The very best Independence Day fireworks display in the area takes place from the Naples Pier on the Fourth of July. The best seats in the house are anywhere on the beach north of The Pier including past Lowdermilk Park or from a boat. You should make an evening of it by going early to get yourselves set up on the beach with chairs and a picnic, enjoy the sun setting into the Gulf of Mexico horizon, watch the boats assemble for the display and then sit back to watch the fireworks shoot off from The Pier at around 9:00 pm.
Here are some local tips to help prepare and maximize your enjoyment:
(1.) If you are driving, go early. Parking is difficult and the spaces near the beach access points are limited. This is a good time to have that Collier County beach sticker in your windshield. You might find a vacant lot nearby amongst residences that is available but, don’t park along the streets on people’s lawns and respect any ribbons or “No Parking” signs. Also, it sounds basic, but make note of exactly where you’ve parked because it’s going to be dark when you go back to your car.
(2.) Here’s a better idea – take a taxi cab or call for an Uber and make arrangements to be picked up after the show at a designated spot. Taking it one step further, stroll to a restaurant to relax for awhile before heading home because the traffic leaving the area after the fireworks is brutal.
(3.) Prepare a picnic for the beach (or get take-out from Seed to Table at the intersection of Immokalee Road and Livingston Road or buy ready-to-eat items at Whole Foods in Mercato). This event attracts a LOT of people and you might be surprised at just how crowded the beach gets for the fireworks. If you plan ahead and stake out your territory early, you can relax while you have a picnic on the beach for dinner.
(4.) Take a flashlight. You’ll want it to collect your stuff after the fireworks to exit the beach safely.
(5.) No alcoholic beverages on the beach is the law. That being said, it is very unlikely you would get busted for having alcoholic beverages, especially on this holiday to celebrate our independence. However, you should take things in containers which are not glass. Rowdy behavior and broken glass will definitely attract negative attention – don’t be foolish and the rules will be relaxed for this special evening.
(6.) Lowdermilk Park is an excellent vantage point for watching the fireworks display, but, also, there is plenty of parking (if you get there really early) and there are good restroom facilities. You will also find port-a-johns set up for this event at various beach access points along Gulf Shore Boulevard.
(7.) Consider hanging out at the beach after the fireworks display from The Pier. It’s more fun than sitting in traffic and you can watch all of the private party fireworks shooting off from the beach for hours into the night. On a clear night, you can see fireworks in the distance all of way up to Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island.
If you are a boater, then you can line up with lots of others who think alike because the water is best vantage point of all to watch the fireworks display. You will have lots of company so, take care leaving because you will out there in the dark with many other boats. Remember your navigation lights and anchor light.
If you are a boater and you want to celebrate Independence Day with many other enthusiastic patriots, then join the crowd at Keewaydin Island. Get there early in the morning if you intend to beach your boat on the channel side of the island. Don’t dare show up if you are not proudly displaying our flag! It will be an experience you will remember for all time.
There is a parade to celebrate our Independence Day on July 4th, Thursday morning of the long Fourth of July weekend. It starts @ 10 am from the intersection of Third Street South & Broad Avenue South, turns right onto Fifth Avenue South and then turns right again on 8th Street ending at 8th Avenue South. People will set up chairs along Fifth Avenue South early so plan accordingly if you want a good vantage point or position for photography. Call 239-213-7120 for more information.
Here’s some brief history about the Naples Pier, by the way. This local landmark, The Naples Pier (a.k.a. The Naples Fishing Pier and a.k.a. Naples Municipal Pier) is one of the most popular attractions in Naples and a hub of social activity including beach activities, fishing, meeting people and sunset watching. It was originally built in 1888 to serve as a freight and passenger dock. Train tracks spanned the length of the pier transporting freight and baggage in the early 1900s.
Destroyed by fire in 1912 and then rebuilt after hurricane damage in 1910, 1926, and 1960. The storm surge of Hurricane Ian devastated it one more time. Plans have been approved to build it back stronger than ever before. The Pier has been the most photographed and popular landmark in Southwest Florida. Be patient during the rebuilding and you will be able to go there anytime day or night to encounter people soaking up the local flavor on a better than ever Naples Pier.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! (and Happy Birthday to Ellie!)
As full-time real estate professionals, we represent both buyers and sellers in the Naples. If you are a seller, we market your home to local, national and international buyers for the best results. If you are a buyer, we listen well and will find your own “Piece of Paradise” at the best negotiated price and terms.
Tim Cranch at 239-272-4848 or Ellie Penaranda at 239-776-4848
TimCranch@StepsToTheBeach.com Ellie@StepsToTheBeach.com
