Can you watch the sunset or when they say closes at sunset does that mean you better not have your vehicle still inside the gates the minute the sun goes down?

Your best bet for a memorable sun session is to get up early & watch the sunRISE from main beach, on Fernandina beach, which is a few miles north. Epic sunrises!

The fishing pier is the best place to watch the sunset...

Its much more like watching the sunrise out of the east. The sunsets are ok but not over water, and yes they lock the gate at sunset, which changes time each & every day !!! Good luck !!