St. Pete Beach, a jewel on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is renowned for its stunning sunsets, soft white sands, and, of course, its vibrant beach bar scene. As a local who’s spent years exploring every nook and cranny of Tampa Bay’s coastline, I’m thrilled to guide you through the best beach bars St. Pete Beach has to offer. If you’re dreaming of a boozy beach day or a laid-back evening with your toes in the sand, hitting up the beach bars is undeniably one of the top things to do in St. Pete Beach. So, let’s dive right into the definitive guide to St. Pete Beach’s must-visit beach bars!
Please note: Some of these St. Pete Beach bars are currently undergoing renovations and restoration due to Hurricane Helene. It’s always a good idea to check their operating status before visiting.
Must-Visit Beach Bars in St. Pete Beach
1. Jimmy B’s Beach Bar: The Heart of Live Music
Jimmy B’s Beach Bar, nestled behind the Beachcomber Hotel, is more than just a bar; it’s an institution on St. Pete Beach. Known for its unparalleled sunset views and daily live music, Jimmy B’s offers a quintessential beach bar experience. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the laid-back St. Pete Beach atmosphere.
What sets Jimmy B’s apart is its commitment to live music. While many beach bars feature music, Jimmy B’s boasts two stages and hosts two live bands every single day, all year round! From local favorites to touring acts, the music is always flowing, creating an energetic and fun vibe.
While weekend nights are bustling, daytime at Jimmy B’s offers a relaxed atmosphere with ample space. You’ll find multiple bars ensuring quick service and a spacious patio perfect for enjoying the beach breeze. Arrive for sunset, and you might even catch complimentary shooter giveaways – a Jimmy B’s tradition!
Hungry? Jimmy B’s has you covered with a full lunch and dinner menu, offering classic beach bar fare to satisfy your appetite while you enjoy the music and views.
2. PCI Beach Bar: The Ultimate Party Destination
For those seeking a high-energy beach bar experience, look no further than Postcard Inn Beach Bar, or PCI Beach Bar as locals affectionately call it. PCI is an iconic party beach bar, especially famous for its vibrant Spring Break atmosphere.
PCI is synonymous with beachside revelry. Expect live music or DJs spinning tunes regularly, making it almost impossible not to dance with a refreshing drink in hand. Beyond dancing, PCI offers beach volleyball courts and cornhole setups, ensuring there’s always something fun to do.
In terms of crowd demographics, Jimmy B’s attracts a diverse age range, while PCI tends to lean towards a younger crowd (primarily in their 20s and 30s), making it a hotspot for young adults and those young at heart.
If you’re planning a fun-filled weekend getaway in St. Pete Beach, consider staying at the Postcard Inn itself. Check out their rates here for easy access to the PCI beach bar and all the action.
3. Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar & Grill: Laid-Back Vibes with Lively Entertainment
Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar & Grill strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and entertainment, and it might just be my personal favorite beach bar in St. Pete Beach. I appreciate how it seamlessly blends a chilled-out atmosphere with fun activities like live music, beach volleyball, and various games.
For those seeking relaxation, Coconut Charlie’s offers inviting hammocks where you can unwind and sway in the gentle sea breeze. The beach bar menu features classic cocktails and light bites. If you’re looking for a more extensive dining experience, the full restaurant inside the Hilton Garden Inn (where Coconut Charlie’s is located) serves delicious food and craft cocktails.
Live music graces Coconut Charlie’s evenings throughout the week, with DJs taking over on weekends, creating a fantastic vibe. It’s an excellent choice for St. Pete bachelorette parties or for birthday celebrations in Tampa Bay.
A major perk of these first three beach bars: they are conveniently located next to each other, allowing you to easily hop between them and experience the unique atmosphere of each.
4. Undertow Beach Bar: The Quirky Local Dive
Undertow Beach Bar is a beloved dive bar that exudes a genuine local charm. Known for its strong and affordable drinks, Undertow offers a no-frills, authentic beach bar experience. You’ll find beach volleyball, a pool table, cornhole, and the intriguing “ring the bull” game, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
For the adventurous (and perhaps slightly extravagant), Undertow offers the legendary “upside-down shot.” For around $50, bartenders perform the daring feat of hanging from the ceiling bars and pouring a shot directly into your mouth. While I might personally skip this splurge, it’s definitely a spectacle to witness!
My favorite quirky touch at Undertow is the small stream that meanders through the bar, complete with floating rubber ducks. Participating in a rubber duck race is a must whenever I visit – a playful and fun tradition where the loser buys the next round of drinks!
Parking Tip: Be aware that Undertow does not have dedicated parking, so you’ll need to find parking elsewhere, which can be challenging during peak times.
Exploring More St. Pete Beach Bar Options
Salty’s Tiki Bar and Beach Lounge at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, along with Bongo’s Beach Bar at the Bellwether Beach Resort, are also excellent choices for beach bars in St. Pete Beach, particularly if you are staying at or near these resorts.
While slightly less centrally located, Salty’s and Bongo’s are worth the visit if you’re in their vicinity. And if you’re seeking breathtaking panoramic views without the full “beach bar” vibe, don’t miss Level 11 (also within the Bellwether Beach Resort) – recognized as one of the best rooftop bars in St. Pete Beach!
Ready to Explore the Beach Bars of St. Pete Beach?
St. Pete Beach offers a fantastic array of beach bars, each with its own distinct personality, from relaxed and chill to energetic and party-centric. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, these St. Pete Beach bars are the ideal destinations to bask in the Florida sunshine, enjoy live music, and savor delicious drinks with the sand beneath your feet.
If you’re venturing into downtown St. Pete, be sure to explore the best bars in downtown St. Pete for even more great options!
Before you head out, make sure to follow @sunkissedinstpete on Instagram and check out these other St. Pete guides:
Best breweries in St. Pete
Romantic restaurants in St. Pete
Best boat tours in St. Pete
