BEACHSIDE LIBATIONS

By Heather Turk

Raise your glass at one of St. Pete/Clearwater’s popular beach bars

Those visiting St. Pete/Clearwater will quickly discover that there’s no better place to kick back with a drink than at one of the area’s stunning beach bars.

PALM PAVILION BEACHSIDE GRILL & BAR

The oldest operating beach pavilion in the Southeastern United States, this beach bar has been a Clearwater Beach landmark since 1926. Guests can soak up breathtaking views of Clearwater Beach and the Gulf of Mexico while enjoying live music daily and feasting upon an extensive menu offering everything from Gator Bites to seafood and farm dinners. A selection of tropical cocktails further helps put guests in an island frame of mind, like the signature Island Rum Punch made with Bacardí Mango, Pineapple and Coconut rums and exotic fruit juices. palmpavilion.com

ROWE BAR

Named after the hotel’s founder, Thomas Rowe, this 200-seat Gulf-front bar at The Don CeSar sets a new standard for St. Pete beach bars. Guests can enjoy a menu of Prohibitionera cocktails, juleps, bubbles, fine wines and local craft beers while relishing such tasty bites as the Goat Cheese Fritters from inside of the bar or on its expansive outdoor deck that stretches out over the sand dunes. There are also modern fire pits on the pavilion that guests can sit around to ward off the evening chill after watching one of St. Pete Beach’s picturesque sunsets. doncesar.com/dining/the-rowe-bar

SALTY’S TIKI BAR & BEACH LOUNGE

Offering a unique Gulf-front setting with varied options for seating — including serpentine sofas with fire tables on the sand — this newly expanded St. Pete beach bar at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort transports guests to a tropical paradise. Visitors can play a game of tiki toss with their friends while savoring light bites and sipping

Shephard’s Tiki Beach Bar has its own stage on the beach so guests can listen to some beachfront tunes

In addition to Rowe Bar, The Don CeSar has a newly renovated poolside bar that’s open to visitors — the Beacon Pool Bar & Lookout — boasting unmatched views of the Gulf of Mexico from its rooftop lounge.

an assortment of tropical cocktails, like the signature frozen Island Escape made from piña colada mix with banana liqueur, melon liqueur, light rum and Chambord. Seven beers are also available on tap, and live music is featured nightly. tradewindsresort.com/island-grand-beachresort/eat-drink/saltys-tiki-bar-beach-lounge

SHEPHARD’S TIKI BEACH BAR

Located steps away from a private stretch of white sand beach on the glimmering Gulf of Mexico, this Clearwater Beach tiki bar at Shephard’s Beach Resort has been popular with locals and tourists alike since the early 1990s. Originally just a table by the pool, it has evolved over the years into an entertainment venue with two bars and a state-of-the-art stage on the beach that hosts live music daily. Guests can enjoy everything from relaxing reggae music to rock ‘n’ roll while indulging in cool cocktails and casual Florida beach fare made from only the best ingredients. This includes grouper that’s delivered fresh daily and all-natural, grass-fed beef burgers. Dolphin sightings are common, so be sure to keep your eyes on the water! shephards.com

Sip tropical cocktails with your toes in the sand at Salty’s Tiki Bar & Beach Lounge

Palm Pavilion is known for its spectacular sunsets

Palm Pavilion features live entertainment daily on the south end of its deck