You can’t help but feel your red, white and blue heart swell with pride every time Fourth of July comes around. You’re enjoying the outdoors, your family is by your side, and sparklers are in your hand--- not to mention stuffing your face with some ribs, burgers and apple pie. You can’t beat it. But for those who want to do a little more than the usual barbecues, beach gear or fireworks, here are some stellar options for celebrating the good ol’ USA Miami-style.
Food Trucks and Fireworks
If you’ve become a total food truckaholic like we have, you’ll certainly get your fill this Fourth of July. Head on over to Peacock Park in Coconut Grove on Monday for fireworks, food trucks as far as the eye can see, and some good Sam Adams beer. There’s free entertainment, including a performance by the "Pitbull of Blues," Mr. Josh Rowand (no, not the Mr.305)! The fun begins at 5 p.m. and runs ‘til 10 p.m. 305.442.0375; coconutgrovechamber.com.
Fare Thee Well, Rusty Pelican…For Now
That restaurant by the sea we know and love is undergoing a major facelift soon. But not before throwing one last shibang for Independence Day! Enjoy a special (and delicious) barbecue buffet in the upstairs grand ballroom, where you’ll gorge on some ribs and chicken and wash it down with unlimited wine, champagne and beer. It’s all inclusive for a ‘worth it’ price of $40. It all starts at 5 p.m. 305.361.3818; therustypelican.com.
Good Country Cookin’ on the Green
Celebrate the red, white and blue on the green at The Palms at Town & Country. Picnic festivities include fireworks (which is pretty much a staple in every Independence Day celebration), a concert on the green, sand sculptures, kids crafts, and lunch. It’s all-inclusive, but then again, what more could you ask for on such a momentous occasion? 305.274.7982; thepalmsshops.com.
Cruisin’ From Sea to Shining Sea
This Fourth of July’s got you on a boat! Island Queen Cruises promises an Independence night filled with great food and entertainment as they have for the past 20 years. Their Biscayne Lady yacht will begin boarding behind Bayside Marketplace at 7 p.m., with departure at 8 p.m. The DJ’ll let the music play so you can boogie ‘till the fireworks begin, and you’ll be back at port by 10:30 p.m. Tickets range from $40 to $85. 305.379.5119; islandqueencruises.com/4thofJulyCruiseMiami.htm.
Beachin’ it for the Fourth
It can be argued the best view for fireworks is at the beach. Well, The Clevelander on Ocean Drive’s got you covered. Enjoy signature entertainment, tasty eats and great drinks on the rooftop with your closest friends. Oh, and of course, the brilliant and illumination that is a proper fireworks display. Splurge a little and make special reservations to ensure a fun night. The party starts at 6 p.m., and tickets run from $20 to $60. 786.276.5325; events@clevelander.com.
America at Bay(front)
It’s America’s birthday, and it deserves a proper celebration. Bayfront Park’s throwing an all-out bash, complete with food drinks, rides, face painting and much more. It also holds bragging rights as one of the largest fireworks displays in South Florida. What does that mean for you and your family? A must-not-miss celebration, that’s what. 305.358.7550; bayfrontparkmiami.com.
Independence Week
Why should Fourth of July celebration be limited to one day? The Surfcomber Hotel’s thinkin’ that too, which is why they’ve put on a week’s worth of food, drinks, fun, and plenty of swimsuit time. The rain-or-shine pool and beach festivities take place from July 4-7 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and include beats by Fatboy Slim and many more. Where do we sign up? 305.532.7715; surfcomber.com.
Party Like an Animal
This land is our land, but it’s also the land of the creatures we share it with. Why not celebrate and salute our soldiers with them at Jungle Island? Party like (and with) animals on the terrace of the island’s Treetop Ballroom while watching the dazzling fireworks, music, dancing, and all-around entertainment. Of course, an all-you-can-eat mouthwatering barbecue buffet’s included. Count us in! 305.400-7000; jungleisland.com.
Where to Watch Fireworks in Miami-Dade County
Peacock Park (Coconut Grove) at 9 p.m.
Bayfront Park (Downtown Miami) at 9 p.m.
One Bal Harbour Resort and Spa (Bal Harbour) at 9 p.m.
Homestead Miami Speedway (Homestead) at 8 p.m.
Milander Park (Hialeah) at 9 p.m.
8th Street and Ocean Drive (Miami Beach) at 9 p.m.
JC Bermudez Park (Doral) at 9 p.m.
Where to Watch Fireworks in Broward County
A1A and Las Olas Boulevard (Fort Lauderdale) at 9 p.m.
International Fishing Pier (Deerfield Beach) at 9 p.m.
A1A and Las Olas Boulevard (Fort Lauderdale) at 9 p.m.
International Fishing Pier (Deerfield Beach) at 9 p.m.
Bank Atlantic Center (Sunrise) at 9 p.m.
Tamarac Community Center (Tamarac) at 9 p.m.
Pines Recreation Center Festival Grounds (Pembroke Pines) at 9 p.m.
Tamarac Community Center (Tamarac) at 9 p.m.
Pines Recreation Center Festival Grounds (Pembroke Pines) at 9 p.m.
Pine Island Park (Davie) at 9 p.m.
Miramar Regional Park (Miramar) at 9 p.m.
Grandstand at Mardis Gras Casino (Hallandale Beach) at 9 p.m.
Where to Watch Fireworks in Monroe County
Rotary Club (Big Pine Key) at 9 p.m.
Founders Park (Islamorada) at 9 p.m.
Blackwater Sound (Key Largo) at 10 p.m.
