Sanibel Island is no stranger to parties and good times! Luckily for you, there is SO much to do here during the 4th of July weekend that you won’t ever feel bored or have to entertain your guests all on your own. The 4th of July is the best time to really see all that this pristine area has to offer due to the warm weather, including beaches, outdoor cafes, breweries, water sports, and much more.
Sanibel Island Independence Day Parade
The main attraction during your time on Sanibel Island during the 4th of July holiday weekend is the Sanibel Island Independence Day Parade, which brings out tourists and locals alike! We love that this fun event is family-friendly and free, so you can head here with your kids with no problem at all. The parade winds its way through the pristine streets of Sanibel Island as people line the sides and cheer for the people in their community.
This parade starts early in the morning at 9:30 am at Bailey’s Grocery Store and travels down Periwinkle Way. If you want to see the very beginning, we recommend setting up chairs at the corner of Tarpon Bay Road at 9 am to see the infamous parade at the very beginning!
Plus, grab some breakfast so you feel nourished and full of energy as you watch the parade. We love this for families with young kids who want to make sure their kids are happy and not cranky during the parade! Head to the Sanibel Community Church for the pancake breakfast between 7 am and 9 am to meet people in the community and enjoy some buttermilk pancakes with syrup on top.
Fourth of July Fireworks Cruises
Another annual event that you can attend during your time on Sanibel Island this holiday weekend is the Fourth of July Fireworks cruise. This exciting and eye-catching cruise on Sanibel Island offers three boat cruises on the bay that provide pristine viewpoints you won’t be able to get elsewhere. Use Adventures in Paradise to book this fireworks cruise and see the sky light up with the adrenaline-pumping fireworks and live music.
Fourth of July Fireworks
Even if you do not book a river cruise to see the fireworks light up the bright blue water, you can still grab a great seat to see this infamous event! The city of Sanibel always offers a fireworks display year in and year out, so you can rest assured that you can head here in 2023. This super-popular party takes place, no matter the weather, at 9 pm on Bailey Road in Sanibel Island.
Fourth of July Boating
Head out on the water this Fourth of July to explore the local wildlife, try your luck at catching fish, and get some exercise on a kayak or paddleboard! We recommend heading to Port Sanibel Marina to choose your fun outdoor excursions and go from there. Book a boat rental using a local company to head out on a 24’ SouthWind Deck Boat or a 24’ Regal Boat! You can also use local companies to rent a kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or fishing charter boat to spend a full day on the bright blue water.
Grab a Coffee on Sanibel Island for 4th of July
Before you head out all day long to go on the water and check out the fireworks at night, you need to be caffeinated and fed! Luckily for you, there is no shortage of cafes, breakfast spots, or brunch eateries in Sanibel Island that truly stand out from the rest of the pack.
We love going to Over Easy Cafe for our first morning on vacation. This popular breakfast spot has everything you could ever want and more. We love getting one of the sweet treats, like the filling ‘The Most Toast’ with 3 slices of Texas toast dipped in egg and topped with syrup. You can also add your own choice of fillings, like pecans, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or Oreos. If you would rather have something savory, The Ho Hum with two eggs your style, bacon or sausage, choice of toast, home fries, and fresh fruit is always a big hit.
If you would rather just get takeaway coffee to go so you can enjoy walking around the coastal paths of Sanibel Island with a drink in your hand, we don’t blame you. Head to the Lighthouse Cafe on Sanibel Island to get coffee to go and check out the views. Or you can swing by Sanibel Deli and Coffee Factory in Palm Ridge Plaza to pick up a sandwich for lunch and an iced coffee as you wander around the cute town.
Plan Your 4th of July Escape
There is no better place to celebrate the 4th of July than the bustling coastal town of Sanibel Island! We love heading here during the summer months to go in the water, attend yearly events, and get some fresh seafood. Contact us today to book your stay on Sanibel Island for 4th of July!
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