A Beachy Blast: Celebrating the Fourth of July in Miramar Beach, Florida – A Road Trip Adventure
As the sun beamed down on the heart of Tennessee, our family was gearing up for an epic Fourth of July adventure. Instead of boarding a plane, we had packed up three SUVs with tents, beach gear, and loads of toys, snacks, coolers, and cold drinks.
Our destination: the picturesque shores of Miramar Beach, Florida. With a promise of clear blue waters and a spectacular fireworks show, our road trip had all the makings of an unforgettable holiday escape.
Although we got a late start that day waiting for everyone to get off work, we decided to go ahead and hit the road and maybe catch a Hotel or a VRBO around Montgomery Alabama as darkness fell.
Day 1: The Great Expedition Begins
With the eight-hour trek down I-65 stretched before us, our spirits were high, and the promise of sandy shores in the Destin area of northern Florida fueled our excitement.
The only things that stopped us along the way were fuel, restroom, and snack breaks, conveniently catered to by the iconic Texas-based BUC-EE’S locations on our route through Alabama. If you don’t know, Buc-ee’s is a famous gas station chain that is widely known for its clean bathrooms, a wide array of products available to buy in-store, and very delicious food items.
These Texas road trip essentials provided us with beef brisket sandwiches, refreshing drinks, beef jerky, candy, and stuffed animals ensuring that our road trip was both satisfying and memorable.
Buc-ee’s can be an attraction in itself. It was a first-time visit for a few family members and time can really get away from you in there if you’re not mindful of it.
I think booking that VRBO outside of Montgomery was actually a great idea so those who worked all day could get some needed rest and not to mention we could now easily avoid heavy late afternoon traffic getting across the Mid-Bay Bridge getting into Destin.
Day 2: Arrival in Miramar Beach
It was around lunchtime when we crossed over the Mid-Bay Bridge. We made an immediate left right into Lulu’s Restaurant, owned by Lucy Buffet, Jimmy Buffet’s little “Crazy Sista!” as we dined on the open-air deck patio overlooking the bay.
Talk about a great atmosphere and the perfect ambiance for seafood. The food and beverages were exceptional too! 
The afternoon Florida sun greeted us as we arrived at Miramar Beach, a charming coastal community along the Gulf Coast. The high-rise condos we had booked promised breathtaking views and modern amenities.
As we stepped onto the balconies of our condos, the stunning sight of the aqua-colored Gulf waters left us in awe. It was the perfect reward for our eight-hour journey.
Day 3: Life on the Beach
Our first full day at Miramar Beach began with a cup of morning coffee on the condo balconies, overlooking the azure Gulf. Descending to the beach, we joined fellow beachgoers, setting up tents, umbrellas, chairs, beach towels, floats, and coolers creating a cozy beachfront oasis.
The sounds of beach tunes filled the air, with Jimmy Buffet, Kenny Chesney, and Luke Bryan providing the soundtrack to our sun-soaked day.
The beach vibe had us in its grasp, even for the youngsters as time seemed to slow down as we soaked up the sun plus enjoyed the gentle sea breeze while relaxing in the shade.
Day 4: Adventures on the Gulf
Miramar Beach’s proximity to Destin, Seaside, and Panama City Beach meant adventure was never far away. We chose to explore the Gulf both above and below its surface.
Para-sailing allowed us to soar above the Gulf waters, offering panoramic views of the coastline and the emerald waters below. The thrill of being suspended in the air, the salty breeze in our hair, and the incredible views made it an unforgettable experience.
For those seeking a deeper connection with the sea, deep-sea charter fishing was on the menu. Grouper and Red Snapper fish danced on our hooks, and the experience of reeling in these impressive catches left us with a sense of accomplishment and a cooler full of delicious seafood.
Day 5: Destin Delights
No visit to this region would be complete without exploring the vibrant city of Destin. The city offered a treasure trove of activities, from shopping and dining to family-friendly attractions.
Baytowne Wharf, a charming waterfront village, beckoned with its boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options.
The Big Kahuna Water and Adventure Park provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat, with thrilling slides and wave pools that will certainly keep the kids entertained for hours.
Day 6: Seafood Galore
One of the highlights of any coastal vacation is savoring the local seafood delicacies. Destin didn’t disappoint, offering a plethora of seafood restaurants to choose from. Here are our top five favorites:
- LuLu’s: With its laid-back atmosphere and delicious seafood platters, LuLu’s became an instant family favorite. Their crab cakes and shrimp po’ boys were the stuff of legends.
- The Back Porch on the Beach: Dining right on the beach at The Back Porch was a memorable experience. We indulged in fresh catches of the day while the kids played in the sand just steps away.
- Pompano Joe’s Seafood House: Known for its stunning beachfront location and a menu that featured everything from blackened fish to seafood gumbo, Pompano Joe’s left us craving more.
- Whale’s Tale Beach Bar & Grill at Seascape: Enjoying a meal with our toes in the sand at Whale’s Tale was pure bliss. The seafood platters, paired with tropical cocktails, were a match made in beach heaven.
Day 7: Fourth of July Extravaganza
The grand finale of our vacation was the Fourth of July celebration.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, the anticipation grew.
We headed to the beach with our lawn chairs, ready to witness a fireworks show like no other.
The night sky erupted with bursts of color as fireworks illuminated the coast.
Not only did we enjoy a dazzling display right on the beach, but we could also see fireworks in all directions, stretching as far down the beach as the eye could see.
It was a mesmerizing, 360-degree spectacle that left us totally in awe.
Day 8: Farewell, Miramar Beach
As we packed our SUVs and prepared to leave Miramar Beach, we couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible memories we had created during our Fourth of July family road trip adventure.
The white, sugar-sand beaches, the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the delicious seafood feasts, and the breathtaking fireworks display had made this trip an absolute delight.
Miramar Beach and the surrounding Destin area had proven to be a family favorite destination all year round, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
As we hit the road back to Tennessee, we carried with us not only seashells and sun-kissed memories but also the promise of returning to this coastal paradise in the near future.
Until then, our hearts remained anchored to the shores of Miramar Beach, where the magic of the Gulf Coast awaited our next road trip adventure and our cute little grand nephew just can’t wait until our visit to the beach next year.
Yes, I am a pirate 200 years too late!