🌊 The 10 Best Beach Bars in the U.S. 🏖️
Enjoy gorgeous views and lively scenes at the top beach bars across America. Our editors and readers independently selected these iconic spots. When you buy through a link on DramaWire.Studio, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Picture it: the waves are rolling in, you’re just steps from the sand, the sun is setting over the ocean, and you have your drink of choice in hand. Offering that magical combination of refreshing drinks, stunning views, and relaxation, a good beach bar sets the scene for unforgettable vacation memories.
An expert panel nominated their top beach bars across the country — places in postcard-perfect locations with diverse drink menus and great atmospheres to boot. Then, readers voted to decide which bars are most exceptional. Here are the 10 best beach bars in the United States.
No. 10: Edge of Waikiki at Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort – Honolulu, Hawaii 🏝️
You’ll get dreamy views of Waikiki Beach at Sheraton’s Edge of Waikiki beach bar. Looking out over the ocean, Diamond Head, and a gorgeous infinity pool, this is one romantic dining and drinking spot. The restaurant serves up fantastic fresh seafood like ahi poke appetizers and grilled mahi-mahi, while signature cocktails like Queens — vodka, pampelmousse rose, ruby red grapefruit, peach bitters, and club soda — will lull you into tropical bliss.
No. 9: House Without A Key at Halekulani Hotel – Honolulu, Hawaii 🌺
This iconic restaurant and beach bar is named after the first Charlie Chan detective novel, set in 1920s Hawaii. Today, it is Halekulani’s most popular choice for sunset cocktails and live entertainment. The poolside restaurant serves brick oven flatbreads and fresh seafood, and there’s a daily hula show and sunset cocktails. The sunsets over the 130-year-old Kiawe tree and views of Diamond Head are brilliant.
No. 8: The Crow’s Nest – Santa Cruz, California 🌅
Set right on the beach where the Santa Cruz Harbor meets the ocean, The Crow’s Nest has been around for more than half a century and offers a classic California coast wining and dining experience. You can sit in the dining room downstairs or bar and grill upstairs. Indulge in seafood specials like lobster pasta, Norwegian salmon, or the house-made favorite piña colada cheesecake. Happy hour specials, gorgeous sunsets, live music, dancing, and a wide selection of beer and wines complete the experience at this outstanding Santa Cruz institution.
No. 7: Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach – Treasure Island, Florida 🍹
Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach takes its name from the famous Key West saloon that opened in 1933 on the day Prohibition was repealed. The tradition continues here, on gorgeous Treasure Island Beach, with superb Gulf views, fantastic sunsets, live music, and excellent seafood. Indulge in a refreshing Sloppy On The Beach drink, made with Grey Goose L’Orange vodka, peach schnapps, and fresh pineapple and cranberry juice — a great way to wash down a grouper sandwich or shrimp tacos. This restaurant also makes hearty breakfasts, should you head out to the sand early.
No. 6: Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian – Honolulu, Hawaii 🍍
Named after the renowned tropical drink, the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian is an ideal venue to take in Waikiki Beach. The resort dates to 1927 and is known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” sitting just steps from the sand and surf of happening Waikiki. Tuck into some poke or a mahi sandwich to go with the bar’s signature Mai Tai, and enjoy the daily live entertainment, too.
No. 5: Copper Bar at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel – Waimea, Hawaii 🌴
No. 4: Reunion Kitchen + Drink – Santa Barbara, California 🍸
Reunion Kitchen + Drink has several locations across Southern California, but their oceanfront place in Santa Barbara stands out, as it’s right on East Beach near the historic Stearns Wharf. Noted for its modern comfort cuisine and exhibition kitchen, every table here has an ocean view. Menu favorites include fresh ceviche or beer-battered fish and chips, while hibiscus margaritas and mezcal cocktails made will keep you hydrated while you enjoy the vibe and views.
No. 3: Tiki Hut at Beach House – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 🎶
Tiki Hut at Beach House is Hilton Head’s only beachfront live music venue. Folks have been coming here for food and drinks on the sand, live music, and good times since 1977. Try a Local Secret, made with bourbon, lemonade, and raspberry puree served frozen in a souvenir cup, or indulge in a 32-ounce bucket of fruity rums and tropical juice. There are live jam sessions, funky beats, dancing, and brunch with a Southern flair served on weekends, all accompanied by stellar sand and sea views and a very chill vibe.
No. 2: Flora-Bama – Pensacola, Florida 🎤
Flora-Bama is a legendary honky-tonk bar that has been around since 1964. Named after its location on the Alabama-Florida state line, the beach lounge features five stages for live music, with daily offerings of rock, dance, country, and beach tunes. Kick back at one of their beachfront bars with a Bushwacker, a frozen cocktail with rum, coffee liqueur, crème de cacao, and coconut cream. Enjoy fresh oysters or a build-your-own burger at the oyster bar, all the while taking in the superlative Gulf views.
No. 1: Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Bar – Daytona Beach, Florida 🏆
One of the best places to take in world-famous Daytona Beach is from the happening Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Bar. This laid-back beachfront bar features daily live music, plus karaoke and DJs to keep you consistently entertained. Their 32-ounce tropical Bacardi buckets are renowned, there’s a huge selection of draft and bottled beer, and the crab cakes, fish and chips, and other freshly caught seafood dinners are the perfect accompaniment to the gorgeous ocean views.
