Beach days are great, but beach days with amazing drinks and atmosphere are even better. From coast to coast, America hides some incredible oceanfront watering holes where the views are as good as the cocktails. Whether you’re planning your next vacation or just daydreaming about sand between your toes, these hidden gem beach bars deserve a spot on your bucket list.
1. Ballard’s Beach Resort – Block Island, Rhode Island
Sand between your toes and a pineapple drink in hand – that’s the Ballard’s experience in a nutshell. This island hotspot sits just a ferry ride away from mainland Rhode Island, creating the perfect escape without needing your passport.
The resort boasts multiple tiki bars scattered across soft sand, where bartenders pour generously sized daiquiris into hollowed-out pineapples. Local bands keep the energy high throughout summer days, while the kitchen serves up fresh-caught seafood that goes perfectly with ocean views.
What makes Ballard’s special is how it balances that spring break energy with authentic New England charm – a rare combination that keeps both tourists and locals coming back year after year.
2. Seacrets – Ocean City, Maryland
Imagine sipping a frozen cocktail while floating in bay water on an inner tube – that’s just an average afternoon at Seacrets. This Caribbean-inspired paradise might be in Maryland, but it captures Jamaica’s spirit so well that locals joke it’s ‘Jamaica, USA.’
The sprawling complex features multiple bars, including the famous swim-up options where patrons can order without ever leaving the water. Their in-house distillery produces rum and whiskey that stars in signature frozen concoctions.
When the sun sets, Seacrets transforms from relaxed beach hangout to energetic nightclub. With live reggae music, dancing on the sand, and those signature frozen drinks, it’s no surprise this place has grown from a small tiki bar to an Ocean City institution.
3. Duke’s Beach House – Waikiki, Hawaii
Named after surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku, this Waikiki institution serves up aloha spirit alongside some of Hawaii’s best mai tais. Perched right on the famous beach, the open-air layout ensures almost every seat offers postcard-worthy ocean views.
The menu celebrates Hawaiian ingredients with fresh-caught fish and locally grown produce. Signature cocktails incorporate island fruits and premium rums, perfect for sipping as you watch surfers ride waves just yards from your table.
Beyond just drinks and food, Duke’s embraces its namesake’s legacy through the ‘Legacy of Aloha’ program, supporting local environmental and cultural initiatives. This connection to community gives your beach day drinks a deeper meaning – you’re not just visiting a bar, you’re experiencing a piece of authentic Hawaiian culture.
4. Nikki Beach – Miami Beach, Florida
White daybeds, champagne sprays, and beautiful people – Nikki Beach epitomizes South Beach glamour. This isn’t just a beach bar; it’s a global lifestyle brand that pioneered the luxury beach club concept.
Massive signature cocktails arrive at your cabana in oversized vessels meant for sharing. The Sunday brunch has achieved legendary status, with elaborate food displays, flowing rosé, and a DJ spinning beats that perfectly match the Miami sunshine.
Celebrity sightings are common here, especially during events like Miami Music Week. While definitely on the pricier side of beach bars, the people-watching alone justifies splurging on a daybed and a round of their famous mojito bowls at least once in your life.
5. The Coast Guard House – Narragansett, Rhode Island
History and spectacular views collide at this New England gem built inside a former Coast Guard station from 1888. Perched dramatically on rocky cliffs overlooking Narragansett Bay, the panoramic windows frame the Atlantic Ocean like living paintings.
Summer brings crowds to the outdoor deck, where locals know to arrive early for the coveted railing seats. The bar program focuses on classic cocktails with oceanic twists – think oyster shell-infused martinis and rum drinks garnished with locally harvested seaweed.
Even during winter nor’easters, this place shines as waves crash dramatically against the rocks below while you stay cozy inside. The combination of historic architecture, unmatched views, and expertly crafted drinks makes this much more than just another seafood restaurant with a bar.
6. The Kraken – Cardiff, California
Nothing about The Kraken screams ‘tourist trap’ – and that’s exactly what makes this dive bar special. Sandwiched between million-dollar beach homes and pristine surf spots, this gritty establishment proudly maintains its rough-around-the-edges charm in an increasingly polished coastal community.
Local surfers mingle with bikers at the worn wooden bar, where strong, no-nonsense drinks come without fancy garnishes or inflated coastal prices. The walls display decades of memorabilia, surfboards, and graffiti that tell stories of wild nights and local legends.
Live music roars almost nightly, with everything from punk bands to blues musicians taking the small stage. For those seeking authenticity over amenities and real conversations instead of Instagram opportunities, The Kraken delivers the increasingly rare experience of a true local beach dive.
