There’s no need to end a day out on the water just because you’re hungry! Southwest Florida’s dockside restaurants are the ideal solution for boaters with an appetite. Our Southwest Florida dockside restaurant guide gives you the opportunity to enjoy a meal without ever leaving the waterfront. Here’s where to go and what to enjoy during your stop:
The Joy of Dockside Dining
One of the main joys of dockside dining is that it’s a special treat you can’t enjoy everywhere. Southwest Florida offers some of the best dockside dining you’ll find in the US and beyond. It’s an amazing boating amenity you may never have even had the pleasure of experiencing before! These Southwest Florida dockside restaurants offer stunning views of the water and marine activities, delicious local cuisine (including fresh catch seafood), and a way to meet other like-minded boaters.
Top Southwest Florida Dockside Restaurants
There is no shortage of Southwest Florida dockside restaurants to explore but if you want to start with the best dining experiences, you’ll want to check out these three options!
Rumrunners
Rumrunners in the Cape Harbour Marina is a favorite of the Southwest Florida dockside restaurants for both visitors and locals alike. Not only is the food here great, the dockside parking free, and the views of the bay spectacular— it’s an entertaining spot for the whole family! They offer live music, kids’ activities, comedy shows, and more. Dining here is a great way to stretch your legs and experience some fun you may not be able to have on your boat. And if you don’t have a fully stocked bar on your boat, Rumrunners is also one of the best places to soak in the ocean breeze while you indulge in tangy, citrus-infused cocktails!
Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar
Beautifully perched in Naples’ Venetian Village is the Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar. This Southwest Florida dockside restaurant is the perfect choice for boaters celebrating an occasion or looking for a more upscale dining option ashore. The restaurant offers multiple levels of waterfront views but we recommend the upstairs bar for the best views of the water! Docking is available right next to the restaurant, just be aware clearance is about 10.8 feet during high tide.
The Lighthouse
If you are returning from a boating trip in the gulf, detour over near the Sanibel Causeway for a delicious meal at The Lighthouse! Overlooking the exclusive Connie Mack Island, this Southwest Florida dockside restaurant offers some of the most beautiful sunset views you’ll find in the Fort Myers area. As an added bonus, this restaurant also offers live music every day, and their seafood is delicious! Go ahead and savor the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth grouper freshly caught from local waters while enjoying the crystal-clear waters reflecting the vibrant sunset of Southwest Florida!
The Benefits of Owning a Boat for Dining Adventures
Boat owners have the freedom to explore not only these fabulous dockside restaurants in Southwest Florida but many others as well! Boating up to a restaurant is often far more enjoyable than circling the parking lot for a space and gives you the opportunity to continue the fun with friends after you’ve finished your meal. No need to wave goodbye in the parking lot — keep the good times rolling by hopping back aboard your boat after dinner! Boats make for the best social and family adventures, from cruising and dining to fishing and watersports.
Feeling Hungry for More?
If you don’t yet own a boat, dockside dining adventures are just one more great reason to immerse yourself in Southwest Florida’s boat lifestyle. A boat gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the most gorgeous parts of Southwest Florida at your own pace. Bring your Southwest Florida boating adventures to life by buying a boat from Fish Tale Boats! Learn more about the boat options available in Southwest Florida here.