Five Ways to Celebrate Fourth of July in Miami

While the Fourth of July is typically dominated by backyard barbecues filled with dishes like burgers, hot dogs, and french fries, there are still plenty of options to celebrate around Miami for those who want to venture out. Whether the plans include a day gathering, picnics, taking in fireworks, or even a seafood boil, there is something for everyone and every budget.

Feast on Barbecue Pop-Up at Fireman Derek’s

One of Miami’s best new barbecue spots, Drinking Pig BBQ, is teaming up with Derek Kaplan of Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop for a two-day Fourth of July pop-up at Fireman Derek’s former Wynwood location serving up brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken along with a serious selection of sides. Plus, diners will get a sneak peek of Fireman Derek’s new 2,000-square-foot storefront and can purchase bake shop items like strawberry shortcake and cream pie.

Details: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. (or sold out) July 3 and July 4; Drinking Pig BBQ will be popping up at 2818 North Miami Avenue, Wynwood; Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop is located at 2545 North Miami Avenue, Suite #1, Wynwood.

Dine Al Fresco on a Seafood Boil at Nikki Beach

Waterfront Miami Beach eatery and lounge, Nikki Beach, is channeling the northeast this Fourth of July with a seafood boil and fireworks show. For $55 a person, diners can eat a seafood boil made with blue crab, clams, Louisiana crawfish, corn, and potatoes, while taking in the restaurant’s private fireworks show on the sand.

Details: 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 4. Fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Nikki Beach Miami, 1 Ocean Drive.

Have a Fancy Picnic Courtesy of Zuma

For those wanting to go more high-brow this Fourth of July but still keep in the holiday spirit, pick up a picnic basket from perpetual hotspot Zuma. For the weekend the restaurant is offering a basket for two for $248 that includes a large variety of cold and hot dishes like truffle chicken sandwiches, beef skewers, pork belly, three kinds of sashimi, and an assortment of rolls, along with two servings of some of the restaurant’s favorite cocktails including a Japanese margarita, espresso martini, and the Old Fashioned.

Details: Available for pickup July 3 or July 4. Picnic basket must be reserved in advance by emailing reservations@zumarestaurant.us. Zuma Miami, 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Downtown Miami.

Sip on Spritzes at a Garden Lounge at the Loews Miami Beach

Beat that brutal South Florida summertime heat with a spritz cocktail at this holiday pop-up lounge inside the Americana Lawn at the Loews Miami Beach. Guests can create their own Chandon spritz complete with an herb garden to pick their garnish and a scent station for guests to create perfumes inspired by their cocktail. A full bar and food from poolside restaurant Nautilus will also be available.

Details: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 2-4. Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1601 Collins Ave, Miami Beach.

Walk Amongst the Dinosaurs at Fairchild Gardens

Yes, it is possible to hang out with dinosaurs this Fourth of July thanks to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens’ new Jurassic Garden installation, showcasing a variety of large-scale dinosaurs throughout the tropical garden grounds. The all-day event Fourth of July celebration kicks off with a kid-friendly Celebration Parade that winds through the Jurassic Garden exhibit, followed by face painting, popsicle party, barbecue, and a concert by Bad Apples Brass Band.

Details: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4. $24.95 for adults; $11.95 for children. Purchase tickets here. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables.