Where to watch 4th of July fireworks in Jacksonville, the Beaches and more

When it comes to fireworks shows, Jacksonville has a few, including annual displays for the Light Boat Parade on Thanksgiving weekend and New Year's Eve. But one of our favorite shows is the city's annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration. No jackets are needed, and you don't have to stay up until midnight to watch.

And as it has done in recent years, the City of Jacksonville is bringing the celebration to you, hosting fireworks displays across the city, not just downtown. But for traditionalists, nothing says the 4th of July like watching fireworks explode in the sky, reflecting in the waters of the St. Johns River and in the windows of downtown's skyscrapers with the Main Street Bridge as a centerpiece.

So after a day of grilling and eating hamburgers and hot dogs, savoring ice cream and apple pie, playing cornhole in the backyard or playing in or on the waters of the Atlantic and St. Johns, here's where you can catch fireworks marking the nation's 248th Independence Day.

What time are the July 4th fireworks in Jacksonville?

Fireworks are scheduled to start at 9 p.m. Thursday, July 4.

4th of July: What Jacksonville-area stores, restaurants and offices will be closed?

Where can I watch 4th of July fireworks in Jacksonville?

As it has done in recent years, Jacksonville is once again spreading the fun around the city. Fireworks will be launched at 9 p.m. at several locations around the city:

• Downtown
• Ray Greene Park, 2149 Leonid Road
• The Avenues mall, 10300 Southside Blvd.
• Trinity Baptist Church, 800 Hammond Blvd.
• Ed Austin Regional Park, 11751 McCormick Road

Where is the best place to view the July 4th fireworks in downtown Jacksonville?

The fireworks will be visible from either side of the river, from the Fuller Warren Bridge to the area around EverBank Stadium. Popular viewing areas include the Northbank Riverwalk, from the Fuller Warren to the Acosta, and from the Main Street Bridge to Liberty Street; and the Southbank Riverwalk, from Friendship Fountain to the Duval County School Board Building.

Can I view the July 4th fireworks in Jacksonville from my boat?

Yes, but there will be restrictions on where and when you can go, to ensure safety. Public docks will be open.

Can I view the Jacksonville July 4th fireworks from aboard the USS Orleck?

Yes. The retired warship, now the centerpiece of the Jacksonville Naval Museum , is docked off Bay Street, not far from the fireworks barges. The museum is having a 4th of July Shipyard Social aboard the Orleck, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $30.

Is there any cost to view the Jacksonville July 4th fireworks?

There is no charge to watch the fireworks.

Where to celebrate July 4th with fireworks, fun around Northeast Florida, Southeast Georgia

Other communities around the region have their own Fouth of July celebrations, including fireworks. Here's where you can fine them.

St. Augustine: Fireworks Over the Matanzas

St. Augustine’s All Star Orchestra plays patriotic favorites at 6 p.m., followed by a 20-minute fireworks display over Matanzas Bay starting at 9:30 p.m. Info: citystaug.com

Jacksonville Beach July 4th fireworks

Live patriotic music at Seawalk Pavilion starts at 8 p.m., fireworks start at 9 p.m. Info: jacksonvillebeach.org

Orange Park: American Pride 4th of July

Free event starts at 5 p.m. at Moosehaven with a kids’ zone, live music, food trucks and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Info: moosehaven.org

Clay County: Food Trucks & Fireworks

Russell Baptist Church on Sandridge Road is the venue for food trucks and fireworks. Info: russellbaptist.com

Palm Coast: United Flagler 4th

Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell and Flagler County are throwing a joint celebration, with a parade down A1A in Flagler Beach and fireworks at 9 p.m. at Flagler Executive Airport. Info: unitedflagler4th.com

Fernandina Beach: Hometown 4th of July

Festivities start at 6 p.m. in downtown Fernandina Beach, with a DJ, food trucks and vendors. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. over the marina. Info: fbfl.us

Hilliard and Callahan: Independence Day Celebration

Hilliard, Callahan and Nassau County join forces for watermelon-eating contests, food trucks and fireworks at 9 p.m. at the fairgrounds in Callahan. Info: facebook.com

Keystone Heights: 56th Annual 4th of July Celebration

There’s an 8 a.m. 5K run, an 11 a.m. Sound of Freedom Parade, a daylong festival, a 5 p.m. concert by Paul Wane and 9:30 p.m. fireworks at Keystone Beach Park. Info: exploreclay.com

Glen St. Mary: Freedom Celebration 2024

Live music, raffles and fireworks at Souls Harbor Church, starting at 7:30 p.m. Info: facebook.com

St. Marys, Ga.: Independence Day Festival

Live entertainment and vendors at St. Marys Waterfront Park, followed by 9:15 p.m. fireworks. Info: visitstmarys.com

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Where to watch 4th of July fireworks in Jacksonville, the Beaches and more