The Best Places to View Fireworks on the Emerald Coast
The Emerald Coast, with its stunning beaches and lively atmosphere, is the perfect destination for enjoying dazzling firework displays year-round. Whether you’re staying in Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, or along 30A, you’ll find spectacular spots to catch fireworks displays almost every week. From weekly summer shows to holiday celebrations, here are the top places to view fireworks on the Emerald Coast. 1. HarborWalk Village – Destin One of the most popular places to view fireworks in Destin is at HarborWalk Village. Every summer, HarborWalk Village hosts weekly firework shows, lighting up the sky over Destin Harbor. These fireworks displays are usually scheduled for Thursday nights during the summer, but they also host larger shows on holidays like Independence Day and Labor Day. Best Viewing Locations: The main boardwalk area at HarborWalk Village offers stunning views of the fireworks. Arrive early to grab a spot along the water or at one of the restaurants with outdoor seating, such as Harry T’s Lighthouse. Boat Tours: For a unique experience, consider booking a boat tour that takes you into the harbor for an up-close view of the fireworks. Time Needed: 2-3 hours for exploring HarborWalk and enjoying the show Website: HarborWalk Village Cost: Free to watch; food and boat tours vary in price. 2. Baytowne Wharf – Miramar Beach In Miramar Beach, The Village of Baytowne Wharf is another fantastic spot for viewing weekly fireworks. During the summer months, Baytowne Wharf hosts Boomin’ Tuesdays, a weekly fireworks show over the lagoon. These displays offer a festive atmosphere, with live music, family-friendly activities, and excellent waterfront views. Best Viewing Locations: Anywhere along Baytowne Wharf’s boardwalk offers great views, but the area near the Baytowne Marina is particularly scenic for watching the fireworks reflect off the water. If you want to enjoy a sit-down dinner while watching the show, Hammerhead’s Bar & Grille is a great option for outdoor dining. Time Needed: 2-3 hours to explore the village and enjoy the fireworks Website: Baytowne Wharf Cost: Free to attend the fireworks; dining prices vary. 3. Seaside – 30A In the heart of 30A, the charming beach town of Seaside also hosts regular firework displays during major holidays, including Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. Seaside’s fireworks shows light up the sky over the Gulf of Mexico, providing a breathtaking backdrop to your evening on the beach. Best Viewing Locations: Seaside Beach Pavilion is one of the best spots to lay out blankets or beach chairs and watch the fireworks. Arrive early to grab a prime spot on the sand. Bud & Alley’s rooftop bar offers great views of both the fireworks and the beach if you’re looking for a more social setting. Time Needed: 2-4 hours if you’re spending the evening in Seaside Website: Seaside Cost: Free to watch; dining and drinks vary in price. 4. Alys Beach – 30A Another top spot along 30A for fireworks is Alys Beach, which hosts incredible fireworks displays during major holidays and events, such as the Fourth of July and Digital Graffiti Festival. The combination of Alys Beach’s modern architecture and the fireworks over the Gulf makes for a striking visual experience. Best Viewing Locations: The Alys Beach Amphitheatre is a popular spot for viewing fireworks, often paired with live entertainment or events. Grab a spot on Alys Beach’s white sands for a more intimate and picturesque view of the fireworks. Time Needed: 2-3 hours Website: Alys Beach Cost: Free to attend, although some events may require tickets. 5. Okaloosa Island – Santa Rosa Island Okaloosa Island, located between Destin and Fort Walton Beach, is another excellent spot for weekly fireworks. During the summer, you can catch fireworks every Wednesday night over the Okaloosa Island Pier. These fireworks are visible from multiple locations, including the beach and nearby waterfront restaurants. Best Viewing Locations: The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island offers a front-row seat to the fireworks with beachside restaurants like The Crab Trap providing excellent views. Set up chairs on Okaloosa Island Beach for an unforgettable beachside firework display. Time Needed: 2-3 hours Website: The Boardwalk Okaloosa Island Cost: Free to attend; dining prices vary. 6. Fourth of July Fireworks on the Emerald Coast If you’re visiting during Fourth of July, you’re in for a treat! The Emerald Coast hosts some of the best firework shows in Florida, and many areas put on special events. Popular locations include: Destin Harbor: The largest fireworks show in the area, launched from East Pass. Seaside: A family-friendly parade followed by fireworks on the beach. Fort Walton Beach Landing Park: A patriotic fireworks show that lights up Santa Rosa Sound. Arrive early to any of these locations to secure your spot, as Fourth of July fireworks attract big crowds. 7. Special Events and Holiday Fireworks Beyond the summer season, many spots along the Emerald Coast host fireworks for special events and holidays like New Year’s Eve, Labor Day, and Memorial Day. Whether it’s a holiday weekend or a special festival like the Emerald Coast Poker Run, you’re bound to find fireworks lighting up the sky. Check event calendars for Destin, Miramar Beach, 30A, and Santa Rosa Beach to see when the next fireworks display will happen. Fireworks are frequently paired with local festivals and concerts, adding to the fun. Stay at Legacy Beach Homes for the Best Fireworks Viewing Locations At Legacy Beach Homes, we offer the perfect vacation homes for large groups visiting the Emerald Coast. Our spacious beach homes in Destin, Miramar Beach, and 30A provide easy access to the best firework shows, whether you’re watching from a beachfront property or taking a short walk to the fireworks viewing locations. With our 8-bedroom vacation homes that sleep 20+ guests and side-by-side homes for even larger groups, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable stay. Enjoy private pools, easy beach access, and amenities like golf carts and paddleboards, making your beach vacation stress-free. Visit Legacy Beach Homes today to plan your next group getaway and catch the