Where are the Best Places to Celebrate the 4th of July in Sarasota?
Where are the Best Places to Celebrate the 4th of July in Sarasota?
There are plenty of reasons to visit the beautiful and enchanting city of Sarasota during the summertime. The pristine beaches, burgeoning arts scene, excellent culinary options, and a wide variety of outdoor activities make it the perfect place to spend your summer vacation. The 4th of July in Sarasota takes a trip here to a new level of excitement! The Power Boat Grand Prix Festival provides guests with a new event every day of the week, including a great display of fireworks over the bay. Don’t forget to request your free Destination Guide! It’s full of the top events, activities, and attractions in the area!
Get the Destination Guide
The Best Places to Celebrate the 4th of July in Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota
The largest 4th of July celebration in Sarasota revolves around the downtown area. If you want to find the best seats in the house for the big fireworks show, make sure you get to Bayfront Park early in the evening. Bring some snacks along and enjoy the beautiful views of Sarasota Bay. Of course, there are plenty of other options for enjoying the 4th of July festivities in Sarasota!
The Fourth of July All-American Cookout at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is an incredible mix of food, fun, and fireworks! It also sits along Sarasota Bay so you can enjoy your tasty American favorites as you watch the fireworks over the water. Marina Jack’s also boasts stunning views of the bay and the fireworks. They feature fresh seafood, a raw bar, and plenty of craft cocktails at this upscale restaurant.
Speaking of the water views, Marina Jack’s and Le Barge Tropical Cruises both offer a fireworks cruise that gives you a front row seat for watching a sunset on the Gulf followed by the big fireworks show!
What Else Can You Do in Sarasota During the Week of July 4th?
Watch the Sarasota Power Boat Grand Prix
If you’re celebrating the 4th of July in Sarasota, you need to stick around for the Sarasota Power Boat Grand Prix Festival. This weeklong festival features a different event every day, concluding with the boat race taking place off of Lido Key Beach. Grab a spot on the sand early in the day or purchase a VIP Race Viewing ticket from Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach.
Relax on the Beach
No trip to Sarasota for the 4th of July week is complete without spending at least one day on the beach. Lido Key and Longboat Key beaches are perfect for laying down a blanket and taking a long nap in the warm Florida sun. Take a dip in the crystal clear Gulf waters to cool off before heading back to your vacation rental, or stick around for a stunning sunset.
Shop and Dine at St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle is one of the top shopping and dining destinations in Sarasota. This beautiful outdoor venue is less than a mile from Lido Key Beach and packs in plenty of fantastic restaurants. Whether you want to shop at Tommy Bahama or grab a cocktail at the Surf Shack, St. Armands Circle has something for everyone.
Experience Sarasota’s Performing and Visual Arts Scene
You’ll want to schedule plenty of other activities and events during your 4th of July week in Sarasota, and a trip to one of the many visual or performing arts centers around town should be on your list. Take in a performance at the Circus Arts Conservatory or the Sarasota Ballet. Or catch a show at the Asolo Repertory Theatre! There are so many incredible options around Sarasota to explore. Be sure to take a look at our Arts, Culture, and History page for more places to revel in the arts.
Plan Your Stay in Sarasota
Start planning your 4th of July trip to Sarasota by booking a Florida Vacation Connection rental! We offer a large selection of homes and condos on Lido Key and Longboat Key, providing our guests with fantastic beachfront and canal-side options. So, whether you want to spread out on the beach every day of your trip or explore the shopping, dining, and arts scenes around the city, you’re never far from the best our area has to offer!
We still have rentals available for June, July and the week of July 4th! Book now and get ready to experience our oasis on the Gulf.