4th of July Fun No Matter Where You’re Staying
From Panama City to Gulf Shores, Alabama, there’s 4th of July fun everywhere! If you’re staying in one of our homes or condos for the holiday but aren’t sure what’s going on in the area, then we’ve got the answer! Below we’re bringing you some of our favorite events happening along the Gulf Coast.
In Panama City Beach, there’s lots of fun to be had at the Star Spangled Spectacular. Trust us when we say this is the largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast! Spend Independence Day on the area’s beautiful beaches, then head to Pier Park at 9 PM for the show. Each year, the City and County Piers host a friendly “dueling fireworks” competition, and it sure is a sight to see! Locals claim the best spot to see the fireworks is at the Russel Fields Pier. Just bring a lawn chair, sit back, and enjoy!
Down on 30A, there seems to be something happening on every corner. The area’s idyllic beach towns are teeming with 4th of July fun! We’re most excited for the South Walton 4th of July Parade at Seaside. Beginning at 8 AM, the route begins at Seagrove Plaza and continues through Seaside. Later that evening, a free concert will be held at 7 PM, with an unbelievable fireworks finale at 8:30 PM. Space will fill up quickly for this festive event, so make sure to claim your spot early!
Meanwhile, over in Destin, you won’t want to miss fireworks over the harbor! The celebration at HarborWalk Village will begin at 7 PM with live music and entertainment. Then, a fireworks show will commence at 9 PM. Fireworks over the harbor is one of Destin’s most popular events for Independence Day! Get to HarborWalk early and check out their many dining options, from Harry T’s Lighthouse to Crab Island Cantina, and visit their local shops. The Village is full of fun, family-friendly activities the whole group will enjoy!
In nearby Fort Walton Beach, it’ll be fireworks galore at The Landing on Brooks Street Downtown. If you’re staying on Okaloosa Island, it’s just a quick drive over the Brooks Bridge. Beginning at 4 PM, experience live music, local vendors, and more fun for kids! Vendors from local restaurants will provide concessions. Then, the fireworks show begins at 8:45 and lasts until 9 PM. On Okaloosa Island, fireworks will launch from the pier at 9 PM. Bring a lawn chair to beat the crowd!
Over in Navarre Beach, it’s family fun for everyone with fireworks at the Navarre Beach Marine Park. A children’s parade will begin at 6 PM, with sign up for participants at 5 PM. From 6-10 PM there’s lots of fun to be had, with food from local food trucks! Live entertainment begins at 7:30 PM, with The Village Belles in their Military Tribute Show “Salute to the Troops.” Then, catch fireworks at 9 PM from the beach and sound side both east and west of the Navarre Beach Causeway bridge.
Not too far away on Pensacola Beach, catch 4th of July fireworks on Santa Rosa Sound. A spot in the sand on Quietwater Beach is the perfect spot to catch the fireworks show up close! Or, if you’re staying at Portofino Island Resort, the private boardwalk on the north end of the resort is another ideal spot to watch fireworks. For extra fun, take the new ferry system from the Quietwater Beach Boardwalk to downtown Pensacola to catch a stunning fireworks show over Palafox Pier.
If you’re staying in Perdido Key, then visit the FloraBama for their All American BBQ Party! They will host barbecue plates and drink specials all day long.
Celebrate a day early in Orange Beach with an Independence Day Street Party at The Wharf! The celebration lasts from 5-9 PM on July 3rd. Admission is free for all! Experience live entertainment, kid-friendly activities, prize giveaways, and more. Face painting ranges from $5-$7, and kids can jump on the trampoline jumpee for only $5. When the sun sets, everyone will receive glow in the dark American flags! The Wharf’s palm trees will also sparkle red, white, and blue, while a fireworks display begins at 8:45 PM.
On Independence Day in Gulf Shores, the City of Gulf Shores hosts their annual 4th of July fireworks celebration! Held at the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier, the fireworks display will begin at 9 PM. This is an incredibly popular event, so make sure to arrive early! Parking is free, but won’t last for long! There will be a number of local food trucks and live music for you to enjoy as you relax at the lake. Meanwhile, a new pedestrian bridge gives you the perfect opportunity to watch the fireworks display.
From all of us at Southern, we hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July!
