Fireworks from the Water: East Coast Locations for Viewing

Fireworks erupt in the distance while two children view them from the bow of a boat.

Fireworks are a Fourth of July must! Make yours extra special this year and watch fireworks from the water with a little help from Dockshare. Hurry – the Fourth is right around the corner, but we’ve got plenty of docks to get you on the water and enjoying the show in time. Read below for scheduled fireworks displays down the east coast and our recommended docks for viewing!

New England

*Photo courtesy of Gloucester Fireworks*

If you plan on cruising around Long Island for the 4th, you’ll definitely be in for some great fireworks displays. But if you don’t have a place to keep your boat in the water and you don’t feel like fighting the 4th of July boat ramp drama, consider booking this dock in Bayport. Easy access to the Sound will make viewing the Sayville or Bayport fireworks a cinch.

Location, location, location! Anyone that books this dock in Gloucester Harbor, will likely have the best seat in the house for Gloucester’s fireworks display! Enjoy easy access to Gloucester’s restaurants and attractions while you’re visiting.

Southeast

While the Georgia, South Carolina & North Carolina coasts know how to celebrate Independence, let’s not forget some of our inland lakes! Lake Norman is a popular location to enjoy fireworks, as you can see multiple shows in all directions from the water. And if you don’t have a spot to dock, we’ve got one right here that’s available by the day or the week.

Lake Allatoona, located in Woodstock, GA, is also a beautiful spot to catch a fireworks spectacle. While on the water, you may catch a glimpse of the fireworks shows at either the Allatoona Yacht Club or the Town of Woodstock. Docking is easy on the lake with this covered dock rental.

Florida

Florida Panhandle

Pensacola

This year, catch not one but TWO simultaneous fireworks shows in Pensacola! The downtown Pensacola display, taking place over the bay, and the beach display, taking place over the Santa Rosa Sound, are scheduled at 9:00pm on July 4. While it could be tricky to see both from land given the distance between, watching from the water makes it possible!

Check out this perfect dock just minutes away from the beach display.

Destin

Destin and the surrounding communities are well known for an abundance of fireworks shows throughout the season, but the July 4th show by the City of Destin is by far the largest and longest of the summer. For 2024, they’re launching from the West Jetties Beach and scheduled for 9:00pm on July 4th. Parking could be a challenge this year with construction in Norriego Point – so it’s the perfect time to launch your boat and catch them from the water!

This dock in Destin Harbor is a mere hundred yards from the launch, and this one in Fort Walton would be the perfect (affordable!!) launch spot into the bay for a great view.

Panama City Beach

This year, Panama City Beach is having not 1, not 2, but 3 consecutive nights of fireworks to celebrate Independence Day! July 3 will launch from the Grand Lagoon, July 4th from the county pier and July 5 from the Boardwalk Beach Hotel & Convention Center. All shows start between 8:30pm – 9:00pm. It’s the perfect time to make the most of a dock and catch all three shows – plus the abundant activities scheduled for downtown!

This dock and Jenny’s Lagoon Boat Slip are great for the Grand Lagoon show and easy access to the others, while this dock is perfect launching to the county pier and Boardwalk Beach Hotel shows.

Southwest Florida

*Photo courtesy of Visit St. Pete – Clearwater*

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg’s fireworks display are a family fun favorite. Laid back with other activities, music and more. They’re launched at 9pm over the water at the end of Corey Ave.

Three docks in St. Pete have prime viewing locations: this private marina, two docks on the same property, and this Treasure Island gem.

Cape Coral

Cape Coral does NOT mess around for the Fourth of July! The City of Cape Coral’s Parks and Recreation is hosting a Red, White and BOOM festival with live performances, activities and a 5k. Fireworks will kick off at 9:30pm and can be seen from the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge.

We have so many great docks in Cape Coral and Fort Myers to launch from, but our best viewing options include one 3 minutes from downtown, one that allows hanging out on the dock, and a deepwater catamaran dock!

Southeast Florida

*Photo courtesy of City of Ft. Lauderdale Parks & Recreation*

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale’s 4th of July Spectacular is sure to delight from noon to 9pm with tons of entertainment. Fireworks kick off at 8:45pm off of Ft. Lauderdale Beach.

Fort Lauderdale is a Dockshare hotspot with over ## docks! The best locations for viewing are in Las Olas: a deepwater option, this 100-foot dock for even the largest yachts, and one in the heart of downtown.

Pompano Beach

Launching from the Fisher Family Pier on the Atlantic, Pompano Beach’s annual fireworks display will start at 9:00pm after a full day of festivities in the area.

Many Dockshares in this area are perfect for fireworks viewing, but we recommend Jo’s 70-foot dock just minutes from the pier area and this beautiful 110-foot dock with easy access for viewing.

Central East/Space Coast

Daytona Beach

Catch a spectacular show at the Daytona Beach Bandshell kicking off at 9:45pm after a full day of activities at the Freedom Festival and Eagles tribute concert!

Our newly-listed 2-slip dock and estuary dock are perfect for watching the show!

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is launching a mind-blowing 5 simultaneous fireworks shows across the city and surrounding communities on July 4! All shows kick off at 9:00pm.

View the downtown fireworks from this dock across from the stadium, or the show at Ed Austin Regional Park from this dock, both at ridiculously affordable rates.