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Looking for the best dockside restaurants on Florida’s Gulf Coast where you can pull up by boat and enjoy freshly caught seafood? Whether you’re cruising the Emerald Coast, exploring the Suncoast, or island-hopping through the Keys, the Gulf Coast is dotted with spectacular waterfront restaurants offering unbeatable views, fresh Gulf cuisine, and boat-friendly access.
From laid-back tiki bars to elegant marina dining, here are the top-rated dock-and-dine restaurants loved by locals and visitors alike. Each spot offers its own unique charm—so bring your appetite and your sea legs.
Located on the stunning Destin Harbor, Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House is known for its Southern-style seafood and casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Guests can enjoy panoramic waterfront views, two full bars, and “Gulf-to-table” freshness with every bite.
📍 Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House – 414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
With its coastal-Caribbean ambiance and upscale fare, The Grand Marlin is a culinary favorite. Featuring a raw bar, craft cocktails, and refined seafood dishes, it’s a go-to dockside destination with locations in both Panama City Beach and Pensacola.
📍 The Grand Marlin – 5323 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Tucked along the Homosassa River, The Freezer Tiki Bar delivers a laid-back, no-frills vibe with big flavors. Housed in an old fish freezer, this quirky dock-and-dine hot spot serves up stone crab, peel-and-eat shrimp, and cold beer right on the water.
📍 The Freezer Tiki Bar – 5590 S Boulevard Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448
A local favorite for seafood and sunsets, the Inn on the Gulf offers both casual outdoor dining and an upscale experience inside its Sunset Room. Known for its grouper, fish and chips, and welcoming service, it’s a standout on Florida’s Nature Coast.
📍 Inn on the Gulf Restaurant – 6330 Clark St, Hudson, FL 34667
At Island Way Grill, their fishing boats haul in the daily catch—like grouper, Mahi, and snapper—which are seared over an oak and citrus-fired open pit. With a sushi bar, water views, and a famous Sunday brunch, it’s a must-stop for dock-and-dine lovers.
📍 Island Way Grill – 20 Island Way, Clearwater, FL 33767
Salt Rock Grill is known for its fine steaks, daily fresh seafood, raw bar, and extensive wine list—all served in a stylish, waterfront setting. The on-site butcher and in-house wine cellar elevate this Indian Shores staple into a top-tier dining experience.
📍 Salt Rock Grill – 19325 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL 33785
Marina Jack blends the best of both worlds: casual outdoor seating and elegant indoor dining, all with breathtaking marina views. From fresh seafood to premium steaks, it’s a Sarasota favorite. Be sure to stop by our Sarasota location just next door!
📍 Marina Jack – 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236
Island-inspired and rum-infused, Doc Ford’s is a boater’s paradise. With dock access, daily specials, and a wide selection of premium rums, this waterfront restaurant also has sister locations in Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, and St. Pete Pier.
📍 Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille –708 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
For nearly 50 years, The Dock at Crayton Cove has been a staple in Old Naples. It serves regional and international seafood prepared with tropical flavors, all in a vibrant, open-air setting perfect for relaxing after a day on the boat.
📍 The Dock at Crayton Cove – 845 12th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
Locally loved and family-owned, Key Largo Fisheries serves over 100 menu items including crab, lobster, shrimp, and Mahi in a fun, backyard-style café setting. It’s casual, it’s delicious, and it’s pure “Keys” charm.
📍 Key Largo Fisheries – 1313 Ocean Bay Dr, Key Largo, FL 33037
Hurricane Hole offers an all-in-one experience with a restaurant, marina, watersports, and fishing charters. Their seafood-focused menu and lively dockside bar make it a quintessential Key West destination for boaters.
📍 Hurricane Hole Restaurant & Marina – 5130 Overseas Hwy, Key West, FL 33040
From tiki bars with shrimp baskets to fine dining with white linens, Florida’s Gulf Coast is packed with unforgettable dock-and-dine destinations. Whether you’re cruising with family or enjoying a sunset trip for two, these restaurants offer everything from laid-back bites to gourmet seafood feasts—all with boat access just steps away.
Need help planning your route or looking for a yacht to match your lifestyle? Contact us to speak with a local boating expert who can help you chart your course.
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