It’s July 4th on the First Coast, so forget staying indoors. You’re probably wondering where you can watch impressive fireworks in Jacksonville. The kids are already pumped to go, but you have no idea where. Don’t worry, we have just the right places for you to enjoy the night with your family or that special person.
Museum of Science and History
1025 Museum Circle Jacksonville, FL 32207 | Phone: 904. 396.MOSH
Where else to start the celebration of American independence from Britain than the city’s history museum. If you think you are in for a boring lecture, you are wrong. Popularly known as the MOSH, the museum hosts a wide variety of fascinations, including a planetarium to check out distant galaxies you’ve been reading about in those sci-fi books and a live animal show. The MOSH also boasts of incredible accessibility options with wheelchairs for rentals, a first aid center and a room for nursing mothers. The fireworks usually start at 9 p.m. with a rooftop access opening. Yes, all of that and more with an admission fee starting at $12.95. Parking is on a first-come basis, but there’s an option for paid parking, too.
Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier
11 North Third Street Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 | Phone: 904-247-6100
*CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT* You and your date have just had a wonderful night out with great food, partying and all sorts. There is no better way to bring the night to an end than feeling the beach sand within your toes and watching as the fireworks light up the sky. With the Atlantic Ocean frothing just below you, get ready to be enthralled in the sound of the waves and the fireworks exploding in the sky. The pier is loaded with history as it changed hands from the French to the Spanish before finally the U.S in 1821. The pier is accessible, charging spectators for just a dollar and kids below 6 is free. There are also multiple parking options around the beach. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. It’s simply the perfect night ending for the perfect date.
Riverfront Plaza
2 W. Independent Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202 | Phone: (904) 255-7930
This is another excellent place to take the entire family to watch the fireworks over Jacksonville. And it’s not just because they have a family fun zone or there will be food trucks and bars to keep the kids satisfied; the real attraction is the fireworks held along St. Johns River with viewing areas on both the north and south banks. As the longest river flowing in Florida (over 310 miles long) and emptying into the Atlantic Ocean, you can just imagine the kids running along the riverbanks with their newly made friends as the celebrations take place all around Jacksonville’s 7 famous bridges. The fireworks also start at 9 p.m. Parking is free after 6 p.m.
The Jumbo Shrimp Stadium
301 A Philip Randolph Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32202 United States Phone: (904) 358-2846
What better way to enjoy the national day than to spend it with your favorite minor league baseball team? No, you won’t be watching them play; instead, you will be watching corny baseball movies with them at their Bragan field in 121 Financial Ballpark. This has been an annual tradition since 2020, and many of their fans love it. Every July 3rd, they show up by the thousands to watch a fantastic movie and wrap the night with splendid fireworks. There are different pricing options including option like infield VIP seating, exclusive menu, appetizers and more. The movie screening starts at 7:30 p.m. while the firework display kicks off around 9:15 p.m. You won’t want to miss it.
Estrella Cocina
100 W Bay St Ste 701, Jacksonville, FL 32202 | Phone: (904) 862-6994
Estrella Cocina is a Baja coastal Mexican-style specialty restaurant, bar and lounge located on the 7th floor of the VyStar Credit Union campus in Downtown Jacksonville. The party starts at 6 p.m. and ends with an amazing view of the City of Jacksonville fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. The admission fee is $40, and it is a buffet option—yes, eat all you can. The 225-seat restaurant includes a 3,500-square-foot indoor space and a 4,500-square-foot outdoor terrace with standing room for up to 500 people featuring views of St. John River. Did I mention this was a rooftop restaurant?
The Avenues Mall
10300 Southside Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32256 | Phone: (904) 363-3054
Want to shop and still have a great time on the 4th of July? The Avenues Mall is the place for both retail therapy and some of the best fireworks in Jacksonville! With more than 150 stores at the family favorite shopping destination in Jacksonville, you are sure to have a swell time while walking down the shopping aisles. The mall usually opens by 11 a.m., and there are lots of great restaurants around—Chick-Fil-A. There’s free Wi-Fi, a children’s play area, accessibility features, a mobile device charging station and many others. Parking is also plentiful as there is a 3-level parking garage located by Dillard’s (also an anchor shop), and it’s completely free. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. What a great way to spend the day!
Ed Austin Regional Park
11751 McCormick Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 | Phone: (904) 630-2489
Sports lovers will love this park. There is a paved trail loop surrounded by lots of scenery for bikers and hikers. There is a basketball court and football field. The baseball players aren’t left out with a fantastic baseball diamond to have a great game. The main sports highlight is the top disc golf course. Tournaments and weekly events are available for more advanced players. At the same time, beginners of all ages can learn the game and the techniques from advanced players and disc-golf professionals who frequent the course. The park is also great for dog lovers. There is a large, wooded off-leash dog park on the north side of the park, which has separate areas for small and big dogs to run on the acres of land. Children have a play area, and admission into the park is free. There’s also a free parking lot. The fireworks start at 9 p.m.
July 4th is Independence Day, and no Jaxon should be left out in the celebrations. Choose one of these incredible places to spend a great time with your loved ones!