6 Incredible Outdoor Drinking Spots Down the Shore

Whether it’s to enjoy the warm breeze or the beautiful sunsets of summer, the Jersey Shore is full of excellent places to drink outdoors. Here, we’ve rounded up six spots to take in the views and cocktails.

The Borgata Beer Garden

From a stellar selection of craft beer to delectable bar-style bites, the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa’s laid-back paradise is the perfect escape from the sweltering summer heat. The canopied bar serves 15 different kinds of beers, such as a 32 ounce draft of IPA Forgotten Boardwalk served in a souvenir cup and a chilled bucket of Corona—best enjoyed relaxing in the surrounding Adirondack chairs while listening to live entertainment from local bands and DJs. 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J., 609.317.7249, theborgata.com

Poseidon Pool and Cabana Club

Guests to the Poseidon Pool and Cabana Club can lounge in style as they soak up the sun in a private cocoon that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy VIP poolside service at all three pools and order one of their many signature cocktails, including the titox made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, muddled cucumber and mint, lemon, lime, and club soda. 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J., 609.783.8000, theoceanac.com

Water Star Grille

Dock your boat and head to the open-air restaurant located on a little bay in the center of Stone Harbor. Water Star Grille boasts an extensive selection of drinks, and it has the most breathtaking views of the Jersey Shore sunset. Guests can sit anywhere in their cozy outdoor lounge area right on the dock and split an exclusive bottle of Veuve Clicquot yellow label brut champagne with friends. Pair the bubbly drink with a side of signature crab guacamole and crispy, homemade tortilla chips. 9601 Third Ave., 609.368.0100, reedsatshelterhaven.com

Atlantic City Beach Bar

Take in beautiful ocean views at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City’s beach bar. Just steps away from the sand, the boardwalk-style bar promises ultimate relaxation with private cabanas and Adirondack chairs beneath palm trees and string lights. Order their signature frozen cocktail, the rum runner, right from your daybed. Made with Bacardi Superior, Goslings Dark Rum, Malibu Banana, blackberry liquor, pineapple juice, orange juice, and topped off with a splash of grenadine, it’s the perfect drink for a day at the beach. 100 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J., 609.449.1000, hardrockhotels.com

The Octopus Garden

The outdoor garden at The Whitebrier evokes a lively, yet relaxed atmosphere with patio-style furniture and original summer cocktails. Take your tastebuds on a tropical vacation by ordering the mermaid margarita, which fuses together espolón tequila, organic fresh limes, agave mix and salt; or bring a piece of home with you to the beach with a Philly old-fashioned, a tasty mix of Dad’s Hat Rye, angostura bitters, house-made simple syrup and garnished with an orange wedge and luxardo cherry. 260 20th St., Avalon, N.J., 609.967.5225, thewhitebrier.com

Congress Hall Hotel

What does Grace Kelly and Oprah Winfrey have in common? They’ve stayed at the Congress Hall Hotel. The Cape May hotel provides not only glamour but luxury to its guests with their exclusive beach service. Cool off under a VIP beach tent and indulge in an assortment of mocktails, including the Moroccan palmer and strawberry-coconut lemonade. After a long day at the beach, head out onto the open-air porch for the Veranda Bar’s wide selection of farm-fresh cocktails and comfortable rustic-style rocking chairs. 200 Congress Place, 609.884.6542, caperesorts.com/congress-hall