Emerald Coast Fourth of July Festivities 2023
Compiled by Rebecca Padgett Frett
All along the coast the skies will light up with sparks of red, white and blue in celebration of Independence Day. Grab your beach blankets for a fireworks show, take the family to a Fourth of July festival or snag a staycation at a nearby resort.
Firecracker 5K
The 2023 Firecracker 5k will be held in historic downtown Pensacola on July 1, benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida. The race starts and ends at Seville Quarter and invites both runners and walkers to join the fun. Celebrate this Fourth of July-themed race by wearing your red, white and blue. Following the 5K is the Kids Fun Run. Don’t forget to grab a cold drink after the race and pick up your finisher’s medal.
visitpensacola.com/events/firecracker-5k
Star Spangled Beach House Cookout
Join SpringHill Suites by Marriott Navarre Beach for a sizzling star-spangled feast as they fire up the grill and ignite patriotism with mouthwatering flavors celebrating the red, white and barbecue on Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Star Spangled Cookout supplies all the fixin’s — including pulled pork sliders, twice-baked potato skins, hot dogs, and an oyster bar experience at the Sandbox.
In addition to the scrumptious feast, there will be plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Take part in the Patriotic Contest, dressed in your most spirited American attire, for a chance to win a gift card. Kids can unleash their creativity at the craft activity table, while the whole family can enjoy cotton candy and popcorn concessions. Don’t miss the exclusive wine tasting access and the extended Whitecaps Happy Hour, featuring a special Fourth of July milkshake!
Star Spangled Beach House Cookout at SpringHill Suites is open to the public. Tickets are $45 per adult (plus tax and gratuity), $25 per child aged 5–13 (plus tax and gratuity), and children under 5 eat for free. Reservations are required. Reserve a table by visiting Open Table or by calling (850) 684-6022.
Real Fun Fourth
Panama City Beach celebrates the Fourth of July with the largest display on the Gulf Coast as fireworks are fired along the beach. Offering three nights of fireworks, from July 2–4, Panama City Beach will present visitors with spectacular views to experience its magical displays from a variety of locations — ranging from resorts to waterfront restaurants. On July 4, fireworks are fired from the Russell-Fields City Pier and the M.B. Miller County Pier.
visitpanamacitybeach.com/events/holiday-events/realfunfourth
The Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival
Destin Commons is celebrating Independence Day with a new event, the Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival. On Monday, July 3, from 5–9:30 p.m., the streets of Destin Commons will be home to over 25 different food trucks. Guests will enjoy access to an assortment of creative cuisine, from Thai food to tacos, sweet treats and more. Attendees will also have access to a QR code that, once scanned, will enter them into a two-night-stay giveaway with The Island Resort. That evening, guests can also enjoy live music from rock bands Duchess and Tobacco Road, with a vibrant fireworks show to top off the night. The event is free to attend and guests will be able to purchase from each individual food truck at their will.
destincommons.com/happenings-events/star-spangled-food-truck-festival
Red, White, and Baytowne at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Celebrate Independence Day nestled between the sandy shores of Florida’s Emerald Coast at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Enjoy live music, fireworks and tons of activities for the entire family during a spectacular Red, White, and Baytowne celebration at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Locals and visitors alike are invited to the resort’s charming pedestrian village on Tuesday, July 4, to enjoy live beats from TRIPPP, a band of 22-year-old triplet brothers with a unique country sound, from 7–9:15 p.m. on the Events Plaza Stage, followed by a sparkling fireworks display that will light up the night sky. Family-friendly activities such as kids crafts, face painting and balloon sculpting will also be available during the celebration.
sandestin.com/things-to-do/events/red-white-and-baytowne
Rooftop Fireworks Views at Hotel Effie Sandestin
With stunning views from the only rooftop pool on Florida’s Emerald Coast and steps from the celebrations at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Hotel Effie is the ultimate destination for Fourth of July weekend celebrations. The luxury hotel located at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort features 250 guest rooms and suites, a luxury spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, four culinary concepts by acclaimed Chef Hugh Acheson, and the best seats in the house — overlooking the Red, White, and Baytowne fireworks display at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Guests and locals are invited to the Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge for drinks, bites and laid-back vibes paired with panoramic views of the beach, bay and fireworks.
Fourth of July Sunset & Fireworks Dinner Cruise
Skip the crowded boardwalks for an unobstructed view of a spectacular fireworks display aboard SunQuest Cruises’ 125-foot Solaris Yacht. This Fourth of July, treat the family to a cruise aboard the area’s only dining and entertainment yacht. Your ticket includes a 3½-hour cruise, incredible sunset views, a plated dinner, live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display.
View the menu and make reservations online or by calling (850) 650-2519. A 72-hour cancellation policy applies to all specialty and holiday events. The Solaris cruises from the Baytowne Marina inside of the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort.
sunquestcruises.com/4th-july-destin-fireworks-sunset-dinner-cruise
Exclusive Firework Views at The Pensacola Beach Resort
Boasting unmatched views of Florida’s Gulf Coast, The Pensacola Beach Resort is the perfect place to kick off Fourth of July weekend celebrations. The newly opened private resort features an elevated pool deck and tiki bar exclusively for hotel guests where they can soak up the sun with a drink in hand and enjoy unmatched views of the Independence Day fireworks display on Pensacola Beach. Open to the public, The Salty Rose is the resort’s beach bar where guests and locals alike can indulge in laid-back vibes paired with a delicious beachside menu and views of the fireworks display from the sand. Whether hanging out on a hammock, having a drink or simply soaking up the sun, enjoy stunning views of the fireworks on Pensacola Beach after dark.
Stay with Oyster Bay
Pensacola is the perfect place to take part in patriotic festivities. Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel is situated within walking distance of the city’s best bars, restaurants and celebrations. Spend the day exploring downtown festivities and enjoy live entertainment in Seville Square. When it’s time for fireworks, you’ll have the best seats in the house from your very own balcony or terrace view. Enjoy 20% off three or more nights with promo code STAYAWHILE.
Pensacola Beach Fourth of July Fireworks
Let Pensacola Beach get you into the patriotic spirit this Independence Day with the sugar-white sands of Pensacola Beach under your feet. Keep your eyes focused on the night sky this Fourth of July for a dazzling fireworks display along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Santa Rosa Sound. Fireworks are provided by the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Santa Rosa Island Authority and the Escambia County Tourist Development Council. The show starts at 8:30 p.m., so arrive early to reserve your spot on the sand or the Boardwalk.
visitpensacola.com/events/holidays/celebrate-the-4th
Downtown Pensacola’s Fourth of July
Bring your chairs or picnic blankets and find your perfect spot along the Pensacola Bay as you prepare to witness a symphony of lights painting the sky in vivid reds, whites and blues. Brilliant bursts of fireworks will illuminate the heavens, synchronized to an electrifying soundtrack from Cat Country 98.7 that will have your heart pounding with excitement!
visitpensacola.com/events/holidays/celebrate-the-4th
Seville Square Independence Day Celebration
Seville Square offers fun for families, with a variety of children’s activities from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. — including bounce houses, inflatable slides, face painting, a kids clinic and more.
visitpensacola.com/events/holidays/celebrate-the-4th
*Events compiled via press releases
