Miami 4th of July Weekend

Visiting sunny Miami during this 4th of July holiday season? If so, you’ll likely be in search of some top local activities, events, and things to do to help celebrate the occasion.

Published: July 18, 2024
Explore Miami with Go City

Although you’ll find plenty of fireworks, Miami has more to offer than just your traditional fireworks show - much more! If you’re looking for Miami 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things to do in Miami in July, including...

  • Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade
  • Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise
  • Miami Beach Fire on the 4th Festival
  • Day Trip to Key West & Key Lime Festival
  • and more...

4th of July Parade - Key Biscayne July 4

waving-american-flag-day-parade

If you’re up for an all-day-long celebration, you should head to Key Biscayne’s 4th of July Parade. Now in its 60th year, the jamboree features a traditional parade with homemade floats, high school marching bands, and more. Following the parade, head to the Village Green to enjoy a picnic on the grass while listening to live music.

Of course, the night finishes off with fireworks at 9:00 pm. A classic way to spend your Independence Day holiday! While you are in the area, we suggest you head aboard a Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise. This is an excellent way to explore the natural beauty of the area. 

Getting In: The Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade is free to watch. Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise tickets must be purchased separately.

America’s Birthday Bash - Bayfront Park July 4

If your goal for your 4th of July in Miami is finding the best spot to watch the fireworks, consider joining the crowds at America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park. This popular party features a free Kids Zone, a massive beer garden, live music, lawn games, and one of the largest fireworks displays in South Florida. Tourists and locals alike flock to Bayfront Park for this all-day extravaganza. It's the place to be. 

Getting In: America's Birthday Bash is free to attend.

Miami Beach Fire on the 4th Festival July 4

This all-day festival is a great option for those looking for family entertainment. It's filled with live music, food trucks, DJs, and even yoga! It's located in the North Shore Park Bandshell, at 73rd Street and Collins Avenue. The event runs from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, so there's fun to be had all day.

If you'd like to watch the fireworks from the beach itself, be sure to arrive early to save a spot. As it's a very popular event, you may find trouble parking, so use their shuttle system to get to the event. 

Getting In: Miami Beach Fire on the 4th Festival is free to attend.

July 4th Fireworks Celebration at the Biltmore Hotel

Fireworks

Another top local July 4th event can be found in charming Coral Gables. Enjoy a special concert by the Greater Miami Symphonic Band, plenty of concessions for purchase, and of course, a spectacular fireworks show. The event is held on the Biltmore Hotel Golf Course, so you'll get a beautiful view of the hotel from afar.

The grounds open at 5:00 pm, the concert is at 7:00 pm, and the fireworks commence at 9:00 pm. We recommend taking the free shuttle to the Biltmore to avoid the hassle of parking. 

Getting In: The July 4th Fireworks Celebration at the Biltmore Hotel is free to attend.

Miami Animal Attractions

sable-antelope-male-miami-zoo

Take advantage of the nice weather and give your kids a wonderful afternoon. Pay a visit to Jungle Island, modest in size but big on fun and education. See some of the world's most amazing animals in areas like the feather-filled Winged Wonders and the felines of Wild Encounter. Jungle Island has endless exciting things to do, like the new Neo Splash Water Park pop-up.

Another option is Zoo Miami, which houses animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Amazon. The Playworld Playground is the perfect place for the kids to frolic after they've had their fill of animal adventures, too.

Getting In: Zoo Miami tickets and Jungle Island tickets are both included on all Go City® Miami passes.

Outdoor activities in Miami

happy-young-friends-eating-takeaway-food

It wouldn’t be a proper Miami vacation without some fun in the sun. Get off your feet and explore scenic South Beach with an informative bus tour of Miami. It’s a great, low-effort introduction to the city and it’s fun to boot! If you prefer to be more active, rent a bike and explore the Art Deco district. You can also use your bike rentals as transportation to some of these fun 4th of July events, many of which offer specific bike parking. 

Getting In: Big Bus Miami tickets, and Miami bike rentals are included on all Go City®  Miami passes.

The Key Lime Festival in Key West

key-west-famous-duval-street-view

A delightful local tradition is the Key Lime Festival, held each year around the 4th of July in Key West. It takes place from July 4-7 and offers a wide variety of citrus-themed events from culinary demonstrations to cocktail judging contests. If you'd like to explore Key West during this festival - or at another time - take a guided Key West Day Tip that escorts you all the way from Miami to this amazing island. There is much to explore, from arts and culture to food and drink. 

Getting In: Key West Day Trip tickets are included on all Go City® Miami passes. The Key Lime Festival is separately ticketed.

Save up to 50% on 4th of July Miami attractions  

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Miami in July to help you plan your 4th of July weekend itinerary. Remember, with Go City®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots, and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  

Please note: Some of these special Fourth of July events and activities are separately ticketed.

☀️See all Miami attractions ☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a Miami pass ✈️ 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Blog

The Stonehenge of Florida

Coral Castle entrance and tower. From museums and aquariums to boat cruises and jungle tours, there are so many things to do in Miami that it is difficult to narrow down the list! Yet there is one lesser known destination that you should add to your itinerary. Most people have never heard of "The Stonehenge of Florida," also known as Coral Castle. Coral Castle, a sculpture garden made of stone, was built by a single man named Edward Leedskalnin. From 1923 to 1951, Edward secretly carved over 1,100 tons of coral rock. This feat is amazing in and of itself, but even more mind boggling is that the process he used is unknown. The website calls Coral Castle "one of the world's most mysterious accomplishments." Apparently, Edward was a small man, weighing just 100 pounds and standing a little over 5 feet tall. In 1940, he would have charged just ten cents in admission to introduce you to his fantasy realm. Interestingly, no one is reported to have ever seen Edward laboring over his stone carving, and Ed himself would say that he knew the secrets of the ancient pyramids. Since his death, scientists have debated his methods for years. For anyone who has visited Stonehenge in England, you know how mysterious and impressive that site is. How did the stones get there? Who moved them, and why? Likewise, if you add Coral Castle to your list of Things to do in Miami, you will leave with just as many questions. Why would a man spend sixty years carving his beloved coral? What inspired him? Was he insane, or just passionate? And where does one draw the line between the two? Today, you can tour the Coral Castle using excellent audio stands, with narration available in English, Spanish, French or German. The museum also offers knowledgeable human guides available to conduct tours. Other highlights of the Coral Castle Museum include a 9-ton gate that moves with just a touch of the finger, a Polaris telescope and functioning rocking chairs – all made entirely of stone. With a Miami Attractions pass, your admission to Coral Castle is free!
Go City Expert
Blog

Things to do Alone in Miami

In many ways, Miami is the perfect solo city. With its pristine beaches, fantastic cultural attractions and world-famous nightlife, the Magic City boasts no shortage of great things to do. And luckily for us, pretty much anything you want to do in the city can be done alone – it's just up to you to pick your favorite. If you’re an outdoorsy type, head over to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden to experience the true beauty of Florida. Or, if you want to inject a bit of education into your travel experience, check out the Rubell museum. And of course, no Miami vacation would be complete without a trip to the beach – we like South Beach for its energetic atmosphere. So you see, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a creative type, or a seaside lover, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Looking for the best things to do alone in Miami? Have a read though our list! See the Sites If you’re into architecture, you might just enjoy the next item on our list. Located in the scenic Coconut Grove area of the city, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a historic villa and estate well worth the visit. The magnificent structure was built in Mediterranean Revival style to resonate with the tropical climate. Though this beautiful spot once served as a private home to businessman James Deering, it is thankfully now open to the public for viewing. A feast for the eyes and excellently preserved, the museum features much of the original art and furniture from Deering’s private collection. Visitors will no doubt also enjoy ambling through the meticulously maintained extensive formal gardens, as well as the native woodland which surrounds the estate. A thoroughly unique experience, we love this spot for offering a glimpse into the life of luxury in a different time. With the city‘s perennial wonderful weather and clear blue skies, it’s only right to check out some of the local outdoor exhibits. A quintessential Miami mainstay and historical feature of the city, Coral Castle has been a longtime favorite for locals and visitors alike. In 1923, Edward Leedskalnin first began creating Coral Castle in secret following a difficult breakup with his fiancé. Since the structure is made of over 1, 000 tons of sedimentary rock in a time when no modern construction advances were available, this unusual attraction brings up many questions. To this very day, the site has many scientists, engineers and philosophers questioning the artist’s method of construction. The attraction was a spectacular success, and has been drawing in visitors from near and far ever since out of sheer curiosity. A thoroughly unique experience, this place is perfect for those who are craving something a little different. Soak Up the Sun A Miami vacation just wouldn’t be a Miami vacation without hitting the beach – are we right? Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or go for a dip, we recommend South Beach - almost for its beautiful scenery alone. Standing out from a lot of other beaches in the area, this spot is known for its pristine, palm-fringed shores and turquoise waters. Because of its inherent beauty, this spot is often used as a backdrop for modelling shoots, and many popular TV shows - walking down the beach, you might even catch some in action! For those who are looking to kick back and relax, sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent upon arrival. You’ll also find that there are many activities at the beach, including surfing, paddleboarding, longboarding, and sailing. We suggest staying until the evening time, since the surrounding area has a lot of great bars and restaurants to be enjoyed. For those who want to take refuge in the beauty of the natural world, there’s no better place than Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Accountant Robert H. Montgomery first established this garden in 1936, naming it after his friend, renowned botanist and plant collector David Fairchild. Today, the park stretches over 83 acres, and still houses many of Fairchild’s tropical plant collection which was brought back from his travels. Think magnificent centuries-old oak trees, wild romantic trailing vines, and colorful flora of all kinds. The garden is also home to the largest palm collection in America, and the biggest tropical bamboo repository in the world, with over 125 species. Walking through the park, visitors will also enjoy viewing the wide variety of wildlife which thrives there. A tranquil urban oasis, this space is perfect for getting some fresh air and taking a little time for yourself. Get Creative There are some things that are certain in life, and Miami weather is one of them. If you’re looking to beat the heat, there’s no better option than checking out one of the city’s incredible cultural amenities. We particularly love the Rubell Museum for its impressive collection of contemporary art. In fact, its repository is the largest of its kind in North America. The institute houses many recognizable names, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Barbara Kruger, and Cindy Sherman. Highlights include Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroee, 1967 and Damien Hirst’s Dance Naked, 1997. We recommend setting at least a couple of hours aside for this, so that you can truly take in the masterpieces here. No doubt one of the best museums in the city, this place works to provide a fantastic visual experience to remember. Another one of our favorite solo spots in the city is Wynwood Walls. Situated in the trendy Wynwood Art District, this fantastic outdoor art museum works to spotlight some of the best working urban artists today. Covering over 80, 000 square feet of wall space, this attraction is one of the largest open-art installations in the world. Visitors can expect to see everything from bold tagging pieces and stencils to wheat paste posters and ceramic tile works. The murals change constantly, but some names you might recognize include Shepard Fairey, Lady Pink, and Miss Van. We recommend sticking around to explore the surrounding area, where you’ll find quaint cafes, unique stores and of course, tons more galleries! A great stop for all artsy types, we love this space for bringing something new to the table. Miami is a mecca for millions of tourists per year – many of whom tackle the city solo! Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.