The Best Beach Bars In The United States

If the thought of ocean breezes, the sound of crashing waves, and an ice-cold beer or tropical cocktail in your hand sounds like the ideal summer activity – we’ve got you covered. From laid-back patios with swaying palm trees to hot spots with live music, we've scoured the coastlines to bring you the ultimate guide to good vibes and great drinks by the ocean. We asked our team at Toast about their favorite beach bars and searched reputable sources on the internet to bring you this complete list. In this article, we’ll list out the top bars on the beach around the country.

Let’s start planning your next beach day.

The best beach bars in America in 2024

Beach bars on the Atlantic

Sandbar at Jetties Beach - Nantucket, MA

We’re starting in Nantucket, MA with the Sandbar at Jetties Beach! The Sandbar at Jetties Beach offers the ultimate beachfront Nantucket experience. It features an open-air restaurant and bar with seating in the surrounding sand. Here you can enjoy a fresh raw bar, tasty burgers and sandwiches, and delicious seafood of course. Guests here enjoy the view of Nantucket Sound while sipping on painkillers or frozen drinks like their mudslides and frozen margaritas.

Image source

Tiki 52 - Tequesta, FL

Tiki 52 is a hidden gem nestled among the palms on US Highway 1 in Tequesta. This open-air restaurant and bar features woven tiki huts, a Caribbean feel, and great cuisine. Tiki 52 is a great spot to enjoy live music from some amazing South Florida local bands. They also offer happy hour(s) from 3-6 on weekdays. Check out Tiki 52 for some coconut shrimp and their signature “Whole Lotta’ Rum Bucket” (Bucket with Spiced Rum, White Rum, Coconut Rum, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice & Coconut Cream)...yes, please!

Image source

The Windjammer - Isle of Palms, SC

Located on Isle of Palms, The Windjammer has been Charleston's live music beach venue for the last 50 years. From local bands to big name artists, guests can enjoy the best in live music. The Windjammer also offers delicious beach eats with menu items including buffalo chicken wings, cheeseburgers, fish & chips, and drinks of course!

Image source

Ballard’s - Block Island, RI

Ballard’s is a one-stop beach experience featuring everything needed for the perfect day just steps away from the mainland ferry. This place has food, drinks, and tiki bars along the beach. Guests can enjoy a dining experience at their beachfront restaurant. What’s nice about the tiki huts here is that beach goers can easily pop up to the bar and return to their own chairs, or sit and enjoy their drink under the tiki hut. Make sure to also try Ballard’s famous daiquiris at their Daiquiri Bar – you can choose your flavors to make your own custom treat!

Image source

Donovan’s Reef - Sea Bright, NJ

Since originally opening in 1976, Donovan's has been a favorite spot on Jersey Shore. This place is one of the only bars in NJ that serves cocktails in the sand, they also offer a beachfront Tiki Bar, an outdoor deck that overlooks the Atlantic, and live music. What’s not to love? Donovan’s Reef serves a variety of freshly made breakfast items, grilled classics, healthy salads, and fresh seafood. You can also stop in for their happy hour and other daily specials.

Image source

The Beachcomber - Wellfleet, MA

With an outdoor bar overlooking the Atlantic and an indoor bar in the heart of a former U.S. Lifesaving Station, it does not get any more authentic than the Wellfleet Beachcomber. The restaurant here is stacked with clam chowder, seafood plates, burgers & sandwiches, and lobster rolls of course! Don’t forget to order a mudslide here as you can choose from original, strawberry, banana, and raspberry.

Image source

Bernie’s Beach Bar - Hampton, NH

New Englanders, you knew this one was coming. Bernie’s Beach Bar is a classic New Hampshire destination located on Hampton Beach. This spot offers an outdoor music venue, restaurant, and bar. Bernie’s consists of two levels, 3 bars, a large dance floor, and plenty of tables for dining. For those not-so-perfect beach days, there’s even a heated enclosed section of deck and bar. Dine at Bernie’s for a raw bar, seafood plates, soups and salads, and sandwiches. The bar menu features all the beach classics: margaritas, painkillers, mojitos, and more!

Image source

Ocean Mist - Wakefield, RI

If you’re looking for a great spot year-round, Ocean Mist just might be it. With oceanfront views, breakfast served daily, local beers on draft, weekly events, and a calendar full of regional and national live performances, the Ocean Mist offers a little bit of everything, any time of the year. On Tuesdays this spot offers “Tasty Tuesday” where guests can enjoy a three-course meal & a craft cocktail for $30 per person from 5PM - 10PM!

Image source

Square Grouper - Jupiter, FL

A  little hidden gem nestled among the palm trees at the end of Love Street, with beautiful water views of the Jupiter Inlet and its famous lighthouse, this local landmark boasts the 19-slip Castaways Marina and the most stunning scenery in the area. Guests here can enjoy a full calendar of live music, sandwiches, burgers, and dogs all while sipping on a Pirates Punch, Rummer Runner, or Creamsicle cocktails.

Image source

Beach bars on the Pacific

Lahaina Beach House - San Diego, CA

This tiny gem is a snug, cash-only beachfront bar with a menu of burgers and tacos, plus a vast patio with sunset views. Lahaina’s is the only beach bar in San Diego where you can have your favorite adult beverage and stare out at the ocean with only sand between you and the water. You must be 21+ and once the sun sets, Lahaina Beach House closes down. Last call is always given at sunset. This is a beautiful spot to enjoy the view and a cold beverage.

Image source

Duke’s - Honolulu, HI

Ever heard of Duke’s on Sunday? I can say from personal experience that there’s no better place to be than Duke’s on a nice day. Today there are 6 locations, but in 1989, the original Duke’s restaurant was born along the shores of Kalapaki Bay in Kauai. Duke’s has a relaxing atmosphere with great food (like their fish tacos) and delicious drinks (like their coco espresso martini). They also offer live music daily. Lastly, if you take one recommendation from this entire list, it’s to order their Hula Pie.

Hotel Del Sun Deck - Coronado, CA 

Hotel Del is an iconic landmark and hotel in Coronado, California, and the Sun Deck is equally as lavish. Sun Deck is the ultimate destination for craft cocktails and coastal favorites. Guests can relax by cozy fire pits and savor delectable bites and drinks. With gorgeous, front-row views of the most spectacular sunsets on the West Coast, dining on the Sun Deck is a memorable experience.

Image source

The Kraken - Cardiff by the Sea, CA

The Kraken is all about good drinks, good music, and good company. The Kraken is the oldest bar in Cardiff, and for over 45 years it has served bikers, musicians, and every person in between. There is live music 6 days a week and a dance floor of course!

Image source

Belmont Brewing Company - Long Beach, CA

Opened in the summer of 1990, Belmont Brewing Company is the oldest brew pub in Los Angeles County. Their mission is to continue to proudly craft and brew our staple beers. Aside from the ice cold beer, Belmont Brewing Company serves up some delicious cocktails like their Skinny Lime Pie Martini, Long Beach Barbie, and Watermelon Cucumber Cooler. Lastly, we can’t forget about the food! Check out their Grilled Avocado appetizer, Hawaiian Poke Wrap, and Baja Fish Tacos.

Image source

Whiskey Red’s - Marina Del Rey, CA

If you’re on the search for a patio with views, Whiskey Red’s is your dream come true. With the largest waterfront patio on the marina and mesmerizing 180-degree views of the harbor, a vibrant social scene, and waterfront event spaces... this is a great summer spot. If you’re hungry they have you covered with delicious offerings such as Coconut Mahi Nuggets, a Double Patty Smash Burger, and their Famous Beer-Battered Fish & Chips. Wash it all down with a specialty cocktail like their Pink Sparkling Sangria! Lastly, be sure to check out their happy hour on Wednesday to Sunday, from 3 PM to 6 PM.

Image source

The Hangout - Seal Beach, CA

With 2 locations in Orange County, one in Seal Beach and one in Huntington Beach, The Hangout provides great food and service with a unique southern-inspired take on classic fare. The Hangout is family owned and provides an ideal place to hangout with friends and family. The menu here features deviled eggs, seafood pots, sandwiches, and more. Stop by to enjoy happy hour Monday through Friday from 3PM - 6PM and make sure to check out their daily specials.

Image source

The Rooftop Bar - Oceanside, CA

You can enjoy expansive views and gorgeous sunsets at The Rooftop Bar. This experience includes lounge seating, a vibrant pool deck, bottle service, craft cocktails, and small bites. At sunset, The Rooftop Bar evolves into a 21+ lounge environment for adults to enjoy DJs and cocktails.

Image source

Beach bars on The Gulf

Flora-Bama - Perdido Key, FL/Orange Beach, AL

This list wouldn’t be complete without the legendary Flora-Bama! The Flora-Bama Lounge is located uniquely on the Orange Beach, Alabama and Perdido Key, Florida line. This honky tonk has long been a landmark in the community since 1964. The Flora-Bama has five stages for live music and features bands of country, rock, dance, and beach music. Guests can also relax in any of their several beach-front bars where you can sip on a famous Bushwacker and enjoy the beautiful sunsets on the water.

Image source

Clayton’s - South Padre Island, TX

Clayton’s is the largest beach bar on the Texas Coast. From sunrise to midnight dancing, Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill keeps guests entertained. This beach club has a variety of beachy cocktails such as the Ship Wreck (white rum, coconut rum, triple sec, pineapple) and the Tsunami (mango rum, white rum, blue curacao, OJ, and pineapple). Enjoy burgers, Mexican food, and more all beachside at Clayton’s.

Image source

Pink Pony Pub - Gulf Shores, AL

You simply can’t miss Pink Pony Club’s pink exterior on the Gulf Coast. The cold drinks and tasty food here are worth the hype. With offerings like the Gulf Shrimp Po’Boy and the Chargrilled Ribeye Steak Sandwich, you’re sure to enjoy Pink Pony’s eats. If you like a rum runner, you’ll also love their Rum Punch! This spot has been around since 1956 and is a must-visit for all- grab your flip flops and spend a day at the iconic Pink Pony Pub.

Image source

Shaggy’s - Pass Christian, MS

Shaggy’s resides in a small waterfront town on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Referred to as “The Pass”, it’s home to one of the most beautiful harbors in the Gulf of Mexico. Shaggy’s has been around since 2007, and today there are five waterhouse locations, four in Mississippi and one in Pensacola Beach, Florida. Here you can enjoy seafood french fries, crab cakes, and of course, seafood platters. Shaggy’s also offers happy hour specials and live music events.

Image source

Havana Beach Rooftop - Rosemary Beach, FL

Who doesn’t love a rooftop bar in the summer? Havana Beach Rooftop features stunning views of the Gulf, complete with cozy coastal loungers and The Pearl Hotel’s acclaimed outdoor bar. This rooftop offers guests an elegant experience with stellar service and delicious craft cocktails. If you’re planning a vacation in Rosemary Beach Florida, this might just be your ideal spot.

Image source

The Mucky Duck - Captiva Island, FL

On January 29, 1976, what once was the old Gulf View Inn on Captiva Island was reborn as The Mucky Duck. This gem is located deep in the heart of downtown Captiva. At the Mucky Duck guests enjoy seafood platters, burgers, sandwiches, and more. If you want to enjoy a cold beer and watch the sunset- check out The Mucky Duck.

Image source

TT’s Tiki Bar - Punta Gorda, FL

You can enjoy the fresh, open air, with your toes in the sand along the beautiful Charlotte Harbor at TT’s Tiki Bar. Guests at TT’s indulge in daily specials and other great menu items including wings, tacos, flatbreads, and fresh salads. These bites paired with their fresh cocktails, frozen drinks, and waterfront ambiance make for a fantastic dining experience. There’s also plenty of live music happening here all summer long!

Image source

Salty's Tiki Bar & Beach Lounge - St. Pete’s Beach, FL

Last but certainly not least we have Salty’s Tiki Bar & Beach Lounge. This is a classic oceanside bar that has recently expanded, extending from a tiki bar at the adult pool deck all the way onto the beach, so guests can dig their toes in the sand while relaxing and taking in the views. Make sure to also check out their live music, fire-size tables, tiki toss game, and more.

Image source

If you like piña coladas...

We hope this comprehensive list of beach bars scratches your Jimmy Buffett itch. This summer you can enjoy a variety of different tropical drinks and eats at these stellar locations. Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen and check out these similar resources this summer:

• 20 Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants

• Top 20 Restaurants With The Best Rooftops

• 32 Amazing Women-Led Restaurants

• The Best Mexican Restaurants In The United States