The best places to watch Fourth of July fireworks in Miami

This year's free blowout birthday bash at Bayfront Park features performances by the U.S. Navy Band and other live acts, plus hot dog eating contests and food vendors galore.

The Biltmore's annual fireworks show promises to be another spectacular affair. Access to the golf course lawn is free and open to the public, featuring live entertainment and food trucks. The grounds open at 5pm, when you can enjoy a pre-show performance by the Navy Band Southeast as you settle in for the festivities. The Greater Miami Symphonic Band takes the stage at 7pm, joined by the Navy Band Southeast for a special pre-fireworks concert. At 9pm, the celebration peaks with a major fireworks display.

The City of Miami Beach's Fire on the Fourth festival kicks off at 3pm with family-friendly games and live music and food trucks rolling in at 5pm. The festivities culminate with a beachfront drone and fireworks display at 9pm. Altos Del Mar Park (76th Street and Collins Avenue)

There’s you on the grill, and then there’s Jack Arnold. The pit master will be sizzling up some meaty faves at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne’s Fourth of July BBQ, which offers a front-row view of the fireworks presented by The Village of Key Biscayne. Tickets ($75 for kids under 13, $130 for young adults under 21 and $150 for adults) include a full buffet, unlimited non-boozy beverages, kids’ party favors and live music all night long.

With 180-degree views of Biscayne Bay from its recently opened waterfront patio, this modern-day supper club may just be the hottest place to enjoy Miami’s fireworks display this year. More of the “no new friends” type? Dock your boat out front and enjoy their newly launched dockside service. 

Chef Chris Tierney highlights local ingredients on his seafood-driven menu at Level 6 Rooftop in Coconut Grove. Enjoy a Barcelona-style dining experience as you take in panoramic views of America's birthday spectacle popping off over Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline.

Pack up your lawn chairs and load up the cooler. This year, the Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO) performs a set of American classics at Peacock Park accompanied by an epic drone show in lieu of fireworks. The event is free and open to the public—and it’s within walking distance to plenty of other festive 4th of July events happening all over Coconut Grove. Free

You can traipse to Fort Lauderdale Beach to watch the fireworks on the Fourth, or you can watch them on the sand at The Ritz. You don’t have to be a hotel resident to take in the show—or to spend the day at the pool or beachside. Book a cabana through their website for an Independence Day that’s just a little bit fancier than most. 

Downtown Miami hosts some of the best fireworks around town, and if you’re looking for a more upscale setting to enjoy them, check out the view from the rooftop of the soon-to-open Gale Miami Hotel & Residences. Situated right behind the Freedom Tower, it’ll make for a poignant frame of view on Independence Day.

Why enjoy one fireworks show, when you can enjoy many? Rooftop restaurant Rosa Sky offers an expansive view of the light shows going off around Brickell and Downtown. Sip on cocktails and munch on globally-inspired tapas at this vibey rooftop hangout. 

Watch the fireworks while enjoying Casadonna's coastal Italian fare from a beautiful outdoor table along the waterfront. If you're lucky enough to find yourself on a boat this Independence Day, Casadonna can accommodate docking on Biscayne Bay. (Bookings can be made with the restaurant's dockmaster at 786-869-0158 or by emailing marina@casadonnamiami.com).

Though yet to be announced, Lummus Park hosts an annual fireworks display and concert, and one of the most patriotic places to enjoy them is at The Betsy Hotel right on Ocean Drive. Grab dinner at LT Steak & Seafood or the recently reopened The Alley, then post up on the hotel’s rooftop Ocean Deck to watch the show. And as an extra Independence Day treat, The Betsy also hosts opera performances from the front terrace every third Thursday throughout the year.

A mainstay for diners looking for a spectacular view and solid seafood offerings, Rusty Pelican is the exact restaurant one expects in Miami. If it's a clear night, there are few better spots to take in the fireworks on the Fourth. Head to the restaurant's outdoor patio where every table has an epic view. Arrive early for cocktails, happy hour (available Monday through Friday from 4 to 7pm) and general people and yacht watching. 

This Fourth of July, visit The Gabriel South Beach, a boutique property on Ocean Drive in South Beach, to watch the majestic fireworks show at Lummus Park. From 8 to 10pm on the hotel’s hidden rooftop, guests will find the space adorned in patriotic decor and an exclusive bar stocked with specially crafted beer, wine and cocktails.

The City of Miami Lakes hosts July 4 fireworks at Veteran's Park. The show kicks off at 9:30 pm, but the free party with live music and kids' activities starts at 6:30pm. Feel free to bring coolers with your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, or grab a bite from the on-site vendors. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are welcome. Please note that fireworks, sparklers, pets, and outside grills are not permitted for safety reasons. 8800 Ridgeland Drive, Miami Lakes

The City of Hialeah hosts an epic free party and fireworks-laser show to ring in the Fourth. Expect live music and DJs, food trucks and plenty of family-friendly activities from 4 to 11pm at Milander Park. 4800 Palm Ave, Hialeah

Boasting nearly 300 acres, Tropical Park is one of Miami's largest urban parks. On July 4, head there to celebrate the U.S.A. and the start of National Park and Recreation Month with a family-friendly celebration from the afternoon into the night, culminating with fireworks. Guests are welcome to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs.