Clearwater is not just about pristine beaches and soothing sunsets. Just inland from the sand you will find a winery that makes its wine on site, a brewery with a dog friendly Biergarten and a taphouse built around rotating local beers.
Whether you find joy in the notes of a handcrafted wine or cherish a cold pint after a day in the sun, there is a stop here for you. Back on the beach, two easygoing bars put a cocktail in your hand within a short walk of the Gulf.
We have grouped them by what is in the glass, with addresses, distances from Pier 60 and links to each venue so you can check hours before you go. The inland stops are all within about 8 miles of the beach, so plan a designated driver or a ride, and save the beach bars for nights you are staying close to home.
| Stop | Pour | Where | From Pier 60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspirations Winery | Wine, sangria, local beer | US 19 N, Clearwater | 8 mi |
| Murielle Winery | Fruit infused wines | Clearwater | Inland |
| Southern Lights Brewing | Craft beer, Biergarten | Sunnydale Blvd | 7 mi |
| Brew Garden Taphouse | Rotating taps, food | Nursery Rd | 7 mi |
| Sandbar at Opal Sands | Tiki cocktails on the sand | S Gulfview Blvd | 1 mi |
| Reefers Social Club | Craft cocktails | Mandalay Ave | 1 mi |
Winery options
Aspirations Winery
Aspirations Winery has been making wine in Clearwater since 2010. Founded by husband and wife Robin and Bill Linville, it is a veteran and family owned craft winery that produces more than 40 wines a year right on site, from dry reds and crisp whites to dessert wines and the fruit infused wines it is best known for.
The winery sources varietal grapes from growing regions around the world and ferments, blends and bottles them in small batches. Its wines are low sulfite, and the team cheerfully promises “headaches not included.” In the tasting room you can order samples, flights or a glass, and the bar also pours local craft beer on tap, kegged sangria, ciders and cocktails, with charcuterie and food to go with them.
It is a lively place midweek too. The winery hosts free Music Bingo every Wednesday from 7 to 9 pm, and also runs wine pairings, comedy and live music nights. Ask about a guided tour of the production room if you want to see how it is made.
Good to know: 22041 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater, about 8 miles from Pier 60. Posted tasting hours run Wednesday to Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday; check the site before you go. Aspirations Winery.
Murielle Winery
For a truly different winery experience, Murielle Winery continues to lead with its fruit infused wines, crafted since its founding in 1999. Each bottle is a small batch wine with a distinctive taste, and the dedication to handcrafted quality shows. If you liked the fruit wines at Aspirations, it is fun to compare the two styles on the same trip. Murielle Winery.
Craft beer
Southern Lights Brewing Company
Established in 2015, Southern Lights Brewing Company was founded by brewers who traveled the world perfecting their craft, and its ales and lagers reflect those global influences. The taproom and Biergarten are about five minutes from the intersection of US 19 and Gulf to Bay Boulevard.
It is one of the most relaxed places in town to bring the whole crew. Kids are welcome in the taproom and Biergarten as long as they are supervised, and so are dogs, leashed and supervised at all times. There is a selection of snacks, and the brewery hosts food trucks, or you can have food delivered or bring your own. Merchandise such as hats, shirts and glassware is sold in the taproom.
Good to know: 2075 Sunnydale Boulevard, Clearwater, about 7 miles from Pier 60. Monday to Thursday 2 to 10 pm, Friday 2 to 11 pm, Saturday noon to 11 pm, Sunday noon to 9 pm. Hours and FAQ.
Bringing the dog? Southern Lights welcomes leashed dogs in the taproom and Biergarten. Our pet friendly guide has more places your dog can join you.
Brew Garden Taphouse & Eatery
For artisanal beer with food to match, put Brew Garden Taphouse & Eatery on your list. Founded by longtime friends Corey Ryan and Jake Kirby, it has become a favorite among Pinellas County locals and visitors alike. The open concept kitchen lets you watch your dishes take shape while you work through a rotating selection of craft beers. It is at 2241 Nursery Road in Clearwater, about 7 miles from Pier 60. Brew Garden.
Cocktails by the beach
Sandbar at Opal Sands
Step right onto the sand with a cocktail in hand at Sandbar, the beachfront tiki bar at the Opal Sands resort, where tropical drinks meet Gulf breezes. Order a handcrafted beach cocktail or your go to drink, and recharge with fresh sandwiches, greens and beachside fare from the all day menu.
Sandbar faces west over the Gulf, so time your visit for the hour before sunset and stay to watch the sun go down over the water. It is about a mile south of Pier 60 on South Gulfview Boulevard.
Good to know: Opal Sands Resort, 430 South Gulfview Boulevard, Clearwater Beach. Daily 11 am to 9 pm. Sandbar at Opal Sands.
Reefers Social Club
At Reefers Social Club, the bar is more than a place to grab a drink; it is an invitation to a lively, social evening. Known for its craft cocktails and well made dishes, it is a celebration of Clearwater Beach’s vibrant life. You will find it at 600 Mandalay Avenue, about a mile north of Pier 60, and its outdoor seating welcomes dogs too.
For more nights out on the beach, see our guides to Clearwater Beach bars and Clearwater Beach nightlife, and our pick of Clearwater Beach restaurants for dinner first.
Plan a tasting afternoon
The three inland stops cluster in mid Clearwater, all about 7 to 8 miles from the beach, so a winery and a brewery fit easily into one afternoon. Start at Aspirations when the tasting room opens, then move on to Southern Lights or Brew Garden for a pint and dinner. Head back to the beach in time for sunset at Sandbar, or for a nightcap at Reefers.
Book a rideshare or pick a designated driver for the inland leg; the beach bars are the ones to walk to from your rental.
Why book with Sunny Orange Stays
Choosing the right home can significantly enhance your vacation. Our properties, including beach rentals in Clearwater Beach, give you a home away from home, perfectly placed to explore Clearwater’s finest offerings. Here are four homes on Clearwater Beach that make a good base for a tasting trip.
Coastal Breeze has a private heated pool and is a 4 minute walk to the sand. Gulf Breeze sleeps 8 across four bedrooms, Island Time sleeps 16 for a big group trip, and Sandy Shores 2 is a two bedroom beach house steps from the Gulf.
Coastal Breeze
Gulf Breeze
Island Time
Sandy Shores 2
Let’s plan it
Cheers to Your Clearwater Trip
Find a home close to the beach bars and an easy drive from the tasting rooms. Questions? Email [email protected].
See you on the sand.