For most travelers, it’s the number one destination-within-a-destination: the beach bar. 

As travel trends ebb and flow, it’s a constant, somehow managing to survive as the manifestation of our most romantic Caribbean travel fantasies. 

Because there’s just something about a cocktail at the edge of the sand. 

And these beach bars are the epitome of the art form, from shacks in the middle of the ocean to buzzy beach lounges to classic beach bars. 

With this list, we’ve tried to mix it up, featuring some true Caribbean institutions and a number of newer beach bars that should definitely be on your travel radar.

That includes another welcome new trend: the “gourmet” beach bar, where high-level cuisine marries with toes-in-the-sand cocktail culture, something that’s increasingly popular across the region.

Here are our favorite beach bars in the Caribbean in 2022. 

#1: Bikinis on the Beach, St John, USVI It’s the hottest beach bar in the Caribbean since the pandemic, a full-fledged destination beach bar set on one of the most beautiful stretches of sand and turquoise in St John. From the terrific cocktails to a great selection of cabanas, it’s quickly become an iconic, bucket-list stop in the region.