Fourth of July weekend is an incredible time to spend on the beach near 30A. The full-time residents are a patriotic bunch, and you’ll find some streets lined with flags and other festive decorations.
Two of the most celebrated July 4th events are the Fourth of July Parade in Grayton Beach and, of course, fireworks at multiple locations along the coast.
Early Morning Fourth of July Parade
The Fourth of July Parade begins around 8:30AM along the main streets of Grayton Beach, with cars, jeeps, trucks and trailers showcasing unique patriotic decorations, costumed passengers, and lots of candy and beads tossed into the crowd.
Come early (by 7:30AM) and find a parking space at Grayton Central Parking Lot to get free shuttle service down to the parade area. I arrived after 8am last year, had to park along the street further away on County Highway 283 and had to walk the mile to the parade.
It’s about 0.8 miles from the parking lot, so still a decent walk especially if you’re carrying a cooler, folding chairs, or young children.
At some point they shut down the shuttles and everyone arriving has to walk. Crowds line both sides of the street from AJ’s restaurant near 30A all the way past Chiringo and The Red Bar on Hotz Avenue.
We like to get there early and grab a spot near Red Bar. It’s a short walk to the beach from Red Bar and LOTS of people have already set up towels and tents to hang out after the parade.
Grayton Beach is one of the only areas that allows permitted vehicles to park on the beach, so you’ll see some Jeeps, Broncos, and trucks along the sand.
We like to turn the parade into a beach hangout for 2-3 hours and then go home to cool off and rest before a night of fireworks.
The biggest question everyone asks before the big event is, “Where’s the best place to see fireworks?”
Fireworks Near 30A in 2025
Before we get to the list of venues, a brief caution about setting off fireworks near 30A and surrounding areas…
WARNING: Personal use of fireworks and unauthorized bonfires can unintentionally start forest fires that damage dozens to hundreds of acres of state forest, homes, and personal property. I’ve witnessed one major forest fire that destroyed several entire neighborhoods in our area. Please find a fireworks show from the list below and enjoy the show from a distance.
Here’s a list of venues around Santa Rosa Beach, Miramar Beach, and beyond.
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Destin Commons Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival
Location: Destin Commons
Time: 5:00–9:00 PM | Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Kick off the holiday early with over 25 food trucks, face painting, live entertainment, and a crowd-pleasing fireworks show.
Friday, July 4, 2025
HarborWalk Village Fireworks & Live Music
Location: HarborWalk Village, Destin Harbor
Time: Live music at 7:00 PM | Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of live entertainment and a beautiful waterfront fireworks display.
Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Fireworks
Location: 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach
Time: Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Relax beachside and take in the colorful fireworks over the Gulf.
Red, White, and Baytowne at Baytowne Wharf
Location: Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Time: 7:00 PM–9:15 PM | Fireworks at 9:15 PM
This kid-friendly event features inflatables, face painting, lawn games, and a festive fireworks finale.
Alys Beach 4th of July Concert & Fireworks
Location: Alys Beach Amphitheatre
Time: Concert starts at 6:00 PM | Fireworks to follow
Enjoy live music by the Bay Kings Band, food and drinks from local merchants, and a vibrant fireworks show. Blankets and low-back chairs are encouraged. Free and open to the public.
Hilton Sandestin Beachside Flyover & Fireworks
Location: Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort
Time: Warbirds flyover at 7:30 PM | Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Catch a dramatic vintage aircraft flyover followed by a beachfront fireworks display.
Seaside – Sinfonia Gulf Coast Pops Concert & Fireworks
Location: Seaside, FL
Time: Concert at 7:00 PM | Fireworks at 8:30 PM
Experience a stunning Gulf-front concert by Sinfonia Gulf Coast, followed by a fireworks show over the water.
