4th of July weekend

(7/04, 2009)

Some friends and I are heading for beautiful Sunny Isles Beach to stay the weekend and celebrate 4 of July, Independence Day! The best location to stay is The Marco Polo Beach Resort – Ramada Plaza. They are minutes away from all the festivities.

We’ve checked in to our Oceanfront Room with two queen size beds, all rooms are equipped with refrigerator, wet bar, coffee maker, hair dryer, alarm clock radio, voice mail and data port, electronic safe, iron/ironing board, remote control TV, cable TV with free HBO. Some rooms have kitchenettes with large refrigerators, stove with four burners, pots and pans, silverware and dishes for service to up to four people in a room.

First, enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Ocean Terrace Restaurant, where we will be taken care of by the great staff. After filling up with a nutritious and energetic meal, head for the beach. Weathers great! Go for a swim, jog or just catch up on some sun rays.

Its late afternoon and we are looking for a great place to celebrate! Now we are ready to start our search.

Here are some of the places we found on our search for a great place to celebrate our Independence Day!

In Miami-Dade County:

City of Aventura -

All American July 4th

Aventura Community Recreation Center
July 4, starting at 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Family and children’s activities
Fireworks at 9 p.m.: visible from Country Club Drive

Downtown Miami -

Bayfront Park

America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park

Free concert on two stages; food and drink; and a free kids’ zone with bounce houses, face painting and other activities.

 Main Stage (Bayfront Park Amphitheater): Salsa music icon Eddie Santiago and Orquesta Yambu! Local Miami favorites, Latin pop artists Ritmo Santificado will open the show. Gates open at 5 p.m., show 6 to 9 p.m.

 South Stage (Tina Hills Pavilion) Pop and reggae sounds with Pat de Leon and 3rd Rail. 6 to 9 p.m.

 Center/South End of the Park: NBA Jam Van; Kids’ Zone; The Flying Trapeze School.

 Free Kids’ Zone: 3 to 7 p.m.

 Fireworks: 9 p.m.

The Bayside Amphitheatre is located at 301 Biscayne Blvd in downtown Miami.

For more information, call (305) 358-7550.

Bayside Market Place

Live music starting at 2 p.m. and continuing throughout the night.

Fireworks start at 9 PM
305-577-3344

Miami Beach

4th of July Celebration

Beginning at 7 p.m., children from all over the world will be receiving their citizenship. Directly following, a free concert by Carlos Oliva y Los Sobrinos del Juez.
Fireworks at dusk
Festivities on the beach at 10th Street and Ocean Drive.
Info: 305-673-7400.

North Miami Beach

Independence Day on the Bay
July 4th at 6 p.m
Fireworks follow
Free admission and parking
FIU Biscayne Bay Campus
For more information, call: (305) 895-9840

NOTE: No coolers or personal fireworks allowed.

In Broward County:

Fort Lauderdale
July 4th Spectacular
Live music and family entertainment, with a twilight concert at 4:30 p.m.

 1 to 4 p.m.: DJ, children’s activities, SE 5th Street and A1A

 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Live concerts, SE 5th Street and A1A

 9 to 9:30 p.m.: Fireworks, off of A1A and Las Olas

Event Parking: Please note that the U Lot (located across the street from the Swimming Hall of Fame) will be closed.
For more information, call: (954) 828-5363

Hollywood

Hometown Star Spangled Spectacular
Family activities, live music, strolling musicians and characters
July 4th from 4 to 10 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m.
from 4 p.m. to midnight.
Hollywood Broadwalk
For more information, call: (954) 921-3404