May 12, 2025The Fourth of July on 30A isn’t just a holiday. It’s an art form.
Golf carts become parade floats. The beach becomes your front-row seat to a light show. And the towns? They go all in.
Whether your perfect Fourth involves a donut-fueled bike parade, a DJ by the pool, or fireworks that make your camera cry, we’ve mapped out the best of what’s happening from Grayton Beach to Panama City Beach.
Here’s your 30A cheat sheet for celebrating America’s birthday: beach-style!
GRAYTON BEACH
Annual 4th of July Parade
📍 The Red Bar
🕗 8:30 AM | Starts at The Red Bar
Grayton’s morning parade is the kind of chaos you’ll want a front-row seat for. Bikes, trucks, golf carts, and the occasional inflatable flamingo all roll through town in a local-led loop of delightfully inspired fun. Anything with wheels, no registration required, just show up and roll with it.
🎯 Power move: Get there early, by 8:00 AM if you want a good spot along the route. Bring something that makes noise. After the last cart rolls by, head to AJ’s for brunch, tunes, and maybe a little secondhand glitter.
WATERCOLOR
July 3: Kids Bike Parade + Family Celebration
📍 Cerulean Park → Marina Park
🕙 10:00 AM decorating | 10:30 AM ride-off
The pre-party happens a day early in WaterColor. This one’s for the kids (and parents who love a well-organized schedule), and makes July 3rd feel just as festive. Kids can decorate their bikes, enjoy face painting, bounce houses, sweet treats, and music- all in a laid-back, shaded setting.
July 4: Beach Club Bash (Private: Guests & Residents)
📍 The Beach Club
🎧 All-day DJ, BBQ, and drinks | Fireworks at 8:30 PM
The Beach Club brings grown-up energy with a poolside party that runs all day. Order something festive, grab a float, and settle in for an ideal mix of sun and prime fireworks viewing. One of the more private, yet vibrant ways to spend your 4th on 30A. Chill, polished, and very WaterColor.
SEASIDE
Independence Day Celebration
📍 Seaside Amphitheater + beachfront
🕘 Morning Block Party: 9 AM – Noon
Balloon animals. Stilt walkers. A kid-focused concert. And yes, a hot dog eating contest for those who live fast and snack hard. Seaside’s block party brings big energy!
🕗 Live Music + Fireworks: 8:30 PM
As the sun sets, the amphitheater fills with blankets and anticipation. Fireworks go off over the Gulf and—yes—they’re worth the wait. If you’re after classic coastal charm with a polished touch, this is the place.
🌟 Pro tips: Seaside gets busy. Walk or bike if you can. Leave early, grab a spot on the lawn. Bring backup snacks.
ROSEMARY BEACH
July 4th Celebration: Sunrise to Starlight
📍 Western Green + Town Center
🕢 7:30 AM: Donuts & bike decorating
🕣 8:45 AM: Patriotic Bike Parade, then family field day
Start the day with bike decorating and donuts, followed by a patriotic parade and family field day. Games, music, and refreshments keep kids smiling until nap time.
🕓 Evening lawn party: Face painting, music, & outdoor movie
Rosemary keeps things chill at night. Instead of fireworks, families gather on the green for face painting, live music, and a movie under the stars. It’s the perfect slower-paced option, think kids dancing barefoot on the green, parents with to-go cocktails, and a slow fade into night.
PANAMA CITY BEACH
Star-Spangled Spectacular
📍 The Piers!
🕘 9:00 PM | Russell-Fields + M.B. Miller Piers
If you’re staying on the east end or just want a bigger bang, this one’s worth the short drive. The Star-Spangled Spectacular fires from two piers simultaneously, for a wide-angle display over the Gulf. It’s one of the largest in Florida—and it shows.
🚗 Reminder: Traffic is real. Patience is required. Views are wild. Bring chairs, snacks, and a little patience, it gets crowded, but the payoff is well worth it.
WHERE TO BE THIS 4TH OF JULY ON 30A
From early-morning bike parades in Rosemary Beach to evening concerts and fireworks in Seaside, 30A offers a full spectrum of Independence Day celebrations. Each town brings its own flair—whether you’re looking for high-energy fun or something a little more relaxed.
HOW TO DO THE 4TH RIGHT! ON 30A.
- Plan to walk, bike, or take a golf cart when possible—parking fills up fast.
- Park it early. If it has wheels, use it.
- Bring shade, snacks, and shoes that can handle sand and pavement.
- Beach chairs for those fireworks finales!
- Don’t wait till the last minute to book your 30A vacation rental—it’s the busiest week of the summer for a reason.
🎇 Ready to plan your holiday escape? Book your Fourth of July with Oversee and experience 30A in full celebration mode—fun, family, and fireworks included.
