*Updated January 2021*
If you’re lucky enough to be traveling right now, Florida is a great place to be. With limited restrictions but impressive safety standards among the hospitality industry, it’s about as close to “normal” as you can get right now. If you landed here then you’re probably craving a cocktail right about now. Lucky for you, I’ve pulled together a quick list of where to drink in Daytona Beach with a badass view.
I don’t play tourist around here very often because when we’re home, I’m a total homebody, but I couldn’t resist hopping around to some of the best spots in town to grab drinks in Daytona Beach with a view!
Now, I know there are plenty of hotels and bars all over Daytona Beach. Some locals might prefer the smaller dive bars over these larger options. However, I wanted to share some of the very best ocean views and beachside vibes. Whether you’re looking for sand between your toes with a beer in your hand or live music and firepits, this little list has you covered. As always, if you ever have specific questions about local spots in Daytona Beach, email me at theweekendfox@gmail.com!
Where to Drink in Daytona Beach
Crabby’s Oceanside & LandShark Bar & Grill
These two restaurants are located right next to each other featuring sweeping ocean views, palm trees, and outdoor seating. Daytona Beach has been in need of some fun restaurants lining the famous beach and these two popped up encouraging locals to join the tourists. Whether it’s a Sunday Funday you’re looking for or a family-friendly happy hour, both spots will have you soaking in the sunshine.
Crabby’s is known for the crafted cocktails being served in 14oz or 20oz options. LandShark will quench your thirst with a Monday through Friday happy hour between 3:00pm and 6:00pm and every day 8:00pm until close. Cheers to that!
Address: S. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Hard Rock Hotel // Sessions
The newest beachfront resort in the area is the Hard Rock Hotel. If you’re wondering where to get drinks in Daytona Beach with a great view, this is it. Sticking with the rock star vibes and modern luxury, it’s a place that makes you excited the second you walk in the door. Sessions Restaurant is its indoor/outdoor dining option. Outside, they have bar seating and tables along with fire pits, couches, and tea lights strung through the air. The ocean breeze will keep you cool in the summer and the live music will set the tone for the evening.
Their happy hour runs Sunday through Friday from 4:00 – 6:30pm. They have a special menu for happy hour with light bites ranging from $3 for things like bleu cheese bites, $6 for a Caesar salad, and $9 for a flatbread, wings, or sliders. Happy hour drinks also range from $3 – $9. A Cosmopolitan, Apple Martini, or Lemon Drop Martini are $6 each.
Address: 918 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
The Shores Resort and Spa
One of my favorite resorts in Daytona Beach is The Shores Resort and Spa. It’s a luxury boutique hotel and even if you’re just visiting for the evening, you feel like you’re on vacation. The inside bar features a daily happy hour, but the outside is where you want to be. With a Tiki Bar, lounge chairs, and several fire pits, it’s just the right setting for a little date night action. Don’t forget to check out my stay at The Shores Resort and Spa from 2019! They did a great job with their renovations, and the staff is incredible!
Address: 2637 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118
Ocean Deck
Ocean Deck is another beachfront restaurant and bar where you can literally walk from your table right into the sand. I’m a huge fan of Ocean Deck because it’s been around for decades and it’s family owned. It’s more of a party atmosphere with a lot of live music and fun events. You can bring the family during the day, but at night, the downstairs (it’s 3 stories) definitely becomes a little wilder at night. Their happy hour runs from 3:00 – 7:00pm Monday through Friday. Check out their website for the drink specials, all of the live music line ups, and events!
Address: 127 S Ocean Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Streamline Hotel Rooftop Bar
This boutique hotel originally opened in 1940 and quickly became the go-to spot for celebrities and racecar drivers visiting Daytona Beach. Over the years, it’s been completely restored with a fun Art-Deco meets NASCAR style. It sits on the west side of A1A, but the rooftop bar is there to satisfy your happy hour dreams. With plenty of seating, an indoor bar, and views of the beach and boardwalk, it’s a great little spot to watch the sunset. It’s not the most charming space, but it’s gotten a major upgrade from what it used to be. As much as I love places like the Hard Rock Hotel, I love supporting smaller businesses even more. Looking to bar hop? The Streamline Hotel is within walking distance from Ocean Deck!
Streamline’s Rooftop Bar has happy hour every day starting at 5:00 pm. It features $5 Ketel cocktails, $1 off all drafts and $20 select bottles of wine.
Address: 140 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Cheers to That
So if you’re looking for the perfect little spot to get a drink in Daytona Beach, hit up at least one of these places! We may not get the sun setting over the ocean on the east coast of Florida, but we get some gorgeous cotton candy skies! The ocean breeze will keep you comfortable year-round and you’ll feel like you’re sipping on a cocktail in paradise. Oh, and if you’re looking to share a margarita with a local, hit me up! 😉
