I know Daytona Beach has great beaches and attractions, but I decided to do a little pub/night club crawl and see if there was as much variety at night as there is during the day.  My personal tastes may lean more to 70’s, but I put my toe in the musical waters to see what else was available.
 
I thought I might pick up more mellow vibes at oceanfront watering holes. A favorite of locals and out-of-towners alike, The Ocean Deck Restaurant and Beach Club, 127 S. Ocean Ave., faces the Atlantic and is decked out in sea shanty décor with colorful marlins hanging from the ceiling and restrooms marked Gulls and Buoys. Sipping a margarita and listening to live music on the outdoor deck was an excellent way to start my evening.

For those who like to dance more than they like to rock, there’s plenty of room on the huge dance floor at Razzle’s, 611 Seabreeze Blvd., along with six separate bars, pool tables, an upscale dress code and décor, and VIP rooms. DJs spin techno, house, trance and hip-hop.  It is great for dancing, but a little loud – and dare I say “young” for me.
 
I set out to find something more sedate. Despite its reputation as a party town, Daytona Beach also pleases those who enjoy their music at lower decibels. Angell & Phelps Café, 156 S. Beach St., has specialty martinis, a tasty bistro menu, and on the night I visited, an acoustic musical duo.  I definitely want to come back and tour the chocolate factory!

Every town has at least one Irish pub, and Daytona Beach is no different. Tir Na Nog Irish Pub, 612 E. International Speedway Blvd., draws local artists, whose works hang on the wall, and local musicians, whom you can listen to nightly. Jovial bartenders will happily draw you a pint from the extensive beer list, as befits any Irish pub worth its shamrocks.

I didn’t make it to the Daytona Beach Bandshell, built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration, but they present free live music on summer weekends ranging from country, classical, blues and big band to rock, jazz and even military bands. The band shell is on the beach near Ocean Walk Shoppes, 250 N. Atlantic Ave., between Ora and Earl streets. So, I’ll be heading out again to experience more of Daytona Beach nightlife. Any suggestions for pubs or nightclubs to try?

And speaking of those attractions, here are more things to do in Daytona Beach:

Enjoy the rejunvenating services offered at AAA Four Diamond Rated The Shores Resort and Spa. Take a tour of the Daytona International Speedway or check out other nearby attractions: the Museum of Arts & Sciences (a Smithsonian affiliate), the Daytona Lagoon and, in nearby Ponce Inlet, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station, the Marine Science Center and Manatee Scenic Cruises.