Best Places to Watch Jacksonville's Sunrises & Sunsets

Sunrises

Start the morning off right with some Vitamin D and watch the sun rise out of the ocean on any of our beaches. Every sunrise is a picture-perfect opportunity from Big Talbot Island all the way to Jacksonville Beach. Bring your coffee, a towel or chair and let the sounds of the waves crash over you as the sun rises along the waters of the Atlantic ocean. Looking to achieve you morning zen? Just roll out your yoga mat and become one with the world - ocean soundtrack included. There isn’t a better morning workout view than on our beaches.

Even if you can't make it to the beach, there is always the option to watch the sunrise from the North or Southbank Riverwalk Downtown. As the sun rises over the river, reflecting off Downtown's skyscrapers, it's the perfect calm before the rush of the day begins. The brilliant pinks, oranges and reds make for incredible photos.

Parks with a view

If you are in the area of Atlantic Beach or Mayport, a stop at Sunset Pier Park is so worth the visit. The long walkway which leads you out over the Intracoastal Waterway offers many spots to stop and take in the sunset and the amazing water views.

Riverfront Park boasts one of the best sunset and sunrise locations in Jax, with views of the St. Johns river. Just a short walk from European Street Café on San Marco Boulevard, you can walk to the nearly reworked one block strip of land between Landon Avenue and La Verne Street an experience a breathtaking sunset or sunrise. Most nights there will plenty of folks that join you as this is a popular spot to watch from.

Across the river Memorial Park in Riverside, Stockton Park and Stinson Park in Ortega are also great parks for sunset watchers.

With Elevated boardwalks and walking trails, Craddle Creek Preserve is another perfect place in the beaches area to be close to nature for the sunset. The observation platform that overlooks Pablo Creek Estuary gives you a beautiful view of the water while you watch the sunrise or set.

Cocktails & Dinner on the Rooftop

If you’re in the mood for some comfort food as the sun dips low, Cowford Chophouse will be right up your alley. Cowford’s motto is that their, “menus blend classic, coastal, and Southern culinary styles for a distinctive dining experience.” You might also catch one of Jax’s local musicians playing on the rooftop whose music will serenade you while you watch the sunset and enjoy dinner or drinks.

Experience River and Post, a restaurant perched on top of a building in Riverside overlooking the city. Enjoy a delicious dinner from their diverse menu and wind down the evening with a savory desert as you watch the sunset over the city. The rooftop lounge also offers some of the most creative cocktails in Jax that are handcrafted nightly by their staff.

Dine on the water

Palms Fish Camp, recently awarded JaxBest for sunset views, is the perfect place to end the day. Also, Julington Creek Fish Camp is a great place to dine with great views. Both bookend the south and north of our waterways here in Jacksonville. Both sit right on creeks off the St. Johns River where you can watch boats pass as you eat, listen to the water, and watch a beautiful sunset.

A local staple, Marker 32, located on the Intracoastal Waterway opened its doors in 1992 and has been one of the go-to seafood places in Jacksonville for 25+ years. Try their warm spinach salad and get a cocktail or wine at their bar as you watch the sunset over the water.