They call it the Forgotten Coast of Florida, but it certainly isn't forgotten when it comes to epic 4th of July celebrations! Beyond a patriotic spirit and brilliant Independence Day events, the region offers something extraordinary: sugar-white sand and beautiful turquoise waters to set the scene for an unforgettable experience.
Compared to larger destinations in Florida, the Forgotten Coast has fewer organized events, so the focus tends to be on enjoying the beach and the public fireworks display. The natural beauty of the local scenery and seaside charm add a unique twist to the experience — this combination makes for an epic 4th of July at Florida's Forgotten Coast.
As night falls, the beach comes alive with a dazzling fireworks display, painting the sky with vibrant colors. It's a truly unforgettable way to celebrate America's birthday.
If you are wondering where to celebrate this year's Independence Day, you're in the right place. This blog will bring you the best events and some extra tips for celebrating the 4th of July in Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach.
Get ready for lots of sunshine, patriotic fun, and memories that will last a lifetime!
4th of July Events in St. Port St. Joe, FL
Port St. Joe, located on Florida's Forgotten Coast, offers a charming and festive atmosphere for Independence Day celebrations, including a spectacular fireworks display over St. Joseph Bay.
Fourth Of July Fireworks Celebration
The official Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration in Port St. Joe is a public fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day. You can admire the spectacle from the Port St. Joe downtown area and George Core Park.
In both places, the atmosphere is festive, with a great mix of locals and visitors, lots of live music, food vendors, and patriotic decorations to make the scenery even more picturesque.
Is the Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration in Port St. Joe Good for Kids?
Absolutely! Fireworks are a classic family-friendly event. However, remember that fireworks can be loud, so if the little ones have sensitive ears, be sure to bring protection.
Time: July 4th, 10:00 PM.
Good to Know
George Core Park and the Port St. Joe downtown area are the designated viewing locations. The best viewing spots will fill up quickly, so arrive early to secure a good spot.
Restrooms will likely be available in the designated viewing areas (George Core Park and downtown Port St. Joe). Parking can be limited during events. Consider carpooling or finding a designated parking area and walking to the viewing location.
Also, it's a good idea to pack chairs, blankets, snacks, and drinks.
4th of July Events in Mexico Beach, FL
Mexico Beach offers a charming atmosphere for celebrating Independence Day with family activities and a beautiful fireworks display.
Best Blast On The Beach Firework Show
Best Blast on the Beach is a free, family-friendly celebration in Mexico Beach, Florida on July 4th that includes a fireworks show. Special Events for Mexico Beach, Inc. has organized the event for over 23 years.
This is a spectacular fireworks show held on the 4th of July, usually scheduled to be shot from the jetty at the end of Canal Parkway at 8:30 PM. The spectacle is visible from any vantage point on the beach.
Time: July 4th, 8:30 PM
Good to Know
The end of Canal Parkway will be closed to traffic past Salt Creek Bridge at noon a day earlier on July 3rd, and the full road will be closed on the morning of July 4th and will remain so until after the show.
As you wrap up your day at the beach, the city and organizers kindly ask that you help keep it beautiful by taking all your belongings with you, including any trash. This helps preserve our pristine shores for everyone to enjoy!
Sandy Shoes 5K Fun Run
At Mexico Beach, you can kick off your 2024 Independence Day with a morning run! The Sandy Shoes 5K Fun Run is a non-competitive race held in Mexico Beach to start your Fourth of July celebrations. It welcomes all ages and fitness levels.
The course is described as "gentle," making it suitable for walkers, runners, and even children. It's a great way to enjoy the fresh air and celebrate Independence Day with a healthy activity!
Time: July 4th, 7:00am
You can register here: Sandy Shoes 5K Fun Run
4th of July in St. Port St. Joe, FL
Cape San Blas doesn't host its own Independence Day event, but since the community is just a short drive from Port St. Joe and Mexico Beach, you can easily enjoy the fireworks displays mentioned after a day of fun at the beach. And there's another way you can enjoy a great July Fourth celebration in Cape San Blas, as well as Port St. Joe and Mexico Beach...
Enjoy your own Independence Day backyard BBQ in your Short-Term Rental
Other than fireworks, if there's a classic way to celebrate July 4th, it's with a great BBQ in your own backyard.
One of the perks of staying in a short-term rental is that you can do just that — gather family and friends for this all-time favorite holiday activity. This is a casual and fun way to celebrate America's birthday, and depending on your location, you might even be able to enjoy fireworks displays from your backyard.
Many of our vacation homes in Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach have fantastic outdoor areas with private pools and other amenities that will make your celebration even better.
Some of these rentals are also pet-friendly (just look for the blue paw on our website) — which means you can bring the entire family — literally!
Discover More Great Things to Do on Florida's Forgotten Coast on the July 4th Holiday
With its serene and tranquil charm, Florida's Forgotten Coast is a great place to spend the July Fourth celebration, and beyond the festivities and fireworks displays, there are a lot more things to do that will make your holiday trip complete and unforgettable.
Here's a compilation of some can't-miss activities to do in the area:
Enjoy a day at the beach: The Forgotten Coast boasts pristine beaches with soft white sand and crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, or simply relaxing and soaking up the sun.
Embark on a kayaking adventure: The calm waters and rich ecosystems of the Forgotten Coast make it an ideal place for kayaking. Explore secluded coves, spot wildlife like dolphins and manatees, or paddle through mangrove tunnels.
Go golfing: Tee off at one of the picturesque golf courses nestled along the Forgotten Coast. Enjoy a leisurely round of golf surrounded by stunning coastal scenery and lush green fairways. For more info on golfing on Florida's Forgotten Coast, head to our full blog on the topic.
Go fishing: Cast your line into the abundant waters of the Forgotten Coast and enjoy the thrill of reeling in a big catch. Whether you're fishing from the shore, chartering a boat for deep-sea adventures, or trying your luck from a pier, fishing here promises excitement and relaxation for anglers of all levels. We've also written a full guide on fishing in Mexico
Beach, Cape San Blas, and Port St. Joe.
Explore the charming towns: Each town on the Forgotten Coast has its own unique character and charm. Spend some time wandering around the shops and art galleries, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant, or learn about the area's history at a museum.
Indulge in delicious seafood: The Forgotten Coast is renowned for its fresh seafood. There are many excellent restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal of locally caught fish, shrimp, and oysters.
Patriotic Spirit: 4th of July Activities on Florida's Forgotten Coast
Overall, the July 4th celebrations on Florida's Forgotten Coast offer a more relaxed and beautiful alternative to larger, busier celebrations. If you're looking for a place to enjoy fireworks over the water with a family-friendly atmosphere, the Forgotten Coast could be a great choice!
Looking for more tips on Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Mexico Beach? Check out our local destination blog. We've covered everything from the best places for a night out to where to take your furry friends and where to grab the best cup of coffee in town. There's always more on the way, so keep your eyes peeled for new blogs!
In addition to our blog, we've also included tips and suggestions on what to bring on your trip, some information on local weather, as well as on wildlife ordinances and regulations.
Where to stay when visiting Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, & Mexico Beach?
Stay like a local by booking a vacation rental with Pristine Properties. We are proud to offer a selection of Cape San Blas Vacation Rentals, Port St. Joe Vacation Rentals, and Mexico Beach Florida Vacation Rentals.
Our properties are well-located, just steps away from beautiful beaches, great dining options, and an array of outdoor pursuits. That's the secret to a perfect holiday on the Florida Gulf Coast!