Sneaking drinks onto the beach and slyly sipping them seems like the ultimate beach experience. Until the drinks get warm, the ice melts, and you have to haul all your trash out of your spot. That’s when you realize that beach bars are actually the true ultimate beach experience. And lucky for you, the VinePair Staff has rounded up the best beach bar in every state with a coastline so you’re never stuck looking for a spot.
Cheers.
Washington: The Pourhouse in Port Townsend
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A relaxed craft beer bar with a view of the mouth of Port Townsend Bay to kill for. With over 12 beers on tap and more than 200 bottles and cans, you’re sure to find something you like here to go along with the beachfront scene.
Oregon: Pelican Brewing in Pacific City
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You can’t get much closer to the sand than Pelican Brewing. Grab a craft beer and stick your feet in the sand. There’s a reason Pelican Brewing Co.’s claimed #BornAtTheBeach.
California: Pacific Beach Shore Club in Pacific Beach
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Pacific Beach Shore Club is steps away from the Pacific and just outside of San Diego. Step out onto their second-floor deck for sunset views and cold brews, then snag one of their locally famous fish tacos. Or just stay inside where there are games and less burning sun. No judgment, you’ll have a good time either way.
Maine: The Brunswick in Old Orchard Beach
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Don’t let the hotel lodging above throw you off. The pub downstairs features live bands in the summer and drinks and food that’ll keep you satisfied from day into night.
New Hampshire: Bernie’s Beach Bar in Hampton
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Fresh lobster, a patio, good (often live) music, tiki drinks, beer buckets, and views of the beach? Can you check any more boxes? Make it here.
Massachusetts: The Beachcomber in Wellfleet
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The Beachcomber is a classic Massachusetts mainstay. The buzzy bar, restaurant, and live music venue used to be a lifesaving station. Now it’s saving the lives of thirsty beach goers along the the Cape Cod shore.
Rhode Island: Ocean Mist in Matunuck
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Sure, it looks like the Ocean Mist is trying to escape onto the beach, but that’s part of the fun. Stand on the deck with a drink and then make your way down the path to the sand for the ultimate beach vibe bliss.
Connecticut: The Pavilion in Old Lyme
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Live bands play at The Pavilion with an ocean background while rum buckets keep the party flowing. The bar is literally on the beach, with multi-colored lawn chairs right out front. But don’t let those lawn chairs fool you. The Pavilion can get rowdy — beach bar-style.
New York: Rockaway Beach Surf Club in Rockaway Beach
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A surf-vibe hot spot with cocktails, beer, and some of the best tacos on Long Island. Graffiti, surf boards, and murals cover the walls. It’s a year-round spot — regardless of how cold the Northern winter gets.
New Jersey: The Rusty Nail in Cape May
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Day or night, The Rusty Nail is a quick walk up from the Jersey Shore for cold beer and cocktails. The surfer bar and restaurant also has seafood and live music. There are few things you’ll be left wanting after a trip to the Nail.
Delaware: The Starboard in Dewey
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A long list of craft beers, live music, food, no cover. Not sold yet? How about “make your own” Bloody Mary bar on Suicide Sundays. Party on.
Maryland: Macky’s in Ocean City
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Beachside tables and string lights are the perfect setting to post up during the afternoon and stay for the sunset and into the night. Once night falls, stay for the Tuesday theme parties, Friday beach bashes, and weekend DJs.
Virginia: The Shack on 8th in Virginia Beach
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The Shack on 8th is like the best backyard party you’ve ever had. There are games, drinks, events, food, music, and plenty of room for friends. Oh yeah, you also don’t have to clean up at all.
North Carolina: The Fat Pelican in Carolina Beach
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Some may call the Fat Pelican the diviest of the dives, but there’s nothing more beach than a sandy patio, a random assortment of decor that is best described as “comfortable,” and plenty of beers.
South Carolina: Ocean Annie’s in Myrtle Beach
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You haven’t seen a true South Carolina beach party if you haven’t seen Ocean Annie’s. The bar features tropical drinks and a pool (yes, their own pool) just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean.
Georgia: Brogen’s South in St. Simion
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A full-on shack house on Georgia’s best party beach. Lie back, grab some pub food, and enjoy the ocean views and drinks.
Florida: Jimmy B’s Beach Bar & Bistro in St. Petersburg
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Located inside the Beachcomber Beach Resort Hotel, Jimmy B’s is a St. Pete standard. You might be surprised that a Miami bar isn’t in this spot, but that just means you haven’t been to Jimmy B’s yet.
Alabama: Flora-Bama in Orange Beach
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Prepare for a wild ride. Located on the border of Alabama and Florida, there’s simply nothing like the Flora-Bama bar. The waterfront spot offers up world-class oysters, live music, late nights, and some of the best Bushwackers in the country.
Mississippi: Shaggy’s Beach Bar in Biloxi
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Step away from the Biloxi casinos for a bit and relax by the beach with a bucket of beer, fresh seafood, and refreshingly intoxicating tropical cocktails.
Louisiana: Artie’s Sports Bar in Grand Isle
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Look out over the deck with a good drink in hand and forget about Louisiana’s disappearing shore line. There’s no better place to do it than Artie’s.
Texas: The Spot in Galveston
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The Spot is a full-on destination. There’s the tequila bar (The Squeeze), the rum bar (Rum Shack), the tiki bar (Tiki Bar), and the down-home backyard bar (Side Yard). You’re probably happiest at the beach, at least until you get to The Spot.
Hawaii: The Edge of Waikiki in Waikiki
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Nothing is more self-explanatory than The Edge of Waikiki — and it doesn’t disappoint. Sip on a signature cocktail in the infinite pool while staring off at, you guessed it, the edge of Waikiki.
Alaska: The Talon Lodge and Spa in Sitka
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The Talon Lodge is the best open-air bar in Alaska. While it’s also the only open-air bar in Alaska, it’s still a place you need to see. The freshest fish and fine wines complement the beach views in an unbelievable way.
