If your summer vacation in Florida includes 4th of July in Destin then you’re in luck because the Emerald Coast is home to some of the most breathtaking fireworks shows in Florida and there is certainly no shortage of them to help you celebrate Independence Day with a bang.
July 4th Fireworks shows in the Destin area will take place on Destin Harbor, Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Navarre Beach, Seaside and Alys Beach.
Each show has special characteristics that make it unique and this post will give you all those details so you can find the perfect spot.
The July 4th holiday in the Destin area is by far the busiest holiday drawing more crowds than any other time of the year. This makes it crucial to have a plan before heading out to watch the fireworks.
Planning to arrive early for the fireworks show is the best way to account for traffic delays and parking issues that the holiday brings.
In spite of all the issues, the July 4th fireworks in Destin are some of the best and longest displays of the year so it’s worth going out for.
Some people will skip July 4th Fireworks reasoning that they can see fireworks in Destin on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday all summer so why fight the crowds on July 4th? But these shows are bigger, better, and almost triple the length of the summer shows (with the exception of Harborwalk which in my opinion has a better Thursday night show).
This post will provide a list and Google maps of all the July 4th fireworks shows you can enjoy in the Destin area so you can choose the best one based on where you are staying and what your priorities are.
If you are looking for information about other summer, fall, and holiday fireworks shows in the Destin area, read this post: Guide to Fireworks in Destin, Okaloosa Island and Miramar Beach
Destin Harbor July 4th Fireworks
The Destin Harbor 4th of July Fireworks show will take place on Thursday July 4th 2024 at 9:00pm
The 4th of July Fireworks on Destin Harbor are set off from the West Jetties Beach. This is a different spot from the regular Thursday night summer fireworks which are shot from a barge between Harborwalk Village and the West Jetties beach.
This is because the 4th of July fireworks show is put on by the City of Destin rather then Harborwalk Village so it’s a different show and a different launch spot.
The fireworks are still viewable from the same places as the normal ones but it is a much longer show. The regular summer fireworks shows at Harborwalk Village are about 9 minutes long and the 4th of July show is closer to 15 minutes.
Norriego Point is a good place to watch the July 4th fireworks if you want to be as close as possible to the launch spot or if just prefer a more quiet beach spot. Parking is limited to a small lot or street parking on Gulf Shore Drive though so get there early.
*Norriego Point parking lot is blocked off for construction of the new marina. There is street parking available on Gulf Shore Drive but it will fill up faster now, so plan to walk a bit if you are planning to watch from Norriego Point. The walk out to the beach is also longer now because they have the front sand area blocked off and a guided path around the fence. It’s still an amazing view and worth the trouble if you are up for it. The parking fee for street parking on Gulf Shore Drive is $20 for 4 hours.
For an update on the construction at Norriego Point, check out my post here: Norriego Point construction progress update
In my opinion, the July 4th fireworks on Destin Harbor are not as good as the Thursday night Destin Harbor fireworks put on by Harborwalk Village. It’s a longer show, but not as big.
You can also take Destin Water Taxi to Norriego Point from any restaurant, condo, or house on Destin Harbor. This is a great option if you want to go to dinner first and then get to your fireworks spot closer to the showtime. Even with the construction, you can get dropped off on the Harbor side and walk across the sand to where the boat launch spot is. Destin Water Taxi even does a fireworks cruise on some nights. More about the Destin Water Taxi is here: How to Travel the Harbor using the Destin Water Taxi
Map Directions to Harborwalk Village
If you want more ideas about where to watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks, I wrote this post with the best options: 6 Best Places to Watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks
Baytowne Wharf July 4th Fireworks
The Baytowne Wharf 4th of July Fireworks show will take place on Thursday July 4th 2024 at 9:15pm.
The Baytowne Wharf Fireworks are set off from a platform on the walkways between the Village and the Baytowne Marina. The Baytowne 4th of July Fireworks are truly spectacular. This is my favorite spot for theJuly 4th fireworks, all things considered.
Baytowne adds an extra launch spot for the July 4th holiday show which takes it to the next level and they also have a giant American flag on display over the lagoon. The fireworks are also synched to a patriotic music soundtrack that plays throughout the Village.
The 4th of July Fireworks in Baytowne Wharf are also longer than the regular summer Tuesday night shows. The normal weekly shows are about 5 minutes long and the holiday show is closer to 15 minutes.
Baytowne Wharf is a great choice for 4th of July, especially with kids, because they will have a full day of activities throughout the Village to enjoy including live music, face painting and crafts.
Map Directions to Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin
If you want ideas about different viewing spots for the Baytowne Wharf Fireworks, I wrote this article with lots of options: Where to Watch the Baytowne Wharf Fireworks
Sandestin Hilton Beach July 4th Fireworks
The Sandestin Hilton Independence Day fireworks show will take place on Thursday, July 4th 2024 at 9:00pm.
The Sandestin Hilton has a really nice fireworks show set off on the beach directly in from of their hotel. The fireworks can be seen from anywhere along the surrounding beach areas.
Sandestin Hilton is actually the only fireworks show on the Emerald Coast that is launched directly from the sand on the beach. This makes it possible to get pretty close to the launch spot. This is an impressive fireworks show that is over 10 minutes long.
The Sandestin Hilton only does a few shows each year so it’s fun to catch these when you can. Technically it’s a private beach area but there are still ways to watch if you aren’t a hotel guest.
If you are staying anywhere on Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort property, then you can enjoy them by walking to the Hilton beach from the Sandestin guest beach access. If you are staying at the Hilton you can see them from the pool deck, the beach or maybe even your room balcony.
If you are not a Sandestin guest, you can eat dinner at one of the restaurants at the Hilton or at the Beach House restaurant at Sandestin resort and walk out to the beach from there.
The will usually let you through the guard gate with a visitor pass if you tell them you are going to one of those restaurants but sometimes they tighten up about visitors on holidays so arrive early just in case you need to fall back on a different plan.
Map Directions to Hilton at Sandestin
You can also walk to the Sandestin Hilton by going east along the water’s edge from the Norwood or Geronimo Street Public Beach access, which is what I did last time I went.
It’s decent walk through the sand from there to the Hilton but if you enjoy beach walks then it’s a good option. Also you don’t have to go the whole way to see them because it’s a very big show.
There’s not a parking lot at Norwood Street beach access but I am usually able to find a spot on the street and walk a few blocks to the beach access from there.
I’m only including an option with all these complications because it’s a REALLY GREAT fireworks show. One of my favorites for sure.
Seaside July 4th Fireworks
The Seaside 4th of July Fireworks show will take place on Thursday July 4th 2024 at 8:30pm.
Seaside is a picturesque town on County Road 30A famously known for being the filming location the movie The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey. A lot has changed in Seaside since then but you will still recognize many famous spots from the film including the town square, Modica Market, and Truman’s house.
If you have ever thought about taking a day trip to Seaside while visiting Destin, July 4th is a great excuse to do it because they have one of the best fireworks shows on the Emerald Coast.
The July 4th Fireworks in Seaside is set off from a barge in the Gulf of Mexico. They can be seen from the main beach in front of the Seaside Pavilion or from the events stage in town square where the live music will be.
The 4th of July Fireworks in Seaside are more susceptible to being cancelled than other shows since they are more easily affected in high surf or storms. This has only happened a few times in extremely bad conditions but still check their social media pages before you go.
Seaside is a fun place to spend 4th of July with lots of areas to walk around but just make sure you get there very early as parking is limited and they have raised the price of spots in recent years.
Map Directions to Seaside
Seaside has made their beach private during the daytime now and you can only use the town beach access if you pay for chair rentals through them and only if there are still some available. So I would plan this as an evening activity, not a beach day.
The best way to get to Seaside is to take their free shuttle from Grayton Beach that runs from 6am-midnight during busy season. The shuttle parking lot is on the east side of Highway 283 in Grayton Beach, just across from the Shops of Grayton. It is free to park there and this will save you a lot of headache. Things change every minute on 30a these days though, so double check this info.
Alys Beach on 30a
The Alys Beach 4th of July fireworks show will take place on Thursday July 4th 2024 at 9:00pm.
Alys Beach is a small, upscale community on the east side of 30a. The white Mediterranean-inspired architecture is beautiful and reminiscent of a Greek Village by the sea.
Alys Beach only has fireworks for special events so it’s fun to catch them while you can. The best place to watch is from the Amphitheater Lawn which is right off the main 30a Highway.
Map Directions to Alys Beach Amphitheater
Prior to the fireworks, there will be a concert with live music by Ascension. Food and drink available for purchase from surrounding food trucks.
Fort Walton Beach Landing July 4th Fireworks
The Fort Walton Beach 4th of July Fireworks show will take place on Thursday July 4th 2024 at 8:45pm.
The Fort Walton Beach Landing Fireworks are set off from a barge over the Santa Rosa Sound. You can see them from anywhere along the water downtown.
The best place to watch them from is the Landing Park downtown where other July 4th festivities will take place earlier in the day.
Map Directions to the Fort Walton Beach Landing
One of the biggest July 4th mistake that people make around here is thinking that the Fort Walton Beach holiday fireworks show is at the Okaloosa Island Pier.
It’s an easy mistake to make since the weekly summer shows are at the pier on Wednesday nights. The only exception to this is if July 4th falls on a Wednesday but that won’t happen again until 2029.
The weekly summer fireworks shows are hosted by the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk but the July 4th fireworks are done by the City of Fort Walton Beach so that’s the reason for the location change. Still there will be a lot of people gathered at the pier waiting for the show every year.
For more information about the Okaloosa Island summer fireworks, check out my post here: 5 Best Places to Watch the Okaloosa Island Fireworks
Navarre Beach July 4th Fireworks
The Navarre Beach 4th of July Fireworks will take place on Thursday, July 4th 2024 at 9:00pm.
If you are bummed to hear that you can’t see July 4th fireworks at the Okaloosa Island Pier, you could consider driving a bit further to Navarre Beach and get a similar experience. This is one of the only July 4th fireworks shows you can catch from the beach in 2024.
Go earlier if you want to explore this smaller panhandle beach community. The Navarre pier where they launch the Fireworks is the longest pier in Florida at 1545 feet long standing 30 feet above the water. It’s a fun place to explore before the show!
Map Directions to Navarre Beach Pier
Navarre Beach is known as the best shell collecting beach on the Emerald Coast thanks to the coastline having less sandbars in the way of the shells reaching shore.
Destin Commons July 3rd Fireworks
I can’t resist mentioning the Destin Commons July 3rd fireworks show as a bonus option since it’s such a beautiful display. This show will take place on Wednesday July 3rd 2024 at 9:30pm.
This Destin Commons show is part of the Star-Spangled Food Truck and Fireworks Festival (Formerly the Smoke on the Coast BBQ and Fireworks Festival) with one of the biggest and best fireworks shows around.
You do not need to be participating in the festival to watch the fireworks but you can do the festival beforehand if you are interested.
For many years I skipped this fireworks show thinking it was probably a small shopping mall show but I was so wrong. This is one of the best fireworks shows in Destin.
This fireworks show is over 12 minutes long and shot from several launch spots on the parking garage roofs. It is also synched to a music soundtrack played throughout the Commons.
The Destin Commons July 3rd fireworks show is a great way to get your July 4th holiday started early. Parking can be a challenge for this one because it’s a popular festival so get there several hours ahead of the show to find a spot. If you are attending the festival then you will be there in plenty of time.
I hope this post helps you plan the perfect July 4th Holiday in Destin and the Emerald Coast! Where will you be watching the holiday fireworks?
Be sure to comment below if you have any questions or feedback. I love hearing from you and prefer to answer questions on here so my answers can help others as well. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss any posts!
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Are there any fireworks visible from the Henderson resort?
Sorry I’m late on this reply. You could see the Harbor ones from the rooftop bar at the Henderson but they would be a bit far away. You can definitely see them from up there though.
Will there be anything if it rains? Time change or anything like that?
It is rare that any of our fireworks shows get cancelled even for rain unless it’s a very rough storm or high winds.
Thanks for this great list! Would any of these be visible from Dune Allen Beach?
Probably not but you might get a glimpse of Seaside way down the beach. From Dune Allen Beach you would want to go to either Seaside or Baytowne Wharf. Both are about the same distance and both are great shows. Have fun!
Can you see any of these from Majestic Sun?
Maybe in the distance but not the best fireworks view from Majestic Sun
Could you tell me the closest firework display from Miramar Breach?
Baytowne Wharf would be the closest fireworks for you!
Could you tell me the closest firework display to Pelican Beach Resort?
The closest fireworks to Pelican Beach Resort is Destin Harbor on July 4th and also Destin Commons on July 3rd. I might still recommend considering going to Baytowne for July 4th if you have kids. You are somewhat in-between the 2 places and Baytowne has free parking and a better holiday show
Hi there,
We will be staying on South Holiday Road in Miramar Beach. Can you tell me which Fireworks show is closest to us?
Thanks in advance.
The closest fireworks to you is at Baytowne Wharf. It will be a great show but get there early for parking and traffic. Have fun!
We will be staying at Adagio in Blue Mountain beach. Where can we go to see the fireworks on the 4th of July?
You are right in-between the Baytowne and Seaside shows. Both will be great. If you go to Seaside I would recommend the free shuttle from Grayton beach because parking will be hard to find in Seaside. If you go to Baytowne, arrive early for parking and possible having to ride a shuttle from the Sandestin main lot. There’s lots to do at Baytowne as far as shops, restaurants, and kids activities. If you have younger kids, I would probably go to Baytowne. Older kids or adults, maybe Seaside is better. Have fun!
Is there anywhere I can watch fireworks on a beach? Can I see then from Miramar beach?
From the beach you won’t see any unless you are close to the Hilton Sandestin. They have a big show shot from their beach. Otherwise there’s the Baytowne Wharf show. Have fun!
Thank you for all the info, it will be my first visit in the area, bring my adult daughter and i saw a program in tv that talked about how beautiful the beaches and water is Miramar, which I know is right beside Destin. In your opinion which place is the best to vacay. And i was looking for a place to stay and ran across a place called majestic sun A. That’s the only place where could find ocean view. If you have any suggestions between Destin and Miramar or where to stay that would be awesome! Thanks again fot the info ! the fireworks
I just tried to send this and I’m not sure it went. So I’ll try again. Thank you for putting that guide to fireworks out to help navigate this . I’m bringing my 20 y/o daughter to Miramar beach for the 4th of July. I’ve heard the beaches are pure white and the water is are incredible. So i was looking for a place to stay and ran across Majestic Sun A. Is that a good place or would you suggest something else? And in terms of beaches do you prefer Destin or Miramar?
Thank you again, Kim
Hi Kim, the least crowded beach in Destin is Holiday Isle. So anything on Gulf Shore Drive. It’s because it’s all private access and the buildings are not as tall. Majestic Sun is nice but the beach will be pretty crowded. Still a fun area with things to walk to
I replied my thoughts on the other comment but you may have already booked. The beaches here are beautiful but the least crowded are the ones on Gulf Shore Drive. Jetty East, Islander, Destin on the Gulf, Holiday Surf. That’s the area I would choose. But the ones on Scenic Hwy 98 are nice too and you can walk to more things