Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday on Florida’s Historic Coast
Celebrate Independence Day in the Nation's oldest city during Fireworks Over the Matanzas, St. Augustine's annual Fourth of July celebration. On Saturday, July 4, visitors and residents can enjoy live patriotic music, waterfront festivities, and one of Florida's most spectacular fireworks displays over historic Matanzas Bay.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a free concert by The All-Star Orchestra in the Plaza de la Constitución in the heart of historic downtown St. Augustine. The two-hour performance features patriotic favorites and popular American classics, creating the perfect soundtrack for an unforgettable Independence Day celebration.
At 9 p.m., the city's signature fireworks display lights up the night sky above Matanzas Bay. The approximately 20-minute show is choreographed to patriotic and popular music broadcast along the bayfront, creating an immersive experience between the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the Bridge of Lions.
As part of the nationwide America250 celebration, the event offers a memorable way to honor America's history in the place where it began.
Visitors can enjoy excellent views of the fireworks from several locations throughout historic downtown, including:
Arrive early to secure a viewing spot, as thousands gather along the waterfront for this annual tradition.
To make attending easier, the City of St. Augustine offers free Park & Ride shuttle service from Anastasia Island, courtesy of Old Town Trolley Tours. Shuttle service operates from 6 p.m. until midnight.
Free shuttle parking locations include:
Visitors may also park in the Historic Downtown Parking Facility at 1 Cordova Street. Downtown parking fills quickly, so early arrival is strongly recommended.
Several downtown streets will close throughout the evening to accommodate pedestrian traffic and event operations.
Major closures include portions of Avenida Menendez, the Bridge of Lions, Cathedral Place, and surrounding downtown streets.
Guests should expect heavy traffic before and after the fireworks and allow extra travel time. Roadways are anticipated to reopen between 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., depending on crowd conditions and public safety requirements.
Boaters enjoy a unique vantage point for Fireworks Over the Matanzas. Marine restrictions will be in place in portions of Matanzas Bay, and the Bridge of Lions will not open for marine traffic after its 8 p.m. opening until approximately 11 p.m.
The St. Augustine Municipal Marina offers limited overnight slips and hourly dockage, subject to availability.
To alleviate beach traffic during the busy holiday weekend, St. Johns County offers free shuttle service in Ponte Vedra Beach:
Few places celebrate America's birthday quite like St. Augustine. Against a backdrop of centuries-old architecture, waterfront views, and living history, Fireworks Over the Matanzas blends patriotic tradition with the charm of Florida's Historic Coast. Whether you're strolling the bayfront, enjoying live music in the Plaza, or watching fireworks reflect across Matanzas Bay, this beloved annual event creates lasting memories for visitors of all ages.
Offer valid for stays July 1–6, 2026. Use code "My First Stay" at booking to receive the discount.
Escape the stress of packing and enjoy a relaxing stay with a range of family-friendly amenities, including complimentary beach chairs…
Building America, the Life and Vision of Franklin W. Smith83 King St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
America 250: 3-Course Prix Fixe Menu at Cordova Coastal Chophouse95 Cordova St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Free Admission at Castillo de San Marcos11 S. Castillo Dr.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Fourth of July Cook Out at the AC Hotel St. Augustine90 Riberia St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Independence Celebration at the Castillo de San Marcos1 S. Castillo Ave.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Red, White, & Bourbon at AC Hotel by Marriott90 Riberia St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
First Friday Art Walk22 Marine Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084
America250: Ximenez-Fatio House Museum20 Aviles Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084
"Red, White & Dink" Old Coast Pickleball Fireworks & Social76 Dockside Dr., Unit 108
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Fury's Fourth of July Live Music Sunset & Fireworks Sail250 Vilano Rd.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Watch The Fireworks With Pirates Aboard The Black Raven111 Avenida Menendez
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Sunset & Fireworks Private Boat Experience117 Dockside Dr.
St. Augustine , FL 32084
Sunset Tasting Tour w/Fireworks3076 Harbor Dr.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
July 4th Sail in Style3076 Harbor Dr.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
City of St. Augustine’s Independence Day Celebration1 S. Castillo Dr.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
July 4 - St. Augustine Fireworks and Concert 904.825.1004 The All Star Orchestra performs in the Plaza de la Constitucion then one of the largest fireworks displays on the East…
Stories of American Veterans at ReFRAME Gallery200 San Sebastian Vw.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
The Wiener Werkstätte: Art, Luxury, and Beauty in Modern Vienna at Lightner Museum75 King St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
“St. Augustine Through the Lens of William Henry Jackson” at Lightner Museum75 King St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
City of St. Augustine Visitor Information Center 10 S. Castillo Dr. St. Augustine, FL 32084 (904) 825-1000
Irish Diaspora in the City of St. Augustine Exhibit10 S. Castillo Dr.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
"A Moment in Time: America 250" at Lightner Museum75 King St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
St. Augustine Free Walking Tours10 S Castillo Dr.
St. Augustine , FL 32084
"Riding High" Vintage Bicycles from the Keith Pariani Collection at Lightner Museum75 King St.
St. Augustine , FL 32084
Building America, the Life and Vision of Franklin W. Smith83 King St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
"American Stories: Paintings and Sculpture" at Lightner Museum75 King St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
"The Gilded Age: Treasures" at Lightner Museum75 King St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Medieval Ghost Hunting & Torture History Experience100 St. George St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Alex Devereux: The American Traveler at Lighter Museum75 King St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
