The midsummer heat and humidity in South Florida means celebrating Independence Day is not for the faint of heart. But, the sweat and dehydration is all worth it when nightfall comes, and we get to sit back and watch fireworks crack and sparkle over brilliant skylines and dark, reflecting waters. South Florida is definitely a great place to watch fireworks.
Below we have a roundup of several places you can go-- from Key West to West Palm Beach-- for firework displays this 4th of July. The list is by no means comprehensive, so if you feel like we’re missing a good show, share the location with us in the comments section, on Facebook, or tweet us @WLRN.
Miami-Dade
Bayfront Park in downtown Miami not only offers a fireworks display starting at 9:00, it has a petting zoo and fairytale pony rides as well.
Lummus Park at 8th and Ocean Drive is the place to go to watch fireworks on South Beach. The annual celebration also has live music and other performances.
The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is a longtime favorite for families. The perfectly manicured golf course opens to the public at 5pm, with the show starting at 9pm.
Broward
The city of Ft. Lauderdale throws a big Independence Day celebration on the beach at A1A and Las Olas Blvd. Fireworks start at 9:00 PM.
Broward County claims the City of Davie’s Vista View Park at 4001 SW 142nd Ave. has some of the highest elevations in the region-- perfect for watching multiple displays from as well as the fireworks provided by Vista View Park itself. Info on displays in Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Sunrise and Hollywood can also be found in this link.
Palm Beach
The 25th annual 4th on Flagler celebration takes place in West Palm Beach at 101 S. Flagler Drive. Aside from the kiddie events, there will also be a 21 and up party at the Pavilion on the Waterfront for the first time this year. The fireworks display will be accompanied by popular music from the 80’s through today.
The City of Boca Raton has moved its annual 4th of July celebration this year to the Countess deHoernle Park at 1000 NW Spanish River Blvd.. There will be food trucks, a concert and, of course, fireworks starting at 9:00.
The Keys
Huffington Post lists Key West as one of the best places in the country to watch 4th of July fireworks, ranking the island among Boston, Vegas and New York. The White Street Pier is a popular spot for watching the fireworks. There will also be a Key Lime Piestravaganza where four Islanders will try to make the world’s largest key lime pie. What better way to watch fireworks than in a key lime pie induced food coma?
In Marathon, the city’s annual festivities take place at Sombrero Beach Park. Fireworks go off at 9:00. Click here to get details on Key Largo, Islamorada, Big Pine and Lower Keys.
On A Boat
Of course, as many South Floridians know, one of the best ways to watch fireworks is to take a boat onto the water and angle it where you can see multiple displays at once.
Jim Angleton from Bay Harbor Islands says that he likes to watch the fireworks from about a mile off shore Miami Beach. “At that distance, you get to see nine different firework displays and all at once-- amazing view and no crowds, traffic and great fun with family and friends.”
