Flora-Bama Wins National Recognition As One Of America's Best Beach Bars

R. Ken Cooper • May 29, 2026

Decades of live music, coastal charm, and Gulf Coast hospitality helped earn the national honor

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A beloved bar on the border of Alabama and Florida has once again captured the nation's attention. Flora-Bama has been named one of the Top 10 Best Beach Bars in the United States by the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The honor places the Gulf Coast landmark in the same conversation as the nation's best beach bars. For longtime fans, the recognition comes as no surprise.

Flora-Bama sits directly on the Alabama-Florida state line in Perdido Key, Florida, bordering Orange Beach, Alabama. The awards were part of the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, which highlight standout destinations and businesses nationwide. Nominees are selected by a panel of travel experts and then voted on by the public.

The bar has spent more than 60 years cultivating a loyal following along the Gulf Coast. What began as a small beachside hangout has become one of the region's best-known entertainment spots. Despite its growth, Flora-Bama has retained the laid-back charm and warm hospitality that made it popular in the first place.

Flora-Bama is known for several beloved traditions that keep guests coming back. The world-famous Interstate Mullet Toss draws crowds every year, as does the annual Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo. The bar also features a packed lineup of live music and a relaxed coastal atmosphere that welcomes everyone who walks through the door.

Guests travel from across the country to experience what Flora-Bama offers. The venue draws visitors year-round, from daytime beach gatherings to late-night concerts on the Gulf. It has become a place where memories are made, whether someone is visiting for the first time or returning for the hundredth time.

The 10Best award reflects more than the bar itself. It also honors the staff who show up every day and the loyal guests who have supported Flora-Bama for generations. The public voting process behind the award means that real fans helped make this recognition possible.

Flora-Bama continues to stand out as a true Gulf Coast institution. The blend of live music, food, traditions, and coastal hospitality has created something hard to find elsewhere. The national spotlight from USA TODAY only adds to a legacy that has been building for decades.

Those interested in learning more about Flora-Bama, upcoming events, or live music schedules can visit www.florabama.com or follow the bar on social media.

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