It’s hard to choose the best sunsets in Florida because there are so many incredible views and west-facing beaches. But, we’ve narrowed it down to some of our favorites.
As the old saying goes, “sunset chasers are never disappointed.” This is definitely the case when it comes to Florida’s stunning sunsets. From tiny keys to white sandy beaches, Florida really has it all – sunset views and also incredible places to visit at the same time.
Where is the best sunset in Florida?
This depends if you want a powdery white beach, a remote nature reserve, a bumping beach bar, or a leisurely sunset cruise. But here are the top 15 best sunsets in Florida for you to choose from.
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1. Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Beach is known for its powdery white sand and world-class sunsets. The beach is located on Siesta Key, a barrier island just south of Sarasota. It’s one of the most popular beaches in Florida and often named one of the best in the USA and even the world.
Siesta Key’s fame comes from its apparent quartz crystal powder sand – different from coral sand that other beaches experience. This area has TONS to do, so make sure to leave some time to watch the sunset at what might be the best sunset beach Florida can offer.
This low-key beach allows you to take some time away from the bustle of the surrounding cities and beaches known for parties.
2. Naples Pier
The Naples Pier is a historic landmark and one of the most popular spots in Naples to watch the sunset. The pier extends nearly 800 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and offers beautiful views of the sun setting over the water.
It’s no wonder this is one of the most well-known is the best sunsets in Florida – you have to experience it at least once. Make sure to explore the beautiful and historic and adorable town of Naples, go out to dinner at a nice restaurant, and catch the Naples sunset. Learn about more unique things to do in Naples too.
This part of Florida has some of the BEST sunsets – check out more things to do on Florida’s Gulf coast when you aren’t busy chasing sunsets.
3. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is another beautiful, long stretch of Florida white sand beach with calm waters and plenty of watersports. If you want to get away from the nearby cities of Clearwater or Tampa, this beach is the perfect getaway.
The best place to watch the sunset on Clearwater Beach is at Pier 60. The pier is home to a number of restaurants and shops, as well as a playground and a small amusement park. It even holds nightly festivities each evening at sunset to make these Florida sunset moments that much more special.
4. Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island is a barrier island located off the coast of Dunedin and is one of the few undeveloped barrier islands in Florida. The park offers a number of nature trails, as well as a beach perfect for watching the sunset.
For a proper serene experience, visit this State Park where there will likely not be as many people around and you can truly connect to nature. Kayak around the mangroves or relax on the beach before witnessing one of the most remote Florida sunsets in a protected park.
5. St. Pete Beach
St Pete Beach is the local sunset spot for the city of St Petersburg, Florida. There are plenty of beachside resorts, museums, and even historic places in the area that you can explore before settling into your sunset spot for the evening.
If you want to get away from it all, some of the other best places to watch the sunset in Florida are near St Pete’s Beach, such as Treasure Island Beach and Shell Key Preserve. Or, take a super fun ‘tiki tour’ for sunset on a floating tiki bar, pictured above.
6. Islamorada
Islamorada is a collection of 6 Florida Keys with some beautifully preserved coral reefs and nature preserves. This water paradise offers sea views in all directions and therefore some INCREDIBLE views. The History of Diving Museum is also a must after checking out the reefs for yourself.
The Morada Way Arts District is a place in Islamorada that has a lot of art galleries and restaurants, which is a great destination to watch the Islamorads sunset. Try the Lorelai Cabana Bar for amazing drinks and views!
7. Key West
Key West, home to the southernmost point in the USA, is an obvious choice when it comes to the best sunsets in Florida. There are plenty of amazing Key West Sunsets, but Sunset Key, Fort Zachary Taylor, and Mallory Square must take the cake.
Mallory Square is known for its sunset celebrations that happen EVERY night – in fact, it’s probably the most famous Florida sunset spot in the entire state. There’s nothing better than celebrating the day that has passed by welcoming the beautiful Florida sunset with performers, music, and happy crowds.
8. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is a famous upscale island connected to the mainland by a scenic causeway. This idyllic little beach town is very relaxed and has many beautiful beaches with sunset views.
The best place to watch the sun set on Sanibel Island is at the lighthouse, which is actually one of the first ones on the whole Gulf Coast. Sanibel Island is known for its shelling, so make sure to bring a bucket and some shells home with you! It would be the perfect activity for friends or couples to go shelling AT sunset on Sanibel island.
9. St George Island
St George Island in Florida is the perfect place to watch the sunset. It is a long and whispy island suspended in the Gulf, just south of Talahassee.
It’s a welcome quiet change from neighboring Panama Beach, and presents incredible views in all directions – in fact, St George island would be perfect bot BOTH the best Florida sunsets AND sunrises.
10. Cedar Key
Cedar Key is known as the “Island Time” capital of the world, and with good reason – the sunsets here are some of the most beautiful in the state. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a Cedar Key sunset while fishing, kayaking, or just taking a stroll down the pier. If you’re feeling more adventurous, take a boat trip around the beautiful tiny islands surrounding Cedar Key at sunset and even visit the famous Cedar Ley Lighthouse, which has an island all to itself.
Cedar Key is where you come in Florida to truly get away from it all, and perhaps not even need to check the time on your phone because you’re immersed in beautiful nature and sunset views.
11. Yankeetown
Yankeetown Florida is a small, historic town on the Withlacoochee River. The sunsets here will often be over the river or the wetlands of the River Delta. See if you can catch a pink reflection over the tranquil ponds and streams while talking a walk on the boardwalks of the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve.
Yankeetown home to some of the most beautiful sunsets in the state, and is a great place to watch the sun go down while fishing, kayaking, or simply taking in the views from the riverbank.
12. Destin
Destin is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Florida on the panhandle. The sunsets here are often fiery and beautiful, and can be enjoyed from a variety of places including the beach, the harbor, or one of the many restaurants or bars with a waterfront view.
Check out the Destin Harbor Boardwalk for a chilled sunset walk, or for a more adventurous evening outing you can venture to Henderson Beach State park or play golf at any of Destin’s many courses.
13. Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Florida and is famous for miles of white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Sunsets here are often lovely, with colors stretching across the sky for as far as the eye can see.
Experience a Panama City sunset from Pier Park for a lively evening, or check out some coastal restaurants such as Pineapple Willy’s. For a Panama City sunset in Nature, check out St Andrew’s State Park. They also have amazing sunset cruises from Oanama City.
14. Miami
Although it technically faces east, it’s easy to find a beautiful sunset in Miami even over the water. Miami has a great mix of cultures and architecture, making for some amazing sunsets. Try watching one from the North Beach Promenade, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, or one of the luxury hotels or rooftops on South Beach.
If you’re into golf, some of the best sunset views in Miami are from golf courses bordering Biscayne Bay. Ultra Music Festival offers some super fun Miami skyline sunsets with amazing music as a soundtrack. Jump on a sunset cruise in the Bay of Biscayne (one of the best things to do for couples in Miami) and enjoy the sun putting on a show.
15. Everglades
I’ll finish off with one of the more off-beat sunset spots in Florida, but an amazing one just the same. The Everglades are a vast and unique wetland area in the southern part of the state, and offer a unique and beautiful vantage point to watch the sun set.
Try finding a spot near (but far enough away from 😉 one of the many alligators that call the Everglades home, or take a sunset airboat tour for an even more unique experience. Learn more about visiting the Everglades.
There is no shortage of places to watch the sunset in Florida – in fact, there are so many great spots that it was hard to choose just 15!
These are some of our favorite spots and what we think are the best sunsets in Florida, but there are plenty more where that came from. So if you’re looking for a place to watch the sun go down, check out one of these spots – you won’t be disappointed.
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