Have your pick of prime (and perfectly priced) vantage points, from waterfront fireworks at Black Point Marina in Cutler Bay to Hialeah's laser light show at Ted Hendricks Stadium and Bayfront's annual America's Birthday Bash. So grab a few lawn chairs, a bucket of cold beer, and lots of patriotic
8. Aventura Circle
Grab a blanket and set up shop anywhere along Aventura's three-mile stretch of Country Club Drive. Fireworks take place within the golf course and are usually visible no matter where you're sitting. Viewing is free. Country Club Drive, Aventura; 305-466-8930.
7. Black Point Park & Marina
Celebrate the Fourth with waterfront fireworks at Black Point Park & Marina. If you can't sit still, there are bikeways, jogging trails, and a 1.5-mile jetty into Biscayne Bay to keep you moving. Don't worry about food — buy some at the restaurant and bar onsite. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m., and admission is free. 24775 SW 87th Ave., Cutler Bay; 305-258-4092.
6. Doral Central Park
Have a picnic during Doral's annual fireworks display, which is free and open to the public. Park opens at 6 p.m. with fireworks beginning after sundown. 3000 NW 87th Ave., Doral.
5. Homestead's Race to the Fourth
Back for its seventh year, Homestead's Race to the Fourth Independence Day bash offers live music, food trucks, and a bevy of interactive activities. Last year, more than 20,000 attendees spent the evening at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, and this year is expected to draw even more. The event is free and open to the public. One Speedway Blvd., Homestead; 305-224-4570.
4. Hialeah's Ted Hendricks Stadium
Food, drink, live music, a laser light show, and fireworks? Sold. Celebrate Independence Day at Milander Park, where the evening will consist of performances by 3 De La Habana, a laser light show beginning at sundown, and a massive fireworks display. The public event begins at 6 p.m. 4700 Palm Ave., Hialeah.
3. Key Biscayne Fourth of July Parade
The 56th annual parade on Crandon Boulevard begins at 11 a.m., rain or shine. Choose to spend the day in the area as fireworks follow at 9 p.m. Fireworks are visible on the Village Green or anywhere with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. Crandon Boulevard from Harbor Drive to West Enid Drive, Key Biscayne.
2. Bayfront's America's Birthday Bash
Celebrate the day in the center of downtown Miami at one of South Florida's biggest fireworks displays. There will be music, food, a beer garden, kids' activities, and of course, fireworks. The park opens at noon, with fireworks following at 9 p.m. 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami.
1. Miami Beach's Fire on the Fourth
Beginning with yoga courtesy of Green Monkey at 9 a.m., celebrate the Fourth with food trucks, a DJ, and fireworks at North Shore Park Bandshell. Come early as the beach is known to get crowded. Collins Avenue at 73rd Street in Miami Beach.
