There’s nothing like ending a perfect beach day with a fireworks show over Destin Harbor. Whether you’re here for a summer vacation, spring break, or a holiday weekend, the Harborwalk Village fireworks are one of the best free things to do in Destin. Watching the bursts reflect across the water with boats gathered below is a classic Destin night.
If you’re wondering where to watch the Destin Harbor fireworks, you’re in the right place. This guide covers the best viewing spots around the harbor, from lively locations to quieter areas. I’ve also included the full 2026 fireworks schedule at the end, so you can plan your night and not miss a show during your trip.
The Destin Harbor fireworks show is the longest of the regular weekly displays, lasting around nine minutes. Each year it varies a bit, but you can expect big bursts, lots of color, and a finale that’s worth sticking around for.
For 2026, spring break fireworks are scheduled for four Friday nights in March and April, in addition to the summer shows. Check the schedule at the end of this post for all dates and times.
The fireworks are launched from a barge in the water between Harborwalk Village and the West Jetties Beach area. You can watch from the docks and waterfront restaurants along the harbor, or from nearby beach areas if you want something quieter.
You can also see the fireworks from beach areas near the harbor if you’d rather avoid the traffic and crowds at Harborwalk Village. Some of the least crowded spots are actually the closest to the launch area, so you can get an amazing view without being in the middle of the busiest section.
The 6 Best Places to Watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks
This list will help you find the right spot for your night on the harbor. One quick note: the numbers below are not ranked from best to worst. They simply match the numbered locations on the map.
Before diving into the details of each location, let’s start with a map of the harbor area so you can see the layout.
Throughout this guide, I’ll refer back to the map using the color coding and numbers to help you locate each spot. The approximate location of the fireworks barge is marked with a green star.
The barge location can shift a little each week based on wind direction and water conditions, but it’s usually close to where the star is on the map. On Monday nights during the summer, the show is slightly smaller, so the fireworks are often launched a bit closer to the Norriego Point shoreline (pink area on the map).
1. Destin Harbor Boardwalk and Harborwalk Village
The Destin Harbor Boardwalk and Harborwalk Village viewing area, marked in purple on the map, stretches from Emerald Grande to Boathouse Oyster Bar along Destin Harbor. You can catch a great view of the fireworks from almost anywhere along the waterfront here.
Some of the best views come from waterfront restaurants in Harborwalk Village. If you’re dining at one of these spots, ask for a table with a clear view of the harbor.
The upper levels of Margaritaville and Harry T’s offer excellent vantage points, and Azul also has a great view.
If you’re at Margaritaville, head upstairs to Landshark Landing for an even better perspective. They don’t always serve food and drinks up there, but it’s still one of the best “hidden” places to watch. Arrive early if you want a seat along the edge.
Restaurants and bars farther down the harbor outside of the Harborwalk Village boundary, like AJ’s, Tailfins, Boathouse, and The Edge, still offer great views even though they’re a little farther away.
Elevated spots can be a little easier since boats docked along the harbor sometimes block lower views. That said, you can still enjoy the show from anywhere along the Boardwalk and Harborwalk area, especially if you want to watch from the docks like most visitors do.
Parking Information
- Harborwalk Village charges $20 for parking in its lot.
- The City of Destin offers a more affordable option across the street at the community center for $15, with 24-hour re-entry at any designated harbor parking lot.
- Restaurants outside the Harborwalk Village boundary (AJ’s, Tailfins, Boathouse, and The Edge) offer free parking for customers, but spots are limited and fill up quickly.
🚨 Do NOT park in nearby restaurant lots, especially McGuire’s across the street. They strictly enforce parking rules and will tow vehicles if you park there and walk across the street.
2. Fireworks from the Destin Marler Bridge
The Destin Bridge viewing area, marked in blue on the map, is a peaceful spot to watch the fireworks. The Destin Marler Bridge has a pedestrian walkway with a divider wall, which makes it a safe and accessible place to enjoy the show.
Since this location is rarely crowded, it’s a great option if you’re looking for a quieter viewing experience. The only downside is that traffic on the bridge can be a little noisy.
Parking is available at Harborwalk Village/Emerald Grande, and from there it’s a short walk to the bridge. You don’t need to go far for a great view, but the farther you walk, the closer you’ll be to the launch area just beyond Norriego Point. Reaching the center of the bridge takes about 10 minutes.
Some people bring a small camping chair and watch from the bridge, which makes it a more comfortable option.
There used to be a free parking lot near the “Welcome to Destin” sign on the other side of the bridge, but that area is now permanently closed. Harborwalk Village is the closest parking option. They charge $20 for parking from March through October, so it can be worth arriving earlier to explore the harbor, grab dinner, and then head to the bridge for the show.
3. Fireworks from Norriego Point Public Beach
The Norriego Point viewing area is represented in pink on the map. Norriego Point is a white sand peninsula at the end of Gulf Shore Drive on Holiday Isle in Destin, Florida. On one side it faces Destin Harbor, and on the other it opens to the East Pass leading out to the Gulf of Mexico.
I wrote more detail about Norriego Point and all the other public beaches in Destin here: Find your Perfect Beach: A Guide to the Public Beaches of Destin
As of February 2026, there is a dedicated parking lot at Norriego Point, and parking is currently free. That could change in the future, but for now it’s one of the easiest (and best) places to watch the fireworks in Destin. There are also restrooms here now, which is a big plus if you’re making a full evening of it.
Norriego Point is more accessible than ever thanks to the boardwalk and walkovers. For the best view, set up on the East Pass side near the swimming coves and “pools” area. You can get there from the walkovers, from the boardwalk, or by walking on the sand. You can also watch from the top of the walkovers for an incredible elevated view.
You’ll usually see boats gathered near the fireworks barge, and from this area you can get a front-row view of the show. The barge’s placement varies slightly each week depending on wind direction, but anywhere along this harbor-facing side will work well.
If you look closely, you might even spot the barge. It has a light on it, and sometimes you can see the crew setting things up before the show.
Want the full scoop on parking, access points, and the latest updates on the future of Norriego Point? Read more in my post here: Norriego Point 2026: What It’s Like Now and What Comes Next — A Local’s Perspective.
4. Fireworks from O’Steen Beach and East Jetties
The East Jetties viewing area is represented in orange on the map. This is a quiet, uncrowded option with a more distant view of the fireworks.
As you can see from the map, it’s a more distant view than the other spots, but it’s still a peaceful place to watch if you want to avoid the traffic around Harborwalk Village and Highway 98 and you don’t want the walk required to reach Norriego Point.
There is still a bit of a walk through the sand to watch from here, and the fireworks won’t look as large as they do from closer spots. But it’s very pretty, and sometimes you’ll have a lot more space to spread out.
O’Steen Beach is located off Gulf Shore Drive shortly before the Norriego Point entrance. Look for a sign on the left that says “O’Steen Public Beach.” If you enter that in Google Maps, it will take you there. This is street parking only, and the City of Destin charges $20 for up to five hours at these spaces.
Walk the path from the beach access until you reach the water’s edge and choose a spot anywhere along the shoreline. I like to walk all the way to the rocks, but you don’t have to go that far. The fireworks will look smaller from here, but it’s a solid quiet option if you need one.
This walking time-lapse video shows the walk out to O’Steen Beach. It goes all the way to the last set of jetties, but you can stop before the first set for the best fireworks view.
5. Fireworks from a Destin Harbor Boat Cruise
Fireworks cruises are a great option if you want to be on a boat right underneath the show. Since the fireworks are launched from the water, this is the closest you can get to the launch area. Most fireworks cruises start and end at the docks of Harborwalk Village and the Destin Boardwalk.
There are several companies that offer fireworks cruises on Destin Harbor. The first one I went on was with Destin Snorkel, and I had a great time. I liked the unobstructed view from the smaller boat and the informative harbor cruise before the show.
I also went on a fireworks cruise aboard the Buccaneer Pirate Ship, and that was fun too. The main advantage is how tall it is, so the view is spectacular over the harbor, although there are more people on board.
Another great option is the Destin Water Taxi, which also offers fireworks cruises for a very reasonable price. It’s a smaller boat, so you get a simple, up-close experience without the “big tour boat” feel. They can pick you up directly at your place if you are staying on Holiday Isle or anywhere on Destin Harbor, eliminating the driving, traffic and parking hassles. Read more about the water taxi here: Destin Water Taxi Guide.
6. Fireworks from West Jetties Harbor Beach Area
The West Jetties beach area is represented in red on the map. This used to be accessible by foot from the parking lot near the “Welcome to Destin” sign, but that area has now been closed to the public. However, boaters still anchor near the shoreline here, and as of now, there haven’t been any reports of enforcement preventing access by water.
It’s a real shame they closed this beach because the view was incredible. Laying on a blanket in the sand, it felt like the fireworks were exploding right overhead.
West Jetties Beach is military-owned and had been open to the public for years, but it was closed due to misuse. Most of the issues cited involved littering and unauthorized vendors operating from the beach. There has been talk that the City of Destin is working on a deal to reopen this area, but nothing has been confirmed yet. I’ll keep you posted if anything changes.
For now, this remains the closest possible viewing spot to the fireworks barge (aside from being on a fireworks cruise), making it an incredible location for those with their own boat. That said, access is technically restricted, so anyone choosing to anchor here should do so at their own risk.
I watched the fireworks from a boat anchored at this beach multiple times last season and didn’t encounter any issues. However, rules can always change, so it’s worth keeping in mind that enforcement could become stricter in the future.
2026 Schedule of Destin Harbor Fireworks Shows
Spring Break Fireworks Dates and Times
Spring break fireworks on Destin Harbor are scheduled for the busiest four weeks of spring break on Friday nights.
- ★Friday March 13, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Friday March 20, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Friday March 27, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Friday April 3, 2026 at 9pm
Summer Fireworks Dates and Times
Summer fireworks typically run on Monday and Thursday nights through the busiest part of the season.
In addition to the weekly summer shows, Destin Harbor has special holiday displays on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend and July 4th. It’s important to note that the Independence Day fireworks are organized by the City of Destin, not Harborwalk Village, so the viewing recommendations in this post don’t specifically apply to that show.
Instead of launching from a barge in the harbor, the July 4th fireworks are set off from West Jetties Beach, making them slightly farther from the typical Harborwalk Village viewing areas. Although the July 4th display lasts longer (usually around 15 minutes), it’s typically not as large or impressive as Harborwalk Village’s regular fireworks.
For this reason, I tend to skip the July 4th harbor fireworks and head to Baytowne Wharf, which consistently hosts one of the area’s most spectacular holiday fireworks shows. However, if you’re spending Independence Day in the Destin Harbor area, the city’s show is still a fun way to celebrate.
- ★Sunday May 24, 2026 at 9pm for Memorial Day weekend
- ★Monday May 25, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Thursday May 28, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Monday June 1, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Thursday June 4, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Monday June 8, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Thursday June 11, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Monday June 15, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Thursday June 18, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Monday June 22, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Thursday June 25, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Monday June 29, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Thursday July 2, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Saturday July 4, 2026 at 9pm (City of Destin show)
- ★Monday July 6, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Thursday July 9, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Monday July 13, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Thursday July 16, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Monday July 20, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Thursday July 23, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Monday July 27, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Thursday July 30, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Monday August 3, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Thursday August 6, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Monday August 10, 2026 at 9pm
- ★Thursday August 13, 2026 at 9pm
Fall/Winter Fireworks Dates and Times
The 2026 Destin Harbor fall and winter fireworks are not on the Harborwalk calendar yet, but it usually follows the same pattern every year:
- ★Every Saturday in October at 8pm
- ★Halloween weekend (exact date and time TBA)
- ★Sunday December 13, 2026 following the Destin Harbor Lighted Boat Parade (after the last boat, time varies)
- ★Thursday December 31, 2026 for New Year’s Eve Fireworks (2 shows at 8pm and midnight) (City of Destin shows)
If you want to check out other fireworks shows in the Destin area, I wrote all about the Baytowne Wharf Fireworks HERE, and I wrote about the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Pier Fireworks HERE.
I hope this post helps you find the perfect place to watch the Destin Harbor 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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Can anyone tell me when they consider the “summer months” for the fireworks?? We are coming May 4-11th, and wondered if we will see any fireworks
Unfortunately, you will not see fireworks during your stay. The summer fireworks will kick off on Memorial Day weekend in late May but at least you will have lighter crowds that week. It’s a good time to be here!
Is Norriego Point still under construction? Didn’t see a date on this post.
Yes, Norriego Point will be under construction for a while but so far there are usually several areas that are still open and not blocked off. People have still been out there watching fireworks
Could you tell me if Thursday July 25th or Thursday August 1st are considered summer months? We are planning our trip for either of those weeks and we would love to make it for the fireworks.
Thanks!
Where at Baytowne Wharf is the best place to see the fireworks? Is the firework work show you see at Baytowne Wharf the same show as what’s in Destin? Do you think right outside Hammerheads and on the actual pier is a good place to see them?
Good post
Hi Gary,
I just wrote a blog post about the best viewing spots for the Baytowne Fireworks. It is on the home page featured posts or: https://thegoodlifedestin.com/baytowne-wharf-fireworks-viewing-spots/ They are not set off from the water, but from right in the Village behind the arcade. I put a map in the post with the exact launch spot. So you will see them from the spot you are talking about but the lower bursts will be blocked by the buildings. Some of the lower bursts are the best part of the Baytowne Show. Also, you will likely not hear the music from there. Please let me know how the view is if you try that spot!
The Fireworks in Destin will go at least through the first week of August so both those weeks will have them!
Thank you!
Hey, I wanted to let you know that I recently watched from that spot on the pier outside Hammerheads and it was a good view. The only downfall was not hearing the music and countdown but otherwise it was a fantastic spot. I’ve updated the Baytowne article with a photo from that spot. Where to Watch the Baytowne Wharf Fireworks
Fantastic map and description of places to watch from. Thinking we may just come by boat and find a place. Thanks for your work.
Thank you! The fireworks are awesome to watch from the boat. You will see many gathered out there. I just updated this post yesterday with a few new spots, btw. Hope you enjoy the show!
The area you call the west jetties, is this Santa Rosa Beach Island aka Eglin AFB property?
Yes, but it’s not the part where you go through a gate. You park at the parking lot under the Destin sign and walk out. They have recently said you should have a permit to go out there but no one has enforced it yet
Congratulations Sarah. Really good job. Thank you for your help..
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Will they still be going off on Thursday, August 20th?
Unfortunately the last summer show was Thursday August 13th
Great Destin info. Visiting Sept 6 thru the 10th, 2021. What are the adventures still open? Interested in Dolphin watching, boat cruises, water parks and fireworks. Appreciate any help or ideals for family of 5 adults.
Dolphin cruises and waterspouts stuff will still be open. The water park is closed during the week at that time and there will not be any fireworks that week. Even though there is not as much going on that week, you will enjoy the lower crowds and beautiful beach weather
hello I loved everything you put, I have never seen something so detailed, I only have one question on July 4, 2022 the fireworks are at 9pm
Hello! Thanks for all the detail information. I’m traveling to Destin may 28-30 for Memorial Day/birthday weekend and was wondering if there are any fireworks for this year? Also, has jetty beach opened up? Thank you! 😁
There will be fireworks on the Sunday night May 29th at Harborwalk, Baytowne and Okaloosa Island.The west Jetty beach has no plans to reopen unfortunately. It’s a permanent closure.
I’m glad you found it helpful. Yes 9pm
Hi there – we are staying at the Henderson Beach Resort for 4th July – what will be our best option for fireworks …… We would love to just walk along the beach and get close to some but dont know if thats possible 🙂
You can see them from the rooftop bar at the Henderson looking west but it’s pretty small and far away from there. Your best bet would be to go to Norriego Point if you want to watch from a beach or go watch the Baytowne Wharf Fireworks but they are about equal distances either direction and require a car. There’s not going to be a big show to see from that beach however plenty of people will be illegally shooting their own fireworks around there I would imagine. There’s a spectacular July 3rd show just a few blocks away at the Commons though. Here’s my post about the July 4th holiday with all the different options: https://thegoodlifedestin.com/4th-of-july-in-destin/
I have absolutely loved reading your blogs and looking at your pics! It has helped me plan each day of our trip while we are in Destin. I even ordered your books from Amazon. Quick question about which fireworks boat tour you recommend. We are lucky enough to be in Destin the week of July 4th so we can do a boat tour for fireworks on the 4th or on the Thursday. One day we will watch from the boat on Destin Snorkel an the other day watch from the Boardwalk. Do you have a recommendation or preference? Do you think we would miss out on music/festivities landside one night vs the other if we are out on the boat vs amongst the action in Harborwalk Village?
Definitely do the boat tour on the Thursday night. The Thursday night ones are shot from a barge on the water, so it’s great from a boat cruise. The July 4th ones are done by the City of Destin and they are shot from the West Jetties beach, so the boat cruise can’t get quite as close to them. Also, unless something changes this year, the July 4th ones are not as big as the Thursday ones. It’s a longer show but not quite the wow factor of the Thursday show. I’m not sure where you are staying but there’s also the Wednesday night fireworks at the pier on the 5th, the BBQ fest ones at the Commons on the 3rd, and also Baytowne Wharf has a BIG show on the 4th. So, depending how much driving you are willing to do, you have the option of 4 different shows from Monday-Thursday that week. It’s a heavy traffic time in town though so if you are sticking close to Harborwalk, do the boat cruise on the Thursday and the Harborwalk festivities stuff on the 4th. Have fun!
Do you have any suggestions for the very last week in August, specifically August 26 through September 2, 2023 of things to see or do? It seems like we miss most of the action during this week and there’s not much activity during this week; but, I’m hoping you may have ideas for us even if we have to travel slightly out of the Destin/Miramar Beach area. Thank you in advance!
I read your (Destin) fireworks post twice and didn’t see the starting time? Thanks!!
Thank you for letting me know. I definitely meant to put the time and I will update it. The Harborwalk summer shows are at 9pm!
There are not many events that week and the only fireworks show around that time is September 3rd. However, it’s a great time to be here with the lower crowds. The new edition of my Destin guide book is coming out soon. Make sure you are signed up for my email list to be notified. That will be a full color book with lots of ideas!
Hi! Thanks for all your tips! Will we be able to see the Destin and Ft Walton fireworks from the Surf dweller condos on Okaloosa Island? I know it will be great to see the ones of the pier but I am curious about the other spots as well.
Thanks
Hi Lori, you would only see the pier fireworks from that beach. You might see a tiny glimpse of the Destin ones but they are way off in the distance–very small. However your view of the pier fireworks from the beach there will be amazing!
Can you see the fireworks from the Dunes of Destin homes and beach?
Will we see anything is Miramar?
Baytowne Wharf is the best spot to watch fireworks in Miramar Beach
No I would not think so
Sarah thank you for all the wonderful info you give. What can you tell me about fireworks 10/31/24 or weekend? We will be at Crystal Dunes condos on Crystal Beach. Can we see from our beach? Are any calm boat options available that time of year?
Sarah thank you for all the wonderful info you give. What can you tell me about fireworks 10/31/24 or weekend? Can we see from beach at Crystal Beach? Are any calm boat options available that time of year?