2022 July 4th Fireworks: When & Where

Celebrating Independence Day along the Emerald Coast means cookouts, cold drinks, live music, and the fresh aroma of fireworks. Are you ready?

July 4th fireworks show in the Destin area will occur at Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin Beach, and Destin Harbor. There are also shows in Fort Walton Beach, Navarre Beach, Seaside, and Alys Beach. No matter where you end up, plan to arrive early and be ready for some crowds unless you decide to just take a chair out to the beach by your condo and watch people set off on their own – always a good time, too!

Believe it or not, you can most likely enjoy an array of fireworks from the comfort of your balcony. People bring their fireworks and shoot them off at the beach, even though it is “illegal” to do so. Some communities along Miramar Beach also have their own “private” shows you can enjoy.

Families love this spot. A full day of activities and live music leads to the grand fireworks show, synched to music throughout the Village.

The show is about 15 minutes long and can be viewed easily from many vantage points in the Village and even the Pier.

Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort – Monday, July 4^th at 9:00 pm

You can catch this 10-minute show from anywhere along the surrounding beach areas in front of the Hilton, and it is unique in that it is launched from the beach.

If you’re not a guest at the Sandestin, consider eating dinner at one of their restaurants and walking to the beach from there.

Destin Harbor – Monday, July 4^th, 2022 at 9:00 pm

These fireworks show is different from the weekly one shot off from Harborwalk, but the viewing area is the same, and it is twice as long. It is synched to music simulcast on Z-96, 96.5FM.

If you want to be close to the launch site at a quiet beach spot, head to Norriego Point. Parking is limited to a small lot at the Point or street parking on Gulf Shore Drive, so plan to get there early, carpool, or wear good walking shoes!

If you want to catch it from the water, hop on the Destin Water Taxi from multiple spots along Destin Harbor and hop off at Norriego Point. Or stay on the water in a rental boat or book a place on one of the many Fireworks Cruises offered. Here are a few to get your search started:

Fireworks Cruises – This option literally gets you on the water for the event!
– SunVenture Cruises https://sunventurecruises.com/
– SunQuest Cruises aboard the Solaris https://sunquestcruises.com/
– Southern Star Dolphin https://southernstardolphincruise.com/
– Screaming Eagle Sports https://www.destinspeedboat.com/cruises/firework-cruise/
– Destin Snorkel https://www.destinsnorkel.com/fireworks-cruise/

– Rent your own boat
—–Destin Vacation Boat Rentals https://www.destinvacationboatrentals.com/fireworks-cruises/
—–Luther’s http://lutherspontoon.com
—–Sea Chase Watersports http://www.seachasewatersports.com/
—–Boogies Watersports https://boogieswatersports.com
—–Dockside Watersports https://boatrentalsindestin.com/

If you happen to stay in the Harbor to catch the show, stick around and catch the life-fire spinning show on the main stage!

Destin Commons/Smoke on the Coast –  Sunday, July 3^rd at 9:30 pm

This show is part of the Smoke on the Coast BBQ and Fireworks Festival, which is returning this year! Because it is at the Commons, you do not need to participate in the festival to enjoy the show. It is an impressive 12-minute show that is also synched to music playing throughout the venue. I like this option as a kickoff to the weekend’s festivities!

Other fireworks spots to consider are:

Seaside – Monday, July 4^th at 8:30 pm

Alys Beach on 30a – Monday, July 4^th at 9:00 pm

The Fort Walton Beach Landing – Monday, July 4^th at 8:45 pm

Navarre Beach Pier – Monday, July 4^th at 9:00 pm

I hope this post helps you enjoy an epic July 4^th along the Emerald Coast!

*The information included in this publication does not represent affiliate partnerships between the businesses mentioned and Beach Condos in Destin. The businesses listed are not all-inclusive, and their offers may change anytime. Please contact the individual business location directly with your questions.

Laura Co-Owner

Hi there! I'm Laura Clayton, co-owner of Beach Condos in Destin, where we specialize in offering beautiful, pet-friendly beachfront vacation rentals along the Emerald Coast of Florida. From cozy couples’ getaways to spacious family retreats, I’ve helped thousands of guests experience the magic of Destin and Miramar Beach — one salty breeze and sugar-white sand beach at a time. With over a decade of experience in the vacation rental world, I wear many sunhats — from managing bookings and marketing to creating pun-filled condo names and writing guest-friendly travel guides. I'm passionate about hospitality, obsessed with Gulf views, and always on the hunt for the best local seafood joints (I’ll let you in on my favorites if you ask!). When I’m not answering guest emails or walking through new listings, you can find me chasing sunsets, curating homey details that make our condos shine, or brainstorming beachy blog content with a coffee in hand and my toes in the sand. Whether you're planning your first visit or you're a returning beach bum, I’m here to help make your stay unforgettable. Let’s get your flip-flops in the sand and your vacation on track — after all, life’s better at the beach.

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