Florida’s Historic Coast July 4th Celebration: Fireworks, Music, and More

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Florida’s Historic Coast comes alive for the 4th of July with a week-long celebration, highlighted by one of the biggest fireworks displays on the East Coast.

The festivities begin at 6 p.m. in downtown St. Augustine with a complimentary concert at the Plaza de la Constitución. Here, the All-Star Orchestra will perform a two-hour concert featuring big band, swing, and patriotic tunes. The fireworks extravaganza starts at 9:30 p.m., launching over 5,000 shells from a barge in the Intracoastal Waterway.

Spectators have various prime spots to watch the display, with free access across the city. Optimal viewing locations include the Castillo de San Marcos, along Matanzas Bay, near the Bridge of Lions, and at the southern end of Vilano Beach and its boat ramp. Numerous downtown eateries offer balcony and patio views, and specialty tours on St. Augustine Sailing’s luxury vessels or with Florida Water Tours offer a unique on-water perspective.

Parking for the event is plentiful in downtown St. Augustine, although road closures will begin at 8:30 p.m. A complimentary park-and-ride shuttle from Anastasia Island runs from 6 to 11 p.m.

Beachgoers can use a free shuttle to Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park in Ponte Vedra Beach and the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier in St. Augustine Beach from July 1-4.

Additionally, the Colonial Oak Music Park is bringing back Oakfest, a free music festival from July 3-7, marking its eighth year with family-friendly concerts featuring top local artists.

The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club invites guests to an Independence Day Weekend Oceanfront Cookout from July 4-7, offering everything from sandcastles to movies and a dive-in movie. Further south on A1A, Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa hosts a Star-Spangled Cookout Buffet, capped off with a grand fireworks show on the 6th.

Easily accessible via I-95 and less than an hour from Jacksonville and Daytona Beach International Airports, Florida’s Historic Coast is a gateway to history and festivities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and the Beaches. Check out the trip planner to discover more.