6 of These Florida Beachfront Restaurants Are Ready For Your Next Road Trip

Beachfront restaurants in FL are jewels worthy of seeking out. Of course, we already know there are tons of waterfront restaurants in Florida for an alfresco meal. But what about those restaurants where you can chow down with your toes in the sand? It's hard to believe there are places where you can sit waterside enjoying a cold beverage and watch the sun setting in the distance, all while digging your toes in the white, quartz-riddled beach.

But 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 ready to enjoy a great dinner on the beach in Florida!

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

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 at the Henderson Park Inn is truly one of the most romantic places to dine on the beach in Florida. When you’re eating on the deck with views of the tumbling waves and setting sun, everything seems like pure magic. However, you can 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. A fan favorite is the Grouper Vince, which is pecan-crusted grouper artfully assembled with a crispy potato cake, haricot verts, and a honey Worcestershire sauce.

3. Bongos Beach Bar & Grill, St. Pete Beach

Editor's Note: Bongo's Beach Bar and Grille is temporarily closed and is expected to reopen by February 2027. Stay updated on reopening dates and times at Bongo's website.

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 for a scrumptious dinner on the beach in Florida. Enjoy a range of cuisine from delicious apps to fresh seafood and beyond. You can't go wrong with a choice of two: Angus ground steak, grilled chicken, mahi, or shrimp tacos with shredded lettuce, Spanish cheeses, and mango salsa. Enjoy tortilla chips, roasted tomato salsa, and fresh guacamole on the side.

4. The Sandbar Restaurant, Anna Maria

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. The fabulous fresh Fish Sandwich is tasty every day.

5. Gulf Drive Cafe & The Kokonut Hut, Bradenton Beach

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 and Kokonut Hut in Bradenton Beach offer a more casual atmosphere but definitely don’t lack in the scenery. What’s even better? You can drink and dine under your very own tiki, too! Try the Coconut Shrimp with veggies, coconut rice, and sweet apricot sauce.

6. The Beach House Restaurant, Bradenton Beach

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. The exquisite Seafood Roll, made with lobster, crab, shrimp, celery, shallots, and fennel on a toasted hoagie roll, is absolutely worth the order.

7. The Turtle Club Restaurant, Naples

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 sit with your toes in the sand and with satiating coastal cuisine. This may very well be one of the best restaurants in Florida! When in season, we can't get enough of the luscious stone crab claws.

Beachfront restaurants in Florida offer some of the best memories. What do you think about this Florida restaurant road trip? Have you already visited any of these eateries, or do you have others you would add to the list? If you want to add more, consider taking a road trip through Florida to experience them firsthand.

While you're in the mood for a scenic road trip along the coast, try out this Hidden Beaches Road Trip in Florida. And make it a weekend vacation.