Built in 1935 by Waldo Sexton, a barefoot millionaire, legendary eccentric, and one of the most colorful characters Florida has ever produced, the Driftwood Resort is a structure unlike any other on the Atlantic coast. Sexton built the whole place from salvaged lumber, driftwood, ship’s wheels, and sheer stubbornness, reportedly shouting instructions to his crew from the beach without ever drawing up a plan. Waldo’s Restaurant & Bar, named for its creator and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1994, sits right on the ocean with indoor and outdoor seating, live music on weekends, and a bar that feels like it belongs in a novel. Order something cold, sit on the wooden deck, and raise a glass to Waldo, the man built this place on pure audacity.
Thirsty for more? Dive into the Bum’s full guide to the best beach bars in Florida.
