Nothing says “Fourth of July” like a good trip to Sanibel Island, a 3-mile-wide, 13-mile-long stretch of Lee County, FL, that happily welcomes visitors every month of the year (while maintaining warm weather in every season). If you are planning a day trip to Fort Myers to celebrate independence with all your loved ones while aiming to catch a few of the most impressive fireworks, then check out some of the following top-choice events & backdrop venues. Book one of our Sanibel condo rentals to experience these fantastic celebrations for yourself!
Fort Myers Beach Independence Day Parade
This must-do family event kicks off at 10 a.m. and runs late into the night (when you can catch the real action and see the sky light up).
During the parade, you will see all sorts of people in patriotic costumes pass by on the Matanzas Pass Bridge right there and then. Wave hello to them and watch for any prizes they throw in the air; try to be the first to catch something!
The fireworks start just 15 minutes after sunset, so be sure to have your entire group ready by then (the area tends to fill up fast, so bring your chairs and get a good seat!). The best fireworks tend to come from the Fort Myers Fishing Pier itself, and the best angle to view them from is just east adjacent to it. But if you are elsewhere nearby, you should still be able to see them without any problem. Remember that if anyone in your crew has noise sensitivities or is hearing-impaired, this might not be the best setting for them as fireworks can get quite loud. But don’t worry, you can watch the show from afar.
You can explore the area between the festivities and experience fantastic local businesses and restaurants. Walk your group to the nearby Times Square area (just by the beach). You will also see all the central pubs, eateries, dessert parlors, retail stores, and other outlets playing live music and enjoying Independence Day together.
Fireworks Cruise
No 4th of July Sanibel Island vacation is complete without a cruise, and thankfully, Adventures In Paradise has the perfect thing for that. Their Fourth of July Cruise (“Majestic and Awe-Inspiring”) offers a perfect front-row seat to catch all the action up close. Instead of watching the fireworks from far away on the island itself, you can see them right above you and gaze in wonder. Remember that it gets louder here since you’ll be closer to the action.
This cruise is well worth each dollar you’ll spend. You only get to do this once a year, after all! If you crave a soft drink during your cruise, like perhaps a nice, refreshing can of Coca-Cola, Sprite, Pepsi, 7 Up, Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, or even LimeAid, then you’re in luck. Complimentary soft drinks with unlimited refills are available during the cruise, but if you want alcohol, it’s not allowed. They also offer complimentary bottled water to all passengers and snacks like Lays chips, Cheetos, pretzels, crackers, peanuts, and cookies.
The cruise will pass through tranquil San Carlos Bay waters and Bird Island. If you board early (typically around 6 p.m.), you can catch the sunset from the ship’s balcony deck. It usually departs at 7:30 p.m. and returns at 10 p.m. They offer on-board ADA accommodations for any people in your crew with disabilities or special needs. They also have trained CPR, Merchant Marine, First Aid, and Swim Rescue (lifeguard) personnel on board at all times. So, relax and enjoy your cruise; you’re covered in terms of safety.
Cape Coral Red, White & Boom Celebration
For Sanibel Island holiday events, this esteemed event makes the top of the list for its colorful displays, running from 5-10 that night. It runs once a year, only on this date, and shouldn’t be missed. It usually takes place at Bernice Braden Park, which you can find at 2051 Cape Coral Pkwy E in Cape Coral. To get there by car from Sanibel Island, just take County Road 867 (the quickest road, but with tolls; 18.3 miles and 34 minutes away). Drive from Sanibel Captiva Road to Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Causeway, County Rd 867, and McGregor Blvd to Cape Coral. Make a right at the end, and the park will be at your left.
Plan Your Visit
When you’re traveling for the Independence Day holiday, Sandalfoot Condos will take care of you. We work hard to ensure every rental is up to your high standards and is located near the best 4th of July celebrations in the area. There’s no better time than Independence Day to pack up the family, head down to the Sanibel Island area, and enjoy quality time with your friends and loved ones. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have before you book your rental with us. Contact Sandalfoot Condos today to get started!
The action happens on-site at the glamorous Cape Coral Bridge, right near Cape Coral Parkway. The celebration includes an annual Kids Patriot Park venue of its own, in which your little ones can climb a rock wall, get on rides, move through obstacle courses, and even have their faces painted with liberty flags, colorful stars, firework sparks, faces of U.S. presidents and much more. People of all ages will love the varied live music that plays throughout, featuring patriotic cover songs from famous artists (but remixed by local singers and bands). A few selections you might get to hear are “God Bless America, Land That I Love,” “I’m Proud to Be an American,” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
You will also visit more than 50 vendors on-site, each featuring something different and inspiring for the whole group. Many offer menus of food items that you can enjoy while you walk around. Hot dogs and burgers are hit on the 4th of July! Others specialize in drinks and snacks when you want a little something. Yet others carry specialty 4th of July merch like t-shirts, beanies, hoodies, slacks, or hats with fun, patriotic phrases.
Where To Stay
For Sanibel Island condo rentals, Sandalfoot Condos is the best source. Explore our Sanibel Island 2-bedroom condo rentals if you plan to travel with your family. They come with free, rapid Wi-Fi internet and at least one flat-screen TV for you to enjoy. They’re close to all the big and small beaches of Sanibel Island (so close that you can walk there). Check out our 1-bedroom rentals on Sanibel Island as well. If your party’s smaller, these are ideal. They offer the same cleanliness in each room and basic stockings in the kitchen and living area.
