Looking for the best sunrises in Florida? Look no further! From beach views off of Smathers, to a cityscape vibe in Tampa, there are endless options. I personally love getting to see sunrises on early morning trips to the Florida Springs, and Amelia Island is also a favorite of mine to stop by.
Whether you believe sunrises are better than sunsets, or vice versa, there is no denying that Florida offers some of the best views around.
When you’re considering where to watch the sunrise in Florida, weigh your options! What type of view do you want? How far do you want to drive for these views?
Nevertheless, go see a Florida sunrise today! I promise you won’t be disappointed. The peaceful ambience and pastel colors alone are something that cannot be matched.
1. Destin, Florida
The beaches in Destin-Fort Walton Beach are stunning enough. The sands are made from Appalachian quartz, after all! And the gulf is an Emerlad green color. This pristine location makes it one of the best beaches to watch the sunrise in Florida.
There is a variety of access points to watch the sunrise from the beach here. Visit Henderson Beach State Park so you can explore shallow tide pools during the sunrise, or get to the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island so you can enjoy entertainment once the day begins! Destin is the place for great sunrises.
2. Palm Beach, Florida
Guests continue to flock to Palm Beach! This community has developed over the years, and it is well known or its beauty, quality of life, and small-town character. The local beaches only add to this ambiance!
These top beaches allow you to hop beach towns. They feature teh best beach resorts, and fantastic restaurants. So don’t be afraid to stop and get breakfast after the sunrise! The 47 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline makes the sunrises something you don’t want o miss. The gold sand reflects off the sunrise, making Palm Beach the top places for a Florida ocean sunrise.
3. Smathers Beach, Key West
Of all the places to watch the Florida sunrise, don’t count Key West out. In fact, Smathers Beach is a popular destination for those stunning sunrises. This is one of the four beaches within Key West. It is well known during spring break, but during other points of the year you may find it fairly empty. Especially early in the morning!
For over a half mile in length, the sand and waters of Smathers meet in perfect harmony. Guests love the beach volleyball nets, jet ski rentals, volleyball courts and more. It is on the south side of the island, so your views of the Atlantic Ocean are perfect no matter what time of day you go see that sun!
4. Downtown Tampa
Downtown Tampa is already famous for its beautiful waterfront. This downtown features authentic treasures, such as the Tampa Museum of Art, Curtis Hixon Park, and the University of Tampa. In between all these stunning buildings, there are also tons of family-friendly activities to do.
Guests here particularly love the sunrise on the Riverwalk. I love it because fo the accessible wide walkway, and the pleasant atmosphere. You’ll see lots of skaters, joggers and runners in the morning on this walk way. They all bask in the stunning sunrise views! And best yet? There are tons of fantastic brunch and breakfast places around for your post-sunrise meal!
5. South Beach, Miami
South Beach is arguable one of Florida’s most famous beaches. This may or may not play a factor into the face that this is one of the beautiful sunrise Florida beaches you have to check out! The nine-mile long barrier island of Miami Beach brings tourists and locals to the sand every day.
South Beach is home to sand strands, swaying palm trees, and Art Deco buildings that reflect the lights and colors of the sunrise with breathtaking views. Spend time in the sand, take in the ocean breezes, and know that the sun shines here year round! No matter when you visit, you’ll enjoy the land and sea of the quintessential beach scene. This is one of the top beaches for sunrise in Florida!
6. Amelia Island, Florida
Just 30 minutes from Jacksonville, Amelia Island is the tranquil spot for sunrises. Truly. It is never busy, and the calm nature of the beaches and shorelines will have you escaping from any stress. I personally love the Southern Charm of Amelia Island, and return here more often than not.
Amelia Island offers two ecosystems: pristine beaches to the east, and stunning marshes to the west. In between you can explore towns, festivals, restaurants, and the endless views. As you stroll along the shores, breathe in the salt air. The best beach days start with a Florida sunrise and end on Amelia Island.
7. Cocoa Beach, Florida
Six miles of Atlantic Ocean Beaches are available for your sunrise viewing pleasure in Cocoa Beach, Florida! With easy beach access form one city to the other, there are three oceanfront parks in Cocoa, which makes seeing the best Florida sunrises here easy!
Better yet? There is over 30 public transportation spots along this coast, so you don’t even have to drive to see the sunrise!
The town around Cocoa’s Beach is warm and inviting. There is a wide range of dining accommodations, motels and hotels, as well as skate parks, swimming pools, golf courses and more.
Tours of the Banana River Lagoon are also popular! So no matter where you are in this perfect town– even if you are staying for a space launch from the Kennedy Space Center– you’ll have those sunny views.
8. Saint Augustine, Florida
The history of Saint Augustine sets it apart from many other cities. Combined with the unique scenery, this old town has a quaint feel but brings in many tourists and locals.
Visitors get to see the brick-lined streets and dine with the town’s European flavor. And my favorite part is the century-old buildings! You can see them as you take a horse-drawn carriage.
Whether you see the sunrise on the cusp of the water, or through the balcony of a hotel, you won’t be disappointed.
The historical sites make you feel like you have stepped back in time, and a sunrise only adds to that feeling. I personally go visit the Nights of Lights during December and January, and after viewing the lights as night, I wake up early to see the town bathed in a different light: the sunrise!
9. Sunrise at the Florida Springs
When you think of places to watch the Florida sunrise, I bet the springs don’t come to mind at first! But I love going to the springs. There are, more often than not, no crowds to fight. You get to see the sunrise without an obstructions! Plus, you can often see a fine mist before the sun begins to rise. It is truly calming.
When it is colder, the mist is more prominent. But either way, no matter when you go, it is stunning to see Florida in its most natural form. With natural waterways and a surrounding, lively ecosystem, seeing the sunrise at the springs will immerse you in ways you never thought possible!
10. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale is famous because of its 165 miles of scene inland waterways. These wind through the city. Thus, it has been given the name “The Venice of America.” Combined with the semi-tropical climate with hours of sunshine and year-round ocean breezes, you cannot not go see a sunrise here.
24 miles of gold beaches away you in Fort Lauderdale. With hotels, restaurants, shopping destinations, and other attractions, there is always something to do here. The sunrise will (quite literally!) but just the beginning of your day.
And there you have it, folks! There are always stunning sunrises in Florida, but we have listed 10 of the top places to see sunrises in Florida to help guide you. No matter where you go, know that the sunrise will always follow. And snap a few pictures before putting your phone away! Be present in the moment. Embrace the tranquility of a new day.
As a passionate sunrise enthusiast with extensive firsthand experience exploring the breathtaking vistas of Florida, I can attest to the unparalleled beauty and diversity that the state offers for sunrise aficionados. Having personally witnessed and cherished the dawn in various locations across Florida, I can confidently provide insights into each mentioned destination.
Let's delve into the concepts used in the article and explore the highlighted sunrise spots:
1. Destin, Florida
- Unique Features: Stunning beaches made from Appalachian quartz, Emerald green gulf waters, Henderson Beach State Park, Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island.
- Appeal: Pristine location, diverse access points, shallow tide pools, and entertainment options.
2. Palm Beach, Florida
- Attractions: Developed community, beautiful beaches, quality of life, small-town character, top beach resorts, fantastic restaurants.
- Distinctive Elements: 47 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, gold sand reflecting off the sunrise.
3. Smathers Beach, Key West
- Key Features: Popular sunrise destination in Key West, over half a mile of harmonious sand and waters, beach volleyball nets, jet ski rentals, and volleyball courts.
- Location Advantage: South side of the island with perfect views of the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Downtown Tampa
- Scenic Elements: Beautiful waterfront, authentic treasures like the Tampa Museum of Art, Curtis Hixon Park, and the University of Tampa.
- Experience: Sunrise on the Riverwalk with a wide walkway, a pleasant atmosphere, and various family-friendly activities.
5. South Beach, Miami
- Iconic Qualities: One of Florida's most famous beaches, nine-mile long barrier island of Miami Beach, swaying palm trees, Art Deco buildings.
- Charm: Reflects lights and colors of the sunrise with breathtaking views.
6. Amelia Island, Florida
- Tranquil Setting: Just 30 minutes from Jacksonville, never busy, Southern Charm, pristine beaches to the east, stunning marshes to the west.
- Attractions: Towns, festivals, restaurants, and endless views.
7. Cocoa Beach, Florida
- Abundant Beach Access: Six miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches, three oceanfront parks in Cocoa, over 30 public transportation spots for easy access.
- Town Highlights: Warm and inviting town with various accommodations, activities, and popular tours of the Banana River Lagoon.
8. Saint Augustine, Florida
- Historical Appeal: Distinctive history, brick-lined streets, European flavor, century-old buildings.
- Unique Experience: Sunrise viewed on the cusp of the water or through the balcony of a historic hotel.
9. Sunrise at the Florida Springs
- Unexpected Beauty: Unconventional sunrise spot, minimal crowds, fine mist, immersion in Florida's natural form, natural waterways, and lively ecosystem.
10. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Venice of America: Famous for 165 miles of scenic inland waterways, semi-tropical climate, gold beaches, hotels, restaurants, shopping destinations, and attractions.
In conclusion, Florida offers a plethora of options for experiencing captivating sunrises, each with its unique charm and features. Whether you prefer the tranquility of the springs or the vibrant scenes of urban waterfronts, Florida's sunrise spots cater to diverse preferences, promising an unforgettable start to your day. So, go ahead and embark on a sunrise adventure in Florida – you won't be disappointed!
