Jun 29, 20233 min read

Top 8 Beach Locations near San Diego and Miami to Visit for the 4th of July

We all know the 4th of July is more than a patriotic holiday— it's the perfect time to reconnect with family and friends, take a day off from work, and go out and experience the beauty of summer. What better place to celebrate than at some of America's best beaches? We've done all the work and compiled for you a list of some of the best beaches in and near American hotspots Miami and San Diego to watch fireworks this July 4th!

Florida

1. Key Biscayne - Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade and Fireworks

Make sure you don't miss Key Biscayne this 4th of July— local residents of Key Biscayne organize this now decades-long tradition and feature a stunning parade with "flying jets, marching bands, golf carts, floats" and even more! Find your spot by 11 am as the parade goes from Harbor Drive to West Enid Drive along Crandon Boulevard, and if you're planning to make a day trip out of it, check out The Village Green in the evening for 9.5 acres of open fields, fountains, and shaded pavilions. Don't worry there will be fireworks!

image source: https://www.islandernews.com/news/keybiscayne/july-4-celebrations-and-parade-returns-in-a-big-way-to-the-island/article_1550d2f6-fabf-11ec-965d-5b540be36b96.html

2. Miami Beach Bandshell

Check out The City of Miami Beach's Fire on the Fourth celebration at Miami Beach Bandshell! With festivities kicking off at 3 pm, activities for all ages include a climbing wall, mega obstacle course, giant soccer dart game, and an "imagination playground" with games like Jenga, Connect 4, and cornhole. Starting at 5 pm, a lineup of DJs and the Miami Beats will be playing at the outdoor roller disco, and if that wasn't enough, the fireworks display will finish the night at 9 pm!

image source: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipOgF4Ds2jsdhMfi7IZ0Mf28VZsLi5KcKHECXrEn=s680-w680-h510

3. Lummus Park on South Beach

Stop by Lummus Park at 8:30 pm on the 4th for a stunning oceanfront evening performance by the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival (MMF) Symphony Orchestra and Alumni Division singers, in addition to the City of Miami Beach's annual July 4th fireworks! This favorite concert is free to everyone and is curated with patriotic favorites. So make sure to be on the lawn on 12th and Ocean Drive, and if you only want to come to see the fireworks, be there at 9 pm to see them mid-performance!

image source: https://www.thebalfourmiamibeach.com/things-to-do/lummus-park

4. Nikki Beach

Looking for an upward dining and beach club experience? Nikki Beach Miami offers the perfect American food classics, music, and entertainment beachside, and will be running almost all day from 2 pm-10 pm with their own fireworks display at 9! Book your own luxurious day bed and spend your 4th of July reclining here from day til night!

image source: https://hedonistshedonist.com/blog/nikki-beach-miami-independance-party/

California

5. Imperial Beach

If you're looking for music and an amazing fireworks show, stop by the Imperial Beach Pier where the music starts at 4 pm, the military band plays from 7 to 8 pm and the fireworks will close off the night at 9! So make sure to bring a picnic or grab some food from one of the local businesses and tune into KyXy Radio 96.5 FM at 9 PM for a synched playlist to the fireworks.

image source: https://www.ib-chamber.com/upcoming-event/4th-july-fireworks

6. Ocean Beach

Want to bring your pet? Don't miss the drone light show that can be seen throughout Ocean Beach and Point Loma with the best viewing expected to be in the Newport Avenue Business District. This show is composed of 300 drones that create different formations and patterns and will be synched to a soundtrack as the drones dance. Make sure to be there before 9 pm to grab a spot!

image source: https://sdnews.com/drone-shows-to-replace-fourth-of-july-fireworks-in-ocean-beach/

7. Oceanside

If you're a fan of water activities, Oceanside Beach is the place for you. On July 4th, additional vendors will be out selling concessions and renting water sports equipment in Pier Plaza and south of the Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre. It's a great day to try new things!

image source: https://www.mainstreetoceanside.com/oceanside-pier

8. Camp Pendleton

Happen to have a family member working at Camp Pendleton? If you do, make sure to visit the base's Del Mar Beach. Festivities will be on for days but make sure to head on over on July 3 to take advantage of the free family fun zone from 10 am to 3 pm, live DJ entertainment from 4 to 7 pm, and fireworks at 9! Food and drinks will be sold from 8 am to 7 pm, and don't forget to bring your Military ID card.