In case you didn’t already know, there are tons of waterfront restaurants in Florida worthy of an alfresco meal. But what about those restaurants where you can chow down with your toes in the sand? Hard to believe that there are places where you can sit waterside enjoying a cold beverage, and watch the sun setting in the distance, all while your toes are digging in the white, quartz-riddled beach. However, they certainly do exist. This restaurant road trip will take you to some of the best beach restaurants in Florida, filled with tropical vibes and memorable meals. Get reach to enjoy a great dinner on the beach in Florida!

Google Maps

The entire trip clocks in at around 10 hours of drive-time, but you’re going to want to stop along the way and chow down. Use our interactive trip itinerary to guide you on your journey. Make it a weekend of exceptional beachfront dining all in one road trip. Shoes optional.

1. Reef Burger at Crab Island, Destin
Crab Island Information Center, 300 Harbor Blvd Suite D, Destin, FL 32541, USA
Facebook / Reef Burger at Crab Island
When it comes to dining with your toes in the sand, Reef Burger is about as close as you can get. Heck, you can even dine while you’re in the water! This takes the idea of waterfront restaurants in Florida to a whole new level. This floating restaurant near Destin offers up super scrumptious burgers, so whether you’re canoeing or boating around for the day, you can always grab a delicious meal.
2. Beach Walk Cafe, Destin
Beach Walk Cafe, 2700 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541, USA
Facebook Beach Walk Henderson Park
Beach Walk Cafe in Destin is a truly romantic place to dine. When you’re dining on the deck with views of the tumbling waves and setting sun, everything seems like pure magic. However, you can also opt to book the "Toes-In-The-Sand" dining experience which is a private dining adventure that is about as close to perfection as you can get.
3. Bongos Beach Bar & Grill, St. Pete Beach
Bongos Beach Bar and Grille, 5250 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, USA
Mark Hesse / Google
Bongos Beach Bar & Grill is located on St. Pete Beach at the Bellwether Beach Resort, which means you already know the sunsets are going to be phenomenal. This restaurant allows visitors to dine with a drink in hand and toes in the sand, which is about as good as it gets. Enjoy a range of cuisine from delicious apps to fresh seafood and beyond.

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4. The Sandbar Restaurant, Anna Maria
Sandbar Seafood & Spirits, 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216, USA
Facebook / The Sandbar Restaurant
Get ready for feet in the sand, a cold tropical drink, local seafood, and a casual, relaxed atmosphere. The Sandbar Restaurant is located on Anna Maria Island and has been a local hangout for years. With farm-to-fork cuisine and elevated fare, this is one place you don’t want to miss out on experiencing.
5. Gulf Drive Cafe & The Kokonut Hut, Bradenton Beach
The Kokonut Hut, 900 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA
rive Cafe & The Kokonut Hut
Located just right down the street from your next stop, The Beach House Restaurant is another toes-in-the-sand dining gem. The Gulf Drive Cafe in Bradenton Beach offers a bit more of a casual atmosphere but definitely doesn’t lack in the scenery. What’s even better? You can drink and dine under your very own tiki, too!
6. The Beach House Restaurant, Bradenton Beach
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant, 200 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA
Facebook / The Beach House Restaurant
You really can’t get more "beachfront dining" vibe than having a good majority of your dining room out in the sand. The Beach House Restaurant on Bradenton Beach will offer up some truly magical views as you dine. Even if you wait until the sun sets to make a reservation, the twinkling lights paired with the sounds of the ocean are truly magical.
7. The Turtle Club Restaurant, Naples
Facebook / The Turtle Club Restaurant
The Turtle Club Restaurant offers a fine dining experience in a scenic beachfront spot in Naples. As one of Naples' premier waterfront restaurants, you’ll be able to enjoy an impeccable sunset as you dine, or just sit with your toes in the sand and with satiating coastal cuisine. This may very well be one of the best restaurants in Florida!

Are you ready to dine at some of the best beach restaurants in Florida? What do you think about this Florida restaurant road trip? Have you already visited any, or do you have others you would add to the list? Make sure to let us know in the comment section! Can’t get to any of these spots? Consider creating your own fun dinner on the beach in Florida by ordering your favorite meal to take for a picnic.

And if you’re looking for more of the best beachfront restaurants in Florida, check out some other great spots near the water.

 

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More to Explore

Dinner on the Beach In Florida

Michelle S. | July 27, 2023

What are the best beaches in Florida?

The best beaches in Florida can be found throughout the entire state. While there is no shortage of gorgeous, white-sand beaches here, there are a few that may be considered better than others.

  • Grayton Beach is considered the best beach in not only Florida but the country. With soft powdery sand, crystal clear turquoise waters, and tall sand dunes, it’s easy to see why. You will even find freshwater ponds nearby in the surrounding Grayton Beach State Park.
  • St. Pete Beach was named the fifth best beach in the world by TripAdvisor on their 2021 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches and it came in at number one for the country! This Gulf Coast beach has gentle waves, soft sand, and turquoise waters. It’s absolutely breathtaking.

 

Are there any waterfront restaurants in Florida?

There are plenty of great waterfront restaurants in Florida. A few you must try are:

 

What are some of the best restaurants in Florida?

The best restaurants in Florida are worth visiting no matter where you're from. From upscale to hole-in-the-wall restaurants, the Sunshine State has them all.

  • Bizou Brasserie, Le Meridien Hotel: Located inside the former federal courthouse in Tampa, this is a great option if you are looking for more of an upscale place with both a unique atmosphere and incredible food. Indulge in cocktails and American and French-creole cuisine at this one-of-a-kind restaurant for a memorable experience.
  • Satchel’s Pizza: This hidden gem offers that chance to dine inside a van, inside a greenhouse, or under a plane. This funky restaurant also has a salvage store and will certainly be like no other place you’ve ever eaten.

 

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