Whenever I travel I have to find the perfect places to find to watch the sunrise and sunset, and Pensacola Florida was no different. My personal favorite is the sunrise. It’s always much less crowded and there is just something special about watching the world come back alive in the mornings.
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Finding the Perfect Sunrise and Sunset Locations in Pensacola Florida
I definitely never want to miss the chance to photograph the sun rise or set at the beach so during our trip to Pensacola, we hit two different sunrise spots and two sunsets. Here’s my rating for each spot. I’m starting with sunrise since it’s a personal favorite.
Two Places to Watch the Sunrise in Pensacola Florida
The two spots we watched the sunrise are not directly in Pensacola but outside of it in Perdido Key. Don’t worry, it’s not too far of a drive and well worth it.
There are several state parks in the area and they make the perfect place to spend the day at the beach with less crowds, however that’s not what this is about. Let’s talk sunrises.
Sunrise #1: Perdido Key Beach
One our first day, we wanted to go to the closest beach to us for sunrise. This was Perdido Key. It wasn’t my favorite place we saw the sun rise but it was lovely still.
- The Pros: it’s empty, easy to get to, and free to get in.
- The Cons: the buildings will block a little of the sun so you have to wait to see it come through.
Sunrise #2: Johnson Beach
For the next day, we did a little more research and decided on Johnson Beach. This was our favorite. Yes, the sunrise was simply just better that day and that can’t really be planned but it is also a better view, no buildings.
- The Pros: The best, un-obstructed views which is what you’re really looking for.
- The Cons: It’s a state park, so it is $3 to enter, more people will be there as it’s the “go-to” place in the area but sunrise is always lovely.
Two Sunset Locations in Pensacola Florida
Now, before I share the two spots that we watched the sunset in Pensacola it’s going to seem like one was way better than the other. This is true in a sense but not because of the location, simply because of luck. If I was to go back, I’d watch the sunset at both these places again. The first one was just more dense clouds and didn’t produce the colors it could have, but it’s not because of the location.
Sunset #1: Tarkiln Bayou State Park
The Tarkiln Bayou is a lovely spot for sunset. You can watch the sun dip behind the water and enjoy the serene marshy water. It’s an easy 1 mile walk down to the water and you’ll likely have it by yourself or with minimal people.
- The Pros: The sun sets right behind the water, it’s peaceful and unique.
- The Cons: It’s a state park so it costs $3 to get in again. It was too cloudy for us to get good colors but I’d go back for another try.
Sunset #2: Pensacola Beach Pier
There was a storm brewing the night we decided to watch the sunset in Pensacola, but that didn’t stop us, and I’m so glad it didn’t. This just proves you never know what you might get. The most amazing sunset happened with lightening in the background.
- The Pros: Views from the pier, views under the pier, soft white sand, free to enter beach
- The Cons: It can get busy, it wasn’t that night because of the storm but I would have stayed regardless, costs to walk the pier.
Unique Way to Watch the Sunset in Pensacola
If you want a truly unique sunset view,
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