When I think of summertime, I think of the beach. There is no better way to kick off summertime than by celebrating the 4th of July on the beach. Fireworks are always abundant for this holiday but have a special flair when you get the reflection off the water. We tend to alternate between the celebration at Casino Beach in Pensacola Beach and the party over at Destin Harbor. Both are excellent but be sure to get there early to get a good spot. Taxis and Uber are available to those celebrating with adult beverages.
Blue Angel Weekend is the week after the 4th of July and is usually a huge draw to the area. Locals know to get to the beach early if you want to find a place to park. You may not know that the Blue's do dress rehearsals the week before the Air Show. On July 5th, you are invited to have Breakfast with the Blues. You can avoid the crowds and enjoy breakfast at a beachfront restaurant and watch the Blues pilots prepare for Saturday's show. The Blue's should be overhead around 8 a.m.
Landshark Landing is offering their Movies Under the Stars Series this summer every Wednesday evening during the summer at dusk - from 8:00 to 10:00. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, and they will provide the margaritas and tacos! Admission to the family-friendly movies is free and open to the public. Landshark Landing is at 165 Ft. Pickens Rd in Pensacola Beach. This is an easy walk from the parking area at Casino Beach.
When my children were growing up, we went to Bands on the Beach almost every Tuesday night during the summer. Located at the Gulfside Pavilion overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the series features regional artists performing a wide variety of music. You can bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers or purchase treats from surrounding vendors. When my children were old enough, they would ride their bikes over and meet us there. This event brings lots of great memories for my family, and it is still available for yours to enjoy every Tuesday night at 7:00 (weather permitting).
Perdido Key's Flora-Bama is hosting their 3rd annual Gulf Coast Paddle Championship the weekend of the 21st. The location offers sugar-white sand beaches sitting on the Alabama & Florida State line. This is the only race where you can say "I did It on the Line and raced in 2 States!". The 9-Mile race starts behind the famous Flora-Bama Lounge and ends behind the Flora-Bama Ole River Bar. This event offers clinics, exhibitors plus lots of fun for the entire family, including those who do not want to race.
