Oh say, here’s where you can see fireworks best
Whether you need ideas for what to do with the kids all day or want to drink a fifth on the Fourth and dance by the beach, we have the top spots throughout South Florida to help you make the most of this midweek patriotic break. You can meet a bald eagle in Miami, relax in a rooftop cabana in Fort Lauderdale, or build a sandcastle and then watch a fireworks extravaganza set off from a barge off Delray Beach. Time it right, and you can do it all.
Miami and Fort Lauderdale boast fireworks spectacles for every mood on Independence Day, so however you celebrate, know this: Leaving the house is better than staying in. For families or folks flying solo, below are five places to take in the patriotic revelry.
WITH THE KIDS: Meet an actual American bald eagle during the “Red, White, Blue… and Science!” gathering at Frost Museum of Science (1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; 305-434-9600, FrostScience.org). The majestic bird is on loan from the Batchelor Wildlife Center rehabilitation clinic, who will teach families about conservation tips. The museum will stay open late until 8:30 p.m. with a day of patriotic programming, including “Science of Fireworks” screenings at 12:15, 2:15 and 8 p.m. The museum will also offer its “Spark of Science” program, the planetarium show “Journey to the Stars!” and “A Tale of Toxicology” live show in the Power of Poison theater. When the museum closes, head next door to Bayfront Park for the 9 p.m. fireworks show.
WITH A COCKTAIL: With a ginger-apple mule in hand, take in panoramic views of downtown Fort Lauderdale’s skyline at Rooftop@1WLO (1 W. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale; 954-523-1956, Rooftop1WLO.com), an alfresco lounge offering views of fireworks bashes in Fort Lauderdale and Dania Beach. If you must be closer to the shoreline, seek out the recently remodeled Waves Rooftop Pool Bar and Grill atop Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach (801 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-764-2233, Doubletree.Hilton.com), featuring full-size cabanas, new nautical furniture and flooring, cocktails and a tapas-style menu.
ON THE WATER: Hop aboard the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi (service begins in front of Briny Irish Restaurant and Bar, 4 W. Las Olas Blvd.; 954-467-6677, WaterTaxi.com), offering an express shuttle discount for $5 all day ($2 for seniors). Water shuttles will operate 10 a.m.-11 p.m. The last boat to the beach will leave Briny at 8 p.m. and the last boat returning to Briny leaves the beach at 11 p.m. ON THE BEACH: It’ll be a New Orleans-themed bash during the free Miami Beach Fire on the Fourth Festival, which begins at 9 a.m. at North Beach Bandshell Park (7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-453-2897, NorthBeachBandshell.com) with free yoga, followed by food trucks, a Kids Zone featuring a rock climbing wall, bungee station and a soccer clinic; and music by Suenalo, Rebirth Brass Band and others. The beach gets crowded quickly, so arrive early.
IN A LOW-KEY SETTING: Vista View Park (4001 SW 142nd Ave., Davie; 954-357-8898, Broward.org). Reaching 70 feet, the park has one of South Florida’s highest elevations. Guests have a quiet panoramic view of five simultaneous fireworks shows in Davie, Weston, Cooper City, Miramar and Pembroke Pines.