Best 4th of July in South Florida

July 27, 2022

Wondering what to do this Fourth of July? Look no further, because we’ve found a bunch of great places to enjoy the 2018 holiday weekend!

Panama City Beach: Star Spangled Spectacular
The largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast features dueling fireworks from the city (at Russell-Fields) and county (at MBMiller) piers.
Destin Harbor: Red, White and Blue Hero’s Celebration
Every Thursday in the summer is a celebration here with a fireworks show over Destin Harbor.
Pensacola: Sertoma’s 4th of July Fireworks
Sertoma organizers boost the biggest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast. Family-friendly fun begins at 11 am and the bangs begin at 9.
Apalachicola: Independence Eve Celebration
Enjoy live music and food, the parade, and a social ice cream before a spectacular fireworks display over the Apalachicola River on July 3rd.
Tallahassee: Celebrate America at Tom Brown Park
The event begins at 5:30 on July 4. Fireworks begin right after the National Anthem at 9:45.

Naples: Fourth of July
The bangs begin at 9 pm on July 4 and features a 20-minute display with special effects choreographed to music that will be simulcast on WAVV 101.1 FM radio station.
Fort Myers: 4th of July Fireworks
Fireworks on July 4 begin at 8:45 pm The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed from 9:30 pm to 11 pm to oncoming traffic, so you can get off the island but not on.
Key West: The Key Lime Festival
This event runs June 30- July 4 and draws the largest crowd of key lime enthusiasts for one of Florida’s biggest foodie events. The festival concludes with a massive fireworks show over the beautiful Casa Marina Resort.

Sarasota: July 4 Fireworks
The action starts at 9 pm from a boat docked in Sarasota Bay. Grab a spot along the waterfront for best viewing.
Sarasota: Boat Races
Check out the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival from June 24 to July 4 with the epic fireworks show set for the final night at 9 p.m.
Tampa Bay Celebrations
The 813Area.com site shows the best events for July 4th weekend. For Pinellas County, check out 727Area.com.
Clearwater: Threshers Game
The action here starts a day early on Monday, July 3. The gates open at 5 p.m. for the game between the Clearwater Threshers and Tampa Yankees. The fireworks begin when the game ends.
Dunedin: Blue Jays Game
Again, plan early because this happens Monday, July 3. The Dunedin Blue Jays play the Daytona Tortugas starting at 6:15 p.m. Fireworks take flight after the final out.

Orlando: Walt Disney World
Disney World celebrates the Fourth of July on both July 3 and 4 this year at various times in its different parks. Check the link to see which one works out best for you. But beware: This holiday is traditionally one of the busiest days at the parks!
Altamonte Red Hot and Boom
Here, the action is on Monday, July 3 from 4 to 11 p.m. The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. (weather permitting, as always).
Orlando: Fireworks at the Fountain
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will be on hand at Lake Eola Park on July 4 for the annual Fireworks at the Fountain. Events begin at 4 p.m. with activities for children, live entertainment, and food and drinks (for purchase). The fireworks begin at 9:10 p.m.
Gainesville: Fanfares and Fireworks
The University of Florida Bandshell is the host for live music and fireworks presented by WUFT-TV and WUFT-FM. The festivities will take place on July 3 from 7 p.m to 10 p.m.

Fort Lauderdale: Fourth of July Spectacular
Event highlights for the night include family activities, DJ, and live music starting at noon. Fireworks begin at 9.
America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park
The fun starts at 10 a.m. on July 4 and includes a family fun zone, Budweiser Beer Garden, live music and fireworks (scheduled to start at 9 p.m.)

Jacksonville
If downtown is your preferred destination, The Landing is the gathering spot with the action beginning at 5 p.m. and fireworks rounding out the night beginning at 9:45.