Where to Watch the Sunset with a Drink in Hand

There’s something inherently magical about watching the sun melt into the ocean, cocktail in hand, a soft breeze brushing your face. Daytona Beach, known for its iconic shoreline, vibrant nightlife, and coastal charm, offers a range of unbeatable spots to experience this perfect end to the day. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, finding the right place to enjoy the golden hour is essential.

This blog explores the best venues in Daytona Beach where you can relax with a drink and watch the sunset in style. From beach bars and rooftop lounges to laid-back waterfront restaurants, each destination blends scenic views with the right ambiance. We’ll guide you through the top locations where sunset and spirits go hand in hand, based on real experiences and guest ratings.

Ready to elevate your evening plans? Let’s dive into the best places in Daytona Beach where sunsets and sips are served together—beautifully.

1. Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club – Casual Vibes with Front-Row Ocean Views

A staple on Daytona Beach’s coastline, Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club is where locals and tourists gather for unbeatable sunset views. Located directly on the sand, this three-story beach bar offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. As the sun dips below the horizon, enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, live reggae music, and delicious drinks like their famous rum runners and house margaritas.

Ocean Deck’s outdoor deck is the real draw—order a drink, kick off your shoes, and watch the sun light up the waves with orange and pink hues. It’s casual, lively, and just the right amount of tropical.

The restaurant also serves up a full menu, so you can pair your sunset experience with fresh seafood, burgers, or wings. Whether you're looking to unwind after a beach day or start your evening on a high note, Ocean Deck combines fun, flavor, and Florida charm in one of the best Daytona Beach sunset settings.

2. Top of Daytona Restaurant – Rooftop Elegance 29 Floors Above the Coastline

Perched atop the tallest building along Florida’s Atlantic coast, the Top of Daytona Restaurant offers a truly elevated sunset experience. Located on the 29th floor of Peck Plaza, this fine-dining spot delivers 360-degree panoramic views of Daytona Beach, the ocean, and beyond—ideal for sunset lovers seeking a more refined setting.

As the sky changes colors, the glass-wrapped dining room transforms into a romantic and awe-inspiring space. Sip on a signature martini, fine wine, or craft cocktail while watching the sun cast golden reflections across the Atlantic. The ambiance is upscale yet relaxed, making it perfect for date nights, celebrations, or anyone who wants to see Daytona Beach from new heights.

Their menu includes expertly prepared seafood, steaks, and pasta dishes. With soft jazz in the background and an unbeatable vantage point, Top of Daytona isn’t just about dinner—it’s about savoring the view with every sip. Sunset here becomes more than a sight—it’s a memory.

3. Joe’s Crab Shack – Family-Friendly Fun with Sunset-Soaked Seating

Located right on the Daytona Beach Pier, Joe’s Crab Shack combines lively, casual dining with a front-row seat to the evening’s best show. This nationally recognized seafood spot is surprisingly one of the most scenic sunset bars in Daytona Beach.

Grab a seat on the outdoor patio that extends over the ocean and enjoy a cold beer or beach-themed cocktail while the sun dips into the sea. You’ll hear the ocean beneath your feet and feel the salty air as you indulge in crab buckets, shrimp platters, or a juicy burger. The drink list includes everything from frozen margaritas to tropical rum punches, ideal for sipping slowly as the sky transforms into a work of art.

Perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends, Joe’s is more than a restaurant—it’s a sunset experience you won’t forget. Plus, you’re already on the pier, so a post-dinner stroll to soak in the twilight glow is just a few steps away.

4. Crabby’s Oceanside – Beachfront Happy Hour and Sunset Dining Bliss

Crabby’s Oceanside delivers the quintessential Florida sunset vibe. Located just steps from the surf on South Atlantic Avenue, this casual yet stylish beach bar and grill has fast become a Daytona Beach favorite.

Their rooftop bar area offers breathtaking views of the beach, and with happy hour specials daily, it’s an affordable and festive way to toast the end of the day. Order a frozen daiquiri, Crabby’s signature rum punch, or a local craft beer and enjoy the spectacle as the sky goes from gold to deep purple.

If you’re hungry, Crabby’s has a solid food menu with everything from coconut shrimp to blackened grouper tacos. The vibe is friendly and upbeat, perfect for couples, solo travelers, or groups looking to relax.

Thanks to its prime beachfront location, incredible views, and excellent service, Crabby’s is one of the top places in Daytona Beach to enjoy a drink and a sunset in the same sitting.

5. The Roof Daytona Beach – Chic Rooftop Lounge with a Coastal Glow

For a more upscale cocktail-hour vibe, head to The Roof at Streamline Hotel, one of Daytona Beach’s hidden gems. This rooftop bar boasts a sleek, modern setting and panoramic views of both the ocean and city skyline. It’s the perfect place for a craft cocktail or glass of bubbly as the sun sets in spectacular fashion.

You won’t find the sand between your toes here—but you will find expertly crafted drinks, plush lounge seating, and an ambiance that feels distinctly upscale yet unpretentious. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking something a little more stylish for their sunset outing.

The Roof hosts regular DJ sets and live music events, giving the space a vibrant energy that pairs well with the golden hour. Whether you’re dressed up for a night out or just looking to relax with friends, this rooftop bar offers one of the most elevated and stylish sunset experiences in Daytona Beach.

Conclusion

Daytona Beach is more than just surf and sand—it’s a place where sunsets become events, especially when paired with a refreshing drink and the right atmosphere. Whether you’re soaking up beachside reggae vibes at Ocean Deck, dining high above the coast at Top of Daytona, or lounging in style at The Roof, there’s a sunset setting here for every mood.

Each location featured in this guide offers not just stunning views, but thoughtfully crafted menus, unique atmospheres, and welcoming vibes that capture the essence of Florida living. These aren’t just spots to grab a drink—they’re destinations for making memories.

So, next time you’re in Daytona Beach and wondering where to watch the sunset with a drink in hand, choose one of these tried-and-true gems. Let the colors of the evening sky wash over you as you raise your glass to coastal beauty, good company, and unforgettable evenings.

Because in Daytona Beach, the best nights begin with a view—and a drink.