Red, white, and ocean blue is the only way New Smyrna Beach knows to celebrate July 4th! Our Florida beach town prides itself on throwing the best summer bash on the East Coast from fireworks to surfing the waves. Branch out from your standard holiday tradition and experience the Fourth of July like a New Smyrna Beach local. Our beachy guide is guaranteed to make the day feel like the pinnacle of summer. Book the NSB vacation, throw on a swimsuit, and follow along below!
Beach Cooler Full of Summer Treats
Sunscreen and a beach chair may be considered essentials, but we personally believe a cooler full of treats is equally imperative. No beach set-up is complete without your favorite snacks to fuel you through a day of swimming and tanning. In addition to watermelon slices and chips, add a festive flare to your menu. Pay tribute to the stars and stripes with flag-themed chocolate covered bananas. Skip boring trail mix and opt for a patriotic twist filled with candy-coated cereal, mini marshmallows, licorice, and M&Ms. In Florida’s 90-degree heat, cold ice pops are a necessity! Toss in an extra bag of ice and keep these Strawberry/Blueberry Yogurt pops readily on hand. With these treats packed in your cooler, your Fourth of July beach day will be even sweeter.
Post Pics in Your Fourth of July Attire
If you aren’t completely decked out in stars and stripes, did you really celebrate Independence Day? If you’re like us, you’ve carefully curated red, white and blue attire for this very occasion. Take advantage of New Smyrna’s beautiful backdrop and plan family photos on the beach. If you’re hoping for a frameable photo, we suggest scheduling your photoshoot at sunset. The golden pink sunlight will be on your faces and the ocean will serenely lap behind you. Looking for a unique setting to debut your holiday outfit? Check out our top NSB photo spots that look great on social media!
Happy Hour on Your Oceanfront Balcony
You’ve laid out in the sun, you’ve showered, and now you’re ready to kick off the evening with a 5 o’clock margarita in hand. While there are amazing happy hours held all over the island (see our NSB Happy Hour Spots blog!), there’s no beating a cocktail with friends on your own oceanfront balcony. As alcohol isn’t permitted on the beach, sipping a Gin & Tonic to a sweeping view of the Atlantic is the next best thing. Our NSB vacation rentals are equipped with everything from a blender to drinkware; all that’s needed are your favorite spirits, tonics, and a bag full of limes. Not sure what to blend up? Try our favorite recipes listed on our blog, Easy, Summer Cocktails to Enjoy at the Beach!
Grill Out by the Pool
BBQ is a part of the great American tradition and standard July 4th menu. While your George Foreman might be at home, there’s no need to skip the burgers and roasted veggies when staying in New Smyrna Beach. Charcoal and gas grills are standard at almost every NSB complex and many even have an entire seating area for you to enjoy your summer bash. While the grill master of your group starts dinner, throw a floatie in the pool and enjoy a leisurely swim. Complexes such as Colony Beach Club and Sea Coast Gardens provide guests two large pools so there’s room for everyone to spread out. Don’t feel like cooking? Enjoy good food and warm weather at any of NSB’s restaurants with outdoor dining.
NSB Firework Shows
We all know that the best part of the summer holiday is saved for last! New Smyrna Beach does America proud with a fantastic firework show over the water. Festivities are held in Riverside Park from 4PM-9:30PM where you’ll find food trucks and live music leading up to the magical display. If you’re vacationing with littles, venture over to Port Orange for their 4th of July Spectacular from 5:30 to 9PM. In addition to a great nighttime show, this event is filled with kids’ zones, a car show, food trucks, and great music. Remember that sparklers and fireworks are not allowed on the shore– after all, it is sea turtle season and lights aren’t permitted on the beach after dark!
From beachside snacking to a glittering night sky, there’s nowhere like New Smyrna Beach to spend the Fourth of July. Make this holiday itinerary your official plan when you book a July 4th beach vacation rental. This week is our most popular of the year and books fast! Secure your getaway online or call us at 386.478.7863 for a vacation planner to reserve your stay.