Kicking Back at Opal’s Florida Beach Bars

Every oceanfront Florida vacation deserves some toes-in-the-sand sunset time at a beach bar. Here, we bring you inside Opal’s very own on both coasts.

Florida Gulf Coast

Sandbar at Opal Sands Resort [Clearwater Beach, FL]

As you look out over the gulf, the white sand beach and dunes of Clearwater Beach to your right, the brand-new Opal Sands Resort at your back, the thatched grass roof of the tiki hut overhead, it will be easy to put this beach and waterfront bar on your list of all-time favorites. Try your hand at the oversized Jenga, or see how you fare in a round of cornhole – it’s all fun and games at Sandbar.

Drink to try The Cilantro Ginger Cooler, a palate-cleanser cocktail comprised of Bombay gin, Domain de Canton ginger liqueur, fresh-pressed lemon juice, a touch of agave nectar, and fresh cilantro, topped off with club soda.

Stay Opal Sands Resort

BRGR Bar at Treasure Island Beach Resort [Treasure Island, FL]

Clean lines, modern architecture, and bright pops of color present a bright, modern spin on the beach bar at Treasure Island Beach Resort’s BRGR Bar. You’ll find custom-seasoned burgers, and fresh, handcrafted cocktails – all delicious enough to fulfill all of your vacation dining fantasies.

Drink to try The Smoke and Sand, a blend of mescal, fresh orange juice, Filthy Cherry syrup, and an orange twist.

Stay Treasure Island Beach Resort

Tiki Bar at the Lido Beach Resort [Sarasota, FL]

For a beach bar that’s more “relaxed tiki” than “spring break insanity,” head to Lido Beach Resort’s Tiki Bar on Lido Key. Overlooking the resort’s white sand beaches and the Gulf of Mexico, the Tiki Bar is where you’ll find a relaxed island vibe, cheerful drink chefs, and an unbeatable view of the southwest Florida sunset.  In Sarasota, there’s no better place to sip a handcrafted cocktail while the sky transforms into a canvas of peach, pink, and red.

Drink to try The Honey Badger Sour, a mix of Jack Daniel’s honey whiskey, fresh-pressed agave sour mix, and fresh mint.

Stay Lido Beach Resort

Florida East Coast & Keys

Bistro 245 [Key West, FL]

How does lunch with an unobstructed view of Key West Harbor sound? What about a front-row seat to Mallory Square’s famous nightly Sunset Celebration without having to battle the crowds? Grab a table indoors or out at Bistro 245 for a light lunch or dinner feast, or head up to the Sunset Deck directly above for a handcrafted cocktail with a bird’s-eye view of the sunset festivities on the pier.

Drink to try The waterfront bar’s namesake drink, The Bistro 245, made with Absolut vodka and St. Germaine liqueur, topped with sparkling wine and served in a champagne flute – an elegant way to sip your way through the sunset. 

Stay Sunset Key Cottages

Skipper’s Dockside [Key Largo, FL]

At Mile Marker 100 on the Overseas Highway, beneath a massive thatched tiki roof, you’ll find a waterfront bar nestled alongside the boats that bob gently in a protected marina. Skipper’s Dockside is a one-of-a-kind playground for grown-ups, with fresh from-scratch food and artisan handcrafted cocktails, as well as interactive entertainment, indoor games, and live music. Hang out beneath the tiki canopy, or head inside, where the bleached wood walls have the feel of an antique ship’s berth, but the decidedly modern decor keeps you solidly in the present.

Drink to try The Redneck Mojito, a mixture of Jim Beam bourbon whiskey, muddled mint and lime, simple syrup, topped with club soda, and garnished with mint.

Sandbar at Delray Sands Resort [Delray Beach, FL]

The flip-flops-and-beach-cover-up dress code at this beachside bar is as relaxed as the patrons lounging on beach chairs beneath brightly colored fabric canopies. Inside and out, you’ll find sand beneath your feet, palm leaves overhead, and friendly cornhole matches filling out the scene. Add in the sound of the crashing waves, and it’s hard to imagine feeling stressed out about anything bigger than which mojito to try first at this beach bar.

Drink to try The Teenie Bikini, a sweet concoction fit for the setting of Bacardi Coconut and Orange rums mixed with a splash of pineapple and served with a pineapple slice.

Stay Delray Sands Resort

The Sand Bar at Jupiter Beach Resort [Jupiter Beach, FL]

We know lounging all day on the longest secluded stretch of beach in Palm Beach County is no easy task; it’s a marathon. Jupiter Beach Resort’s version of a water station, then, is this beachfront watering hole, where you can set yourself up with a cold, refreshing cocktail and a bite to eat without sacrificing any part of your view of the Atlantic – or your spot in the sand.

Drink to try The Green Tea & Cucumber Collins, a blend of vodka, fresh lemon, green tea syrup, and fresh muddled cucumber slices, is a refreshing departure from the typical tropical cocktail you find at most beach bars.

Stay Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa