I'm not asking about the miles of beach chairs and umbrellas, but the little bars right on the beach where you can go without getting sand in your shoes and sit in the shade to enjoy coffee or lunch while gazing out at the ocean. A couple of favorites have been near Isola Bella below Taormina, Sicily, and Bar Sausalito (yes!) in Sitges, Spain. In this country, it seems we've done such a good job of protecting our beaches that we don't have such beach bars. (In Santa Monica/Venice, California, for instance, the restaurants are WAY back from the water.) I'm hoping some of you coast dwellers can tell me of spots I should visit in this country.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Now we're getting into my area of expertise! I may have missed a European art museum or two, but beach bars--the following observations are based on in depth personal experience and meticulous research:
(ahem) Unfortunately, some overly-cautious US states and localities have decided it's not a good idea, from a public safety viewpoint, to encourage people to drink booze on the beach, you know, near water and surf.
For example, at Venice Beach (which you mentioned), Malibu Beach, and other public beaches in California--and at Waikiki Beach--just to name a few, local law does not allow drinking or open containers on public beaches or beaches regulated by public ordinance.
That's why at Venice Beach you won't find bars until you get back off the beach to the Speedway.
And why you can enjoy a Mai Tai at the Royal Hawaiian's Mai Tai bar (recently renovated!) on Waikiki Beach, but you'll be stopped by hotel security if you try to walk the 30 feet to the surf with your Mai Tai in hand. Same thing will happen at the Beach Bar at the Moana's Banyan Court.
It may be different where private ownership controls a stretch of beach.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8059 posts
In the US, no. But closer than Europe, yes. In our "off" years from Europe, we try to get down to Mexico, the coast in the Yucatan just below Cancun has a number of areas with bars on wonderful beaches, you are free to take your drink anywhere, plus they serve great food. As a bonus of sorts, many places are run or owned by Europeans, our favorite by Italians. The crowd also is well mixed, European with not as many Americans as you would think (They are at the All-Inclusives) so you really get that European Beach Vibe, complete with a few topless sunbathers as you sip your beer.