8 Best Sunrise Spots In Cocoa Beach, FL

Start the day with breathtaking ocean views as you explore the best places to watch the sunrise in Cocoa Beach.

If you think mornings are only good for scrambling for the snooze button, Cocoa Beach may just change your mind. The way the sun rises here is truly a sight to behold; it might just tempt you to turn over and actually get up, at least for one morning, that is!

From those serene old piers to some of the more secluded sandy shores, Cocoa Beach really does have a bunch of amazing places to watch the sky turn into a work of art.

Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a surfer looking to catch the morning waves, someone who appreciates the great outdoors, or just someone who enjoys kicking back with a hot cup of coffee, this guide to the 8 best sunrise spots in Cocoa Beach, Florida, should help you get off to the perfect start.

The Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier is a whopping 800 feet long and sticks right out into the Atlantic Ocean, offering a fantastic view of the sunrise over the water. You can get up even earlier and watch that sunrise either right from the pier itself or down on the beach. Yeah, it's a lot less crowded in the early morning, a big draw for photographers looking for a great shot, as well as surfers who want to catch the morning waves.

Address:

401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA

Lori Wilson Park has its own little boardwalk that leads straight to the beach; talk about convenience. And it's right in front of the Atlantic Ocean, so you get a clear view of the sunrise. If you're planning on making a morning of it, you won't have to pay for anything parking since it's all free at the park.

Plus, there are restrooms and picnic tables to round out your visit, and let's be real, there's a reason the beach is so great for walking and snapping photos. The park even starts getting busy pretty early in the day, which is a good thing since that means you can get an early start on your photo shoot.

Address:

1500 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA

The Cocoa Beach Minuteman Causeway is a short walk from the beach—in fact, from the Downtown Cocoa Beach area, it's about as easy as can be to get down to the shore. When you do, you can get an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean and watch the sunrise in all its glory.

Sometimes, the water around the causeway even starts to mirror the colors of the sunrise, which is mind-blowing. There's public parking nearby and being as close as it is to all the restaurants and cafés in town, it's hard to think of a better place to grab some breakfast after you've had your fill of the sunrise.

Address:

Minuteman Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA

Shepard Park is right next to the Cocoa Beach Pier, which is just a little bonus for anyone who decides to check it out. Since it has its own little access point to the beach, you get a wide-open view of the sunrise, that's just perfect for taking some serious photos.

And in case you need to take care of some, ahem, morning business, there are restrooms and even outdoor showers on hand. Before you know it, the surfers will be out in the water; you might even have to fight them for a spot!

Address:

299 E Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA

Up on the north side of Cocoa Beach, you'll find Sidney Fischer Park; it's got a nice little boardwalk that leads you right down to the beach. If you get there early in the morning, you'll probably find it's a lot quieter down there than it would be later on.

Like with all the other parks, there's parking on hand and some nice, clean restrooms to take advantage of. And with the way the shoreline is laid out, you'll get a clear view of that sunrise, and the dunes that line the beach make a pretty sweet backdrop for some serious photo ops.

Address:

2200 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA

Jetty Park is actually down by Port Canaveral, and it's a pretty sweet spot to get a view of both the beach and the pier. Plus, you get to watch the ships coming and going to the port; it's a nice little bonus. And with restrooms on hand, you'll all be set for that day of beachcombing or fishing on the pier. Plus, on days when rocket launches are going on, you can see them from here! And let's be real, watching a giant cruise ship sail by sunrise is pretty darn hard to top as a photo opportunity.

Address:

9035 Campground Cir, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, USA

You'll find this sweet little beach access down at the southern end of Cocoa Beach. It's a quiet stretch of sand that's perfect for a low-key morning beach trip. And the best part is, it faces straight out onto the Atlantic Ocean. So, the sunrises there are just breathtaking: wide-open views of the whole sky.

You can park your car nearby to make things easy, then head on down to the beach to take in the sights and sounds. It's a perfect spot for a morning stroll or to snap some photos, and the fact that it's usually less crowded than some of the other beach parks in the area is just the cherry on top.

Address:

5000 Tom Warriner Blvd, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA

Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park is a real gem down at the southern end of Cocoa Beach, and it's got one huge advantage: it's got its own direct beach access. That means you can just stroll right down to the water's edge and enjoy the peace of the early morning. Plus, parking and restrooms are right there too, so you can pretty much just show up and go.

And, if you're a photography buff or just love a good Cocoa Beach sunrise, this place is the real deal—the sun comes up right over the Atlantic Ocean, and the dunes add a natural little frame to your photos.

Address:

6550 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, USA

Known for surf breaks and beaches, Cocoa Beach is a proud city of Florida located on the east side of Orlando, just 45 minutes away.  With so many things to offer, this place will sure entertain those who deeply admire the sunrise. And in a nutshell, if you are one of them and wondering where to watch sunrise in Cocoa Beach, these spots offer beautiful ocean views and a peaceful start to your day.

Book Anthony’s on the Beach for a relaxed oceanfront stay in Cocoa Beach, with beach access, comfortable rooms, and a simple coastal setting for your Florida getaway.