The Best Places to Watch the Sunrise and Sunset in New Smyrna Beach
Because some of the best moments at the beach happen before breakfast and after dinner. There’s something about a New Smyrna Beach sunrise that makes getting up early feel completely worth it, and when the day winds down, the sunset is just as good of an excuse to slow down, grab a drink, and find a spot with a view.
If you’re looking for the best places to catch both, here are a few of our favorite spots around New Smyrna Beach.
Start Your Day on the Beach
For sunrise, you really can’t beat the obvious answer: the beach. There’s nothing quite like walking onto the sand while the sky is still soft and sleepy, watching the first light come up over the Atlantic. If you’re rental is near Flagler Avenue, you can watch the surfers start their day from your balcony, take a walk along the shoreline, and then wander up Flagler for coffee and breakfast.
It’s one of those mornings where you’ll probably think, I should do this more often.
For a space with a playground for the little ones, head toward 27th Avenue Beachfront Park. It’s a great option for a quiet sunrise and an easy place to settle in with a beach chair and blanket while the kids play.
Sunset at Smyrna Dunes Park
If sunrise belongs to the beach, sunset belongs at Smyrna Dunes Park. Located at the northern end of New Smyrna Beach, Smyrna Dunes feels like a completely different side of the coast. The elevated boardwalk winds through dunes and coastal landscapes before opening up to beautiful water views. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to take your time rather than rush to the viewpoint. And yes, bring your camera.
The views around the inlet as the sun starts to drop are worth the trip, which is exactly why Visit New Smyrna Beach features Smyrna Dunes as one of its top sunset experiences. Just keep an eye on the park’s seasonal closing times before you go. They change throughout the year.
Dinner With a Sunset at JB’s Fish Camp
Want to turn sunset into dinner? Make your way to JB’s Fish Camp. This longtime New Smyrna Beach favorite sits right on the water and is about as Old Florida as it gets. Think fresh seafood, cold drinks, outdoor seating, live music, and a laid back waterfront atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile. A JB’s sunset? Pretty hard to beat.
Grab a table outside, order some seafood, and watch the sky change over the water. JB’s describes itself as a riverfront seafood spot with amazing water views and a relaxed vibe, and honestly, that pretty much sums it up. It’s also a great choice if you want your sunset experience to feel less like an activity and more like part of the evening.
Keep It Simple
Of course, you don’t always need a specific park or restaurant to find a beautiful sunset in New Smyrna Beach. Sometimes the best spot is wherever you happen to be when the sky starts turning pink. Take a walk along the beach. Sit on your rental’s balcony. Grab an ice cream and find the sand. Or just stop for a minute and look up. That’s the beauty of a beach town. The best views don’t always require a plan.
Make a Day of It
If you really want to make the most of it, here’s our ideal New Smyrna Beach sunrise to sunset itinerary:
Sunrise: Start your morning on the beach.
Morning: Grab coffee and breakfast around Flagler Avenue.
Afternoon: Spend the day doing what you came to New Smyrna Beach to do. Swim, surf, shop, explore, or simply stay in your beach chair.
Sunset: Head to Smyrna Dunes Park for a scenic sunset walk or make your way to JB’s Fish Camp for seafood and waterfront views.
Evening: Head back to your vacation rental, rinse off the sand, and do it all again tomorrow.
Because one of the best things about New Smyrna Beach is that you never really have to choose between sunrise and sunset. You can have both.
