4th of July Weekend on Florida’s Historic Coast is an Absolute Blast

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Contact: Barbara Golden
Phone: 904-669-8142
Email: BGolden@FloridasHistoricCoast.com

St. Augustine, Fla. (June 12, 2025) –St. Augustine is set to dazzle once again this Independence Day, with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the night above the Matanzas Bay.

Fireworks Viewing

On the Fourth of July, Fireworks over the Matanzas kicks off at 6 p.m. in downtown St. Augustine with a free musical performance in the Plaza de la Constitución by the All-Star Orchestra. The two-hour show features big band, swing, and patriotic music. The fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m., with over 5,000 individual shells shot from a barge moored in the Intracoastal Waterway.

Spectators can enjoy the show from several locations throughout the city. The best spots are from the Castillo de San Marcos, along the Matanzas Bay, and from the Bridge of Lions, as well as the southern end of Vilano Beach and Vilano Beach Boat Ramp.

On the Water

There are several boat tours available to get out and view the fireworks from the water. Enjoy relaxing views from one of St. Augustine Sailing’s luxury yachts, live music aboard Fury Water Adventures, and family fun aboard the Victory III for St. Augustine Scenic Cruise, Red Boat Tours, or Florida Water Tours. For those planning to boat on their own, to ensure a safe and quality show, there is a designated NO BOATS SAFETY ZONE and the Bridge of Lions will restrict its schedule of openings.

Parking and Shuttles

All are encouraged to head into Historic Downtown St. Augustine early to avoid parking delays and enjoy the town. Parking for Fireworks Over the Matanzas is available throughout Downtown St. Augustine, but road closures will affect traffic flow beginning at 8:30 p.m. A free park-and-ride shuttle service is available from Anastasia Island to downtown, operating from 6 p.m. to midnight. Satellite parking locations include Anastasia Baptist Church, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, R.B. Hunt Elementary School, and St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.

Great Eats

For dining that comes with a sparkling view be sure to make reservations at one of the great eateries that offer outdoor and rooftop dining. Some of the more popular include Catch 27, Meehan’s Irish Pub and Seafood House, O.C. White’s Seafood & Spirits, and La Cocina at The Cellar Upstairs. To avoid heavy traffic congestion and still enjoy the fireworks restaurants like Asado Life and Conch House Marina Resort, Marina Munch Food Truck Park, and Pesca by Michael’s are located outside the downtown area and offer plenty of parking

More to Do

There are plenty of additional celebrations taking place throughout the city. First Friday Art Walk, a walking tour of galleries in downtown St. Augustine takes place from 5-9 p.m. and from 6-7 p.m., the world-famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum will feature a free, family-friendly sideshow event where the world-famous Captain and Maybelle, known from America’s Got Talent, will take the stage with a live performance that’s sure to amaze and entertain guests of all ages. Oakfest, a free four-day music series that kicks off July 3 at the Colonial Oak Music Park. The park’s concerts are family and pet-friendly. On July 3, the City of St. Augustine’s Free Concerts in the Plaza series welcomes Shayla Nelson, playing acoustic pop and classic tracks.

Stay the weekend and enjoy plenty to do and see. If toes in the water is the goal, head beachside with a free beach shuttle to Mickler’s Landing Beachfront Park at Ponte Vedra Beach and the St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier at St. Augustine Beach.

Explore all of Florida’s Historic Coast’s Must-Do Experiences and create a fun itinerary packed with celebratory fun using the handy Trip Planner.

Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida's Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, the rural beauty of Hastings, Elkton, St. Johns, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. Visitor Information Centers are located at 10 Castillo Drive, St. Augustine; 200 Solana Rd. Suite B, Ponte Vedra Beach: and at the St. Johns County Beach Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. For advance travel information, call 1.800.653.2489 or go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com. Check us out on social media Instagram @FloridasHistoricCoast; @ViajaStAugustine, Facebook.com/OfficialStAugustine, and Facebook.com/ViajaStAugustine and Twitter @FlHistoricCoast