Sunday Funday recommendations?

Question

Just booked for this coming weekend Sunday night before a cruise out of Canaveral on Monday. Been to Daytona many times but not very recently. Can anyone recommend a fun place for Sunday afternoon that might have music, fun scene? Tiki bar type place would be perfect. Staying at Renaissance Hotel, 640 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona….so walkable to there a plus but not necessary. Also, can anyone tell me what this property was before? I believe it went through renovation and became a Renaissance. Any awesome food recommendations in the area? Open to all food types….thanks for any info!

Answer

Great timing — Sunday in Daytona can be lively without the big-weekend crowds, and your hotel at 640 N. Atlantic Ave puts you right on the oceanfront where a lot of the best beach bars, live-music spots and ocean-view restaurants are within a short drive (and some within easy walking distance depending on how far you like to stroll). The property at 640 N. Atlantic was recently re-opened and rebranded as the Renaissance Daytona Beach Oceanfront after a major renovation of the long-standing oceanfront hotel on that site.

If you want a tiki/vacationy vibe with live music and an easy Sunday-afternoon scene, these are the best bets — I’ve listed the top options first, then extra food/dinner picks and a few practical tips for the evening before your cruise.

Oasis Tiki Bar & Grill (Fountain Beach Resort area) — Classic beachside tiki with tropical drinks, ocean views, and live music most weekends (often including Sunday evenings, weather permitting). It’s very casual and perfect for a relaxed Sunday afternoon.
BB’s Tiki & Beachside Bar — A true tiki/beachbar feel attached to a nearby beachfront property; typically has beachside music and a laid-back crowd. Great if you want oceanfront sunsets and simple cocktails.
Ocean Deck — Not strictly “tiki” but absolutely a Daytona beach-party staple: huge outdoor deck on the sand, live bands/DJs, and a lively Sunday scene (often with music and late hours). If you want people-watching and a beach-bar party vibe, this is it.
Mai Tai Bar (Ocean Walk Shoppes / Bandshell area) — Great sunset views, good happy hour, and live music around the bandshell — very walkable if you like to stay near the central beach/bandshell area.

If you’d prefer something quieter or more sit-down before your cruise, here are some good food options (range of styles and price points):

Cast & Crew — Upscale, seafood-forward, located right on N. Atlantic (oceanfront); good for a nicer dinner if you want to celebrate before sailing.
Oyster Pub — Popular local spot for seafood and oysters with a lively casual vibe; often recommended by visitors.
Sessions Restaurant — Another well-rated oceanfront dining option near your hotel for seafood and steaks.
Ocean Deck / Beachfront casual options — If you want casual, loud, and fun with food and drinks in one place, Ocean Deck will cover it.

Practical tips for Sunday afternoon / evening before your Monday cruise:

If you want to stay within walking distance of the Renaissance, the Bandshell/Ocean Walk area (Mai Tai, bandshell events, some beachfront bars) and Ocean Deck are very convenient — you can stroll the beachwalk and pop into several venues.
Sunday live-music listings can change week-to-week; if you have a specific vibe (acoustic, reggae, cover bands), call the bar or check their social pages that morning to confirm performers and start times.
If you want tiki + ocean views + an easy casual dinner, Oasis Tiki is the most reliably “tiki” of the bunch and often has entertainment on Sundays.
Parking: beachfront parking can fill up on busy days; if you’re walking from the Renaissance you’ll avoid that, but if you drive, allow a little extra time for finding a spot near the crowds.
Since you’re heading to Port Canaveral the next morning, consider an early night (or a late bite close to your hotel) so you can make your embarkation plans without rushing — Port Canaveral is only about 30–40 minutes away depending on traffic, but morning departures can feel tight if you’re not rested.

Final note about your hotel: the 640 N. Atlantic Ave property has been through a recent large-scale renovation and reopened as the Renaissance Daytona Beach Oceanfront, repositioning the long-standing oceanfront hotel for a more modern, upscale beachfront stay. If you’re curious about the new restaurants or bar inside the Renaissance itself, it’s worth checking the hotel’s dining options for a convenient pre-cruise meal or a relaxed sunset drink.

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