckers on the Beach, Jensen Beach
As the second tiki bar to make our list, Shuckers on the Beach wows visitors with its jaw-dropping views of Jensen Beach.
Known as a popular brunch spot serving seafood, steaks and pasta, Shuckers also plays host to the occasional wedding.
But on most days, it's simply a haven for those who like a good drink, a solid meal and unforgettable scenery.
Stop by on a weekday between 3 and 6 p.m. for Happy Hour discounts on domestic drafts and bottles.
All day on Sundays, frozen rum runners are just $3, and domestic bottles and drafts are $2.50. On weekends, you can enjoy your drinks while listening to live music.
9800 South Ocean Drive
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
(772) 229-1224
islandbeachresort.net
7. Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Club, Daytona Beach
If you love beaches, beer and live music, Ocean Deck just might be the place for you.
Set in the heart of all the Daytona Beach action, this three-story beachfront favorite boasts a hearty menu and a playful, Caribbean flavor.
Beach-lovers have been flocking here for more than 50 years, and FloridaBeachBar.com placed Ocean Deck in its list of all-time top 10 beach bars.
Though Ocean Deck boasts three decks overlooking Daytona Beach, the best spot to watch the sunset is on the newly remodeled West Deck, an open-air section that can seat up to 70 people.
127 S Ocean Ave
Daytona Beach, FL 32118
(386) 253-5224
www.oceandeck.com