If you’re visiting Panama City Beach for the Fourth of July holiday, you’re in for a treat. We go all out for the celebration, with events all over town. Of course we’d love for you to get in touch and schedule a sunset cruise, a fishing trip, or a dolphin sighting, but there’s plenty more to do. Our favorite events that we think you should check out:
July 3
Light Up The Gulf
Many of the local resorts enjoy setting of fireworks for their guests, but the Beach Bash & Light Up the Gulf show at Board Walk Beach Resort is one of the best known. Always an impressive show, definitely check it out if you’re on that side of town. If you’re booking a room with the hotel, they often have special deals available for their guests, so check their website.
Grand Lagoon Freedom Rocks
The Grand Lagoon is called the Gateway to the Gulf. It’s a popular local spot for relaxing by the water, with added fun from shopping and dining at local restaurants. You can bring a chair or blanket and kick back on the grass outside the Treasure Island Marina to watch the fireworks displays. Many of the local restaurants offer discounts, special menu items, and exclusive drinks. Bring a friend, enjoy yourself, and watch the show!
July 4
Panama City Marina – Salute To Freedom
If you’re in town with your family on the Fourth of July itself, make sure to drop by Panama City Marina for live music, free food, and a ton of fun. The festivities begin at 2pm, and kids will also get to spend some time building a special project, hosted by Home Depot. The night ends with a stunning fireworks display at 9pm that is sure to get you into the patriotic mood. The fireworks will be simulcast on Magic Broadcast stations.
Mexico Beach – Best Blast On The Beach
If you don’t mind driving a little ways away from Panama City Beach, the festivities on Mexico Beach are extra fun for runners. As part of their Independence Day celebration, Mexico Beach hosts the Sandy Shoes 5k. The course is appropriate for any level of experience, and runners get a chipped bib to see their time, as well as a free t-shirt for participating. The run happens at 7am, so it would be easy to get back to Panama City in time for the fireworks here, or you could catch the show at Mexico Beach, which starts at 8:30.
Groovin’ On The Green
If you want your fireworks with a side of live band, check out Sonic Boom at the Groovin’ on the Green concert series on the village green. Food and drink vendors will be on site, so you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the show.
If you’ve never seen fireworks on the water, it’s a very different experience than seeing them from land. If you’ll be in the area, get in touch with us to find out more about chartered boat trips around the time of one of the fireworks displays to see what’s happening.
In Panama City Beach, we love every part of the fourth of July; the patriotic celebration, the gorgeous explosions of color and light, and the sense of community as locals and visitors come together to enjoy the show. We hope you’ll be a part of our Independence Day Celebration this year.