10 Best Places To See Sunrises in Florida

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.

Palm trees line the edges of this photo as the sun rises behind a cloud in yellow hues on a purple and blue sky.

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.

Sunrises in Florida are stunning: this soft pastel sunrise offers oranges against the teal waves in Destin.

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.

The famous clock tower in Palm beach is light with the soft light of a sunrise as it is surrounded by palm trees.

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!

A wooden walk way features one of the many sunrises in Florida with soft yellow and orange hues, along with beach brush.

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!

The buildings of Downtown Tampa Tower high above the river as the sun rises in the corner with birds flying in them.

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!

A famous lifeguard and sand shack sits aglow in one of the most famous sunrises in Florida: the sunrises on South Beach!

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.

A soft sunrise touches the white sand of Amelia Island, as wooden stairs transcend onto the land.

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.

During one of the stunning sunsets in Florida, particularly in Cocoa Beach, a pier is set aglow in oranges as the water and sky give a purple light.

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!

During a sunrise in Saint Augustine, the sun glows orange over a pier and the shelly texture of this coastline.

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!

A fine mist settles over one of the natural springs in Florida: many people don't think of the springs as a place to view sunrises in Florida, but it offers a different perspective.

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.

A sand shack sits beyond three palm trees in Fort Lauderdale, the soft light of the sunrise a strong contrast to the golden sand.

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.