Best Spots for Sunrise & Sunset in Fernandina Beach

Photo by Darren Lin on Unsplash

Soak Up the the Sun from Both Coasts of the Island

There’s nothing like starting or ending your day with a view of the water and the sun, and in Fernandina Beach, you can do both. Since the town sits on the northeast corner of Amelia Island, it’s perfectly positioned to catch sunrises over the Atlantic and sunsets over the Amelia River. Whether you’re an early riser or winding down after a long day, these are some of the best spots to experience the sunrise and sunsets on Fernandina Beach.

Best Places to Watch the Sunrise in Fernandina Beach

Main Beach Park is a local favorite for catching the sunrise. With plenty of parking and open stretches of sand, it's an ideal spot to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic on early mornings. This quiet beach and beautiful oceanview is the perfect place to start your day. If you're an active early riser, consider heading just south of Fernandina to Hanna City Park where you’ll find 1.5 miles of beachfront, 20 miles of scenic trails, a 60-acre lake, and cabins. For more ideas on trails and outdoor activities in this area, check out Fernandina Beach Trails.

Another great sunrise spot is Fort Clinch State Park. This park offers a quiet, peaceful place where you can enjoy the sunrise and historic surroundings. Walking along the beach or exploring the trails as the sun comes up offers a unique and tranquil experience. If you’re lucky, you might even spot deer, gopher tortoises, or shorebirds as the sun comes up.

Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Fernandina Beach

For the best sunset views, head to Drummond Park. Located on the western side of Amelia Island along the Amelia River, this quiet neighborhood park offers a perfect place for watching the sunset. The small dock and grassy overlook are ideal for an evening stroll, a picnic, or simply enjoying the view. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching or snapping photos as the sky turns orange and pink. And it's not too far from some of Florida’s best seafood spots.

Another great location for sunset is in the Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach. This history-rich area provides a charming backdrop for watching the sunset over the waterfront. The combination of historic architecture and natural Florida beauty makes it a great place to end your day. For more information on exploring downtown, visit this guide.

Photo by Sergei Gussev on Unsplash

Fuel Up for the View

Whether you’re watching the sunrise with breakfast or grabbing a post-sunset dinner by the beach, Timoti’s Seafood Shak has you covered. Stop by our Fernandina Beach location for a fresh, coastal meal or our Nocatee location if you're more south. Dine in or take it to-go, either way, it’s the perfect way to make your sunrise or sunset moment even better.