Top Rooftop Bars in Destin & 30A: Scenic Views & co*cktails (2024)

Imagine waking up in one of our luxurious Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals, where the white crystalline beaches and jewel-toned Gulf waters of Destin and 30A beckon you into a tropical paradise. For many of our guests, this is more than just a vacation—it's a cherished family tradition. Our diverse range of accommodations, from grand beachfront villas to charming cottages and elegant condominiums, offers the perfect getaway for every group. Whether you're basking in the sun on the shimmering beach or dipping into the clear waters, the experience is simply magical.

As the sun sets, what could be more enchanting than sipping a co*cktail at a rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the sensational seascape? We've uncovered some of the best rooftop bars in Destin and along Scenic 30A that promise not just great drinks, but unforgettable vistas and experiences. Our guests often rave about these unique rooftop bars, saying they provide the perfect ending to a day in paradise. Here's a journey through these remarkable rooftop bars, moving from west to east, each offering its own unique charm and stunning views.

Skybar at The Edge SeafoodRestaurant

302 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

The Edge Seafood Restaurant in Destin features an open sun deck called Skybar, offering breathtaking views of the marina, HarborWalk Village, Holiday Isle, and the gleaming Gulf in the distance. Built above the harbor waters, Skybar provides spectacular panoramic vistas, making it an ideal spot for enjoying a magnificent sunset. Comfortable cushioned chairs and couches invite you to relax and soak in the breezy ambiance.

On chilly evenings, a fire pit adds warmth as you savor craft co*cktails and signature drinks. The dining area spans two levels, including a covered top deck where live bands often play, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere. The menu showcases Floridian fresh-caught Gulf seafood, including whole Red Snapper, along with steaks, chicken, and duckling, offering a delightful culinary experience.

The Rooftop at Henderson Beach Resort

200 Henderson Resort Way, Destin, FL 32541

The world-class Henderson Beach Resort in Destin offers an opulent setting reminiscent of golden Americana style, overlooking 221 acres of scintillating seascape. The pristine beach stretches across a mile of sugary dunes that rise to thirty feet high. The newly refurbished Rooftop Bar provides front-row seats to this heavenly vista, facing west where majestic sunsets light up the entire sky. Experience soulful relaxation as you relish the captivating views while sipping signature drinks, craft beers, or fine wines. The ambiance exudes gracious hospitality and elegant sophistication, making it a perfect spot for unwinding.

Live bands serenade you in this idyllic setting every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening. The menu features tasty appetizers such as oysters, shrimp, tuna, lobster rolls, ceviche, cheese trays, crab dip, tacos, and tostadas, providing a delightful culinary experience to complement the breathtaking views.

Ara Rooftop Lounge & Pool at Hotel Effie

1 Grand Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550

Ara Rooftop Lounge & Pool, located at 1 Grand Sandestin Boulevard, offers a chic and sophisticated experience near Destin. Nestled near the enchanting Village of Baytowne Wharf and the upscale Sandestin town center of Grand Boulevard, this lounge is surrounded by a vibrant array of restaurants and bars with live music, shopping adventures, fun festivals, outdoor concerts, and seasonal fireworks celebrations. Ara features a white marble-topped wraparound bar and tables with open portals that overlook a lavish swimming pool, lounge furniture, and comfortably adorned cabanas. Guests can enjoy drinks and tasty treats while taking in the privileged amenities and stunning views.

The panoramic vistas from Ara include the vast expanse of Choctawhatchee Bay, the forested championship golf course grounds of the resort, and the gorgeous Gulf. The menu features handcrafted artisanal craft drinks, signature libations, fine wines, and local beer. Tasty treats include cheeseburgers, empanadas, tacos, quesadillas, wings, salads, and poke bowls, offering a delightful culinary experience that complements the breathtaking scenery.

The Beach House Restaurant Sandestin

4009 S Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550

The Beach House, an iconic destination at the world-class , sits right on the sugary shore overlooking the glorious Gulf. Resembling a giant multi-angled gazebo, this impressive venue offers a stunning setting beside the beautiful beach. The open, spacious sundeck overlooks a swimming pool and the Gulf, while dramatic cathedral ceilings indoors feature walls of glass, providing rooftop-like views of the sparkling scenery.

The Beach House offers a variety of craft co*cktails, frozen tropical drinks, margaritas, fine wines, and beers. The menu includes fried seafood baskets, fresh fish, oysters, salads, cheeseburgers, po'boys, tacos, shrimp, dips, chowders, and gumbo. Adding to the ambiance, live music is often played at sunset, enhancing the magical experience of dining and relaxing at this remarkable location.

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Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar

1875 S County Hwy 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar is a popular dining and drinking destination on Scenic 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, offering stunning views of the coastal beauty that surrounds it. This award-winning restaurant has received acclaim from Best in Destin, 30A, and Travelers Choice. Located on the corner of 30A, right across from the dune top access to the Santa Rosa Beach shoreline and the renowned Gulf Place coastal village center, Shunk Gulley is perfectly positioned for enjoying the area's charm.

The restaurant features a crisp, white two-story structure with walls of windows and a spacious dining deck that offers tropical views. The menu includes delicious offerings of oysters, fish, shrimp, tuna, crab claws, salads, sandwiches, soups, dips, and tacos. The grass lawn amphitheater, lined with Royal Palms, hosts outdoor concerts, festivals, and art shows throughout the year, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Live musical entertainment featuring Beach Sound Music is available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, making Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar a perfect spot for fun, wining, and dining in an idyllic setting.

Bud & Alley's Waterfront Restaurant & Bar

2236 E W Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Bud & Alley's is an iconic and popular beach stop for drinks and dining in the heart of Seaside, right beside the gleaming Gulf. This landmark is the oldest dining establishment in Seaside and has been delighting guests for many decades. Founded in 1987 by a devoted surfer duo who named the restaurant after their pets, Bud and Alley, the venue operates under the mantra "Good Food, Good People, and Good Times." It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The dinner menu features fresh fish and seafood, complemented by a nearby Taco Bar and Pizza Bar, each with its own specialized menus. Bud & Alley's also offers an impressive selection of local craft beers, wines, and specialty signature drinks. Every evening at their Rooftop Bar, a vintage cannon is fired at sunset while guests toast the occasion. In addition to the rooftop experience, the restaurant includes a traditional dining room downstairs, providing a more classic setting. Bud & Alley's is a must-visit spot for an unforgettable dining experience in Seaside.

Rooftop Bar at Pescado Seafood Grill

74 Town Hall Rd #4b, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461

Rooftop Bar at Pescado Seafood Grill is a fine dining destination in the heart of the enchanting coastal village of Rosemary Beach, offering dazzling views of the Gulf from its top-floor rooftop bar and fashionably upscale restaurant. The charming Colonial Dutch West Indies-inspired setting of Rosemary Beach features other restaurants, bistros, cafes, galleries, specialty shops, and fashion boutiques. Jubilant festivals, outdoor concerts, lawn games, and holiday firework celebrations are hosted here, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

The Rooftop Pescado restaurant boasts a spacious open sunroom with dining tables adorned with chic Vintage Modern chairs and stunning views of the jeweled Gulf. An outer deck with upfront views offers multiple romantic seating tables for two, each providing individual Gulf vistas. Part of their mantra at Pescado is "Punchy co*cktails with a View," and they offer an array of lavish craft co*cktails. They are open for brunch on Wednesdays through Sundays, with the last dinner seating at 10:00 pm. Live music enhances the ambiance every night except Tuesdays from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. The eclectic gourmet dinner menu includes ceviche, tapas, shrimp, tuna, halibut, flounder, oysters, scallops, lobster, octopus, quail, chicken, and steak. In the evenings, the rooftop bar transforms into an adult-only spot, providing a sophisticated and serene atmosphere.

The Havana Beach Rooftop Bar at the Pearl

63 Main St, Rosemary Beach, FL 32413

The Havana Beach Rooftop Bar at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach offers a tantalizing array of Caribbean Floridian-styled entrees, including seafood, fish, steak, and slabs of ribs. This classic rooftop bar provides a bright, opulent, chic, and casual setting that defines tropical comfort. An "oasis of elegance," it features a regal, comfortably furnished ambiance with French bistro and country table seating areas. Cushioned couches, co*cktail tables, umbrella tables, and cozy tables offer breezy open deck views of the gleaming Gulf.

The rooftop deck is enhanced by fire pits with comfortable seating, perfect for co*cktails around sunset on chilly evenings. The Havana Beach Rooftop serves delicious pub fare from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm, including smoked tuna dip, wings, fiesta fries, salads, and a trio chip dip. Main entrees feature a Smash Burger, gulf fish taco, and coconut shrimp. Downstairs, the main dining room is an acclaimed gourmet restaurant, a AAA Diamond Award recipient for fine dining, and a Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence winner. The sumptuous settings with gorgeous Gulf views and verandas with seating provide a palatial tropical look, making it an ideal spot for an unforgettable dining experience.

As you explore the stunning rooftop bars of Destin and 30A, each offering unique charm, breathtaking views, and delightful culinary experiences, you'll discover the perfect way to end your days in paradise. Whether you're savoring a craft co*cktail at sunset, enjoying live music, or indulging in fresh seafood, these rooftop destinations promise unforgettable moments. Make your visit even more special by staying with Ocean Reef Resorts, where our luxurious and exceptional service will ensure a memorable and relaxing getaway. Book your stay with us today and elevate your Emerald Coast experience!