Best Places to Watch Jacksonville's Sunrises & Sunsets

With so many incredible places to immerse yourself in nature, there are naturally some beautiful places to watch the sun rise and set in Jacksonville.

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 your 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.

Sunsets

Sunset is the perfect therapy for unwinding at the end of the day. With so many spots around town, there is no excuse to miss out on these exceptional sunset views. Even though you won’t see the sun dip behind the ocean, the beach is still a great place to watch the magnificent colors that fill the sky as night falls.

For one of the best vantage points, head to Riverfront Park in San Marco for a stunning sunset view.

Parks with a view

If you are in the area of Atlantic Beach or Mayport, a stop at Sunset Pier Park is 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. Most nights there will be plenty of folks who join you as this is a popular spot to watch from.

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

With elevated boardwalks and walking trails, Cradle 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 sunset.

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 Avondale overlooking the city. Enjoy a delicious dinner from their diverse menu and wind down the evening with a savory dessert 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, 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. Try their warm spinach salad and get a cocktail or wine at their bar as you watch the sunset over the water.

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You can see the sunrise at Jax beach and the most beautiful sunsets in San Marco while dolphins come and say hi to you!
Yanira Yaya CardonaVisit Jax Local Insider

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Katie

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