See the sunrise over the Atlantic, then watch the sunset over the Gulf. You can see both easily in the same day. How’s that for a day trip?
Above is a July sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean on New Smyrna Beach. Grab a hotel on the beach and wake up for the sunrise. If you’re really lazy, just step out onto your hotel balcony and enjoy the sunrise. Then go back to bed–if you can resist running out onto the beach and going for an early morning walk.
Have a leisurely breakfast, then hop in your car and make the 3 hour drive to the Gulf Coast. Relax, you’ve got plenty of time. Stop for lunch in a small town in the middle of the state, or drive non-stop to the Gulf and have lunch on the beach.
Where to watch the sunset? Clearwater Beach’s Pier 60 is a good choice if you don’t mind a bit of a crowd. Otherwise I’d say head south to Sunset Beach on Treasure Island, or further south still to Pass-A-Grille Beach at the southern end of St. Pete Beach.
Above: Fishing at sunset on Sunset Beach, Treasure Island, Florida.
If you’re further south, say Palm Beach or Miami, you’ll do best to take Alligator Alley (I-75) across the state to Marco Island (Tigertail Beach) or Naples (Naples Pier) to see the sunset.
If you’re in the Florida Keys, it’s even easier. Just walk from one side of the island to the other to see the sunrise over the Atlantic and the sunset over the Gulf.
