As the Fourth of July approaches, we find ourselves eagerly anticipating one of the most spectacular displays of the year—fireworks! Bursting with vibrant colors and filling the night sky with cascades of shimmering brilliance, these dazzling pyrotechnics unite communities in a shared sense of wonder and awe.
But where are the best places to witness this mesmerizing spectacle? This guide will uncover the most awe-inspiring and unique locations to see the Fourth of July fireworks in Southwest Florida.
Smugglers Cove’s Top Choices:
If you’re looking for a fun day with the family this Fourth of July, make sure you join us at any of our five locations. Enjoy a round of Adventure Golf and feed our live alligators before heading to one of our favorite locations to watch the fireworks! We are open until 11:00 pm so you can also come out after the fireworks displays.
Madeira Beach - July 3rd at R.O.C. Park
With its idyllic setting and vibrant community spirit, R.O.C. Park in Madeira Beach offers a fantastic spot to enjoy fireworks and revel in the festive atmosphere. Located just a stone's throw away from the sandy shores, R.O.C. Park provides a picturesque backdrop for the Independence Day festivities.
The park's open layout ensures everyone can find a comfortable spot to spread blankets and set up chairs. You can even watch by boat if you wish. Gates Open at 6 pm and the Street Spirit Band Starts at 7:00 pm. The fireworks display begins at 9:00 PM on July 3rd.
Indian Shores - July 4th at Largo Central Park
On Thursday, July 4th, Largo Central Park will celebrate the holiday with one of the best fireworks shows in town. Admission is free and family and friends can enjoy food and entertainment starting at 6 p.m. On-site parking is $10 but if you arrive early, you can get free parking nearby. Fireworks start shortly after 9 p.m.
Bradenton - July 4th at the Bradenton Pavilion
If you’re looking for a beautiful firework display over the Manatee River then come out on the 4th at 9:30 p.m. for the fantastic show. You can join in on the Premier Manatee County July 4th Celebration from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to enjoy live music and a front-row seat to the fireworks display afterward.
You can see the fireworks from multiple locations in the area but the Manatee Riverwalk is a great spot. So, bring some chairs or blankets and enjoy a great show with the family.
Sarasota - July 4th at Bayfront Park
Celebrate the July 4th holiday along the Sarasota Bayfront by watching one of the best fireworks displays in Southwest Florida. The July 4th Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular starts at 9 p.m. and has the best viewing by Marina Jack. The event is completely free, but visitors are encouraged to make a donation so that Suncoast Charities can continue to host this wonderful family event for years to come!
Ft Myers Beach – July 4th at Times Square
The Fourth Of July Parade And Fireworks Are Back For The First Time Since Hurricane Ian!
The Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July fireworks show begins at approximately 9 P.M. at Times Square. You can bring a beach chair and enjoy the show as the beautiful fireworks light up the night sky! Starting at 8:30 pm the Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed until approximately 11pm.
Fort Myers Beach's Fourth of July parade is also back! Come celebrate our great nation and town pride as the Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July parade makes its way down Estero Boulevard with its colorful floats and costumed participants! The parade starts at Bay Oaks Recreation Center at 10 a.m. and continues down the boulevard to Times Square. Don’t miss this Fort Myers Beach tradition!
More Fantastic Options:
Red, White, and Boom! (July 4th)
Cape Coral is proud to bring the largest single-day event in Southwest Florida this Fourth of July! Red, White, and Boom! is free to all and features entertainment and fun for the whole family as well as the best firework display in the area! The event takes place on Cape Coral Parkway at the foot of Cape Coral Bridge. The entertainment starts around 5 p.m. so get there early to ensure you get a good view.
Star Spangled Bonita (July 4th)
On July 4th starting at 6 p.m. come to downtown Bonita Springs Riverside Park for the annual Star Spangled Bonita 4th of July event! Festivities include musical entertainment performed by local favorite The Ben Allen Band, a spectacular laser and drone show, and food trucks. Admission is free for everyone and food and beverages are available for purchase.
Nathan Benderson Park (July 3rd)
Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Bradenton and Sarasota, there lies a hidden gem—Nathan Benderson Park. This picturesque location offers a perfect blend of tranquility and excitement, making it an ideal spot to celebrate Independence Day.
The event is from 5 pm to 10 pm on July 3rd and general admission is free, but there are other options such as VIP Viewing Experience or Regatta Island Parking that have a fee. There will also be live music by Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio, food trucks, and a Kids Zone presented by MOTE Marine. The firework show starts at 9 pm, but if you don’t have a chance to come out, you can tune into WWSB ABC 7 on Thursday, July 4th for a recorded Independence Day special starting at 9 p.m.
Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of a city center, the serenity of a beachfront setting, or the beauty of a park for your Fourth of July festivities, Florida has it all. Make sure you also come out to any of our five locations this season for a round of adventure golf at Smugglers Cove! Contact us today to learn more and swing your way through a memorable Independence Day!
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