Get Out to the Gulf Coast this 4th of July

From fireworks to festivals in Lake Charles, La. to Mexico Beach, Fla., the Gulf Coast knows how to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Show your love for America and support for the Gulf Coast region when you spend the holiday weekend celebrating and hanging out.

In Lake Charles, Red White Blue & You on July 4 includes a parade, various programs and a fireworks display over the lake at the evening’s conclusion. Read the latest update regarding the oil spill.

Houma, La., is holding their patriotic celebration on July 3. The event, aptly named “Veterans, Friends, Family and Freedom” has all of the needed ingredients for a festive time. There’s a parade, entertainment, activities, a fly-over and fireworks. The city continues to monitor the movement of the oil spill.

If you’re all about the fireworks on the July 4, you definitely don’t want to miss the 20th annual Go 4th on the River in New Orleans. “Dueling barges” put on a fireworks show to patriotic music, sure to captivate everyone. Located 100 miles inland, New Orleans doesn’t expect any impact from the oil spill. However, they are providing updates.

Along the Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, you can celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks in Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs and Pascagoula. The area provides up-to-date information on the current conditions regarding the oil spill.

Where ever you are on the beaches in the Alabama Gulf Coast, you are sure to have a great spot for the annual fireworks extravaganza. The Gulf Shores Annual Fireworks Extravaganza starts at 9 p.m. on July 4. Head over to The Wharf (map) not only to shop, eat and ride the largest Ferris wheel in the Southeast, but also to enjoy the large fireworks display at night. View the area’s most current update regarding the oil spill.

Celebrate the holiday in Seville Square in downtown Pensacola or on the beach, it’s your choice. The festivities on the Square include arts and crafts, children’s activities and live entertainment. All followed by a fireworks show over Pensacola Bay. Sponsored by the Sertoma Club, they will also be accepting donations of used hearing aids during this time as well. On the beach, there will be live entertainment, beginning at 6 p.m., and fireworks at 9 p.m. Both Pensacola and Pensacola Beach are providing frequent updates.

Riverfest 2010 in Milton, Fla., has all the activities needed for a Fourth of July celebration, along with some extras like a duck race and a boat parade. Fireworks are scheduled at dark.

From 6-9 p.m., you can enjoy live entertainment and food as Navarre Beach presents their Independence Day Fireworks celebration on July 4. Taking place behind Cocodries (map), fireworks start at 9 p.m. Read about the area’s current conditions from their oil spill update.

Destin, Fla.’s HarborWalk Village is hosting a July Fourth Extravaganza on July 3 and 4. The event features two-days of fun for all ages. There are children’s activities, live entertainment and a mini-air show. On July 4th, the city of Fort Walton Beach is celebrating at Fort Walton Landing (map) with a variety of activities and of course, fireworks. View the latest on the current conditions in response to the oil spill.

The 15 beach communities of the Beaches of South Walton are encouraging visitors experience what it means to ‘BE patriotic in Beaches of South Walton.’  To provide you with a sampling of what’s going on in the area, The Village of Baytowne Wharf (map) at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort (map) has activities and events planned for everyone on July 3 and 4. Definitely don’t miss the fireworks on the 4th. Seaside is the place for the South Walton Community Fourth of July Parade on Saturday, July 3. Stay up-to-date with Beaches of South Walton’s conditions from the oil spill.

It’s all about fun this summer in Panama City Beach, Fla., and that’s certainly true for the Fourth of July. Boardwalk Beach Resort (map) begins their fun on July 2, and includes a beach party, movies and fireworks. Downtown Panama City has their Salute to Freedom celebration begins at 2 p.m., and features a flyover and a fireworks. The Historic Grand Lagoon Independence Day celebration on July 4 has live entertainment and fireworks. The Star Spangled Spectacular at Pier Park (map) on July 4 offers live entertainment and fireworks, as well as a children’s activity area at Miracle Strip. Read the latest regarding the oil spill and current conditions in Panama City Beach.

Celebrate Fourth of July at Mexico Beach, Fla., with their Independence Celebration, known as the “Best Blast on the Beach.” It all about activities during the day, followed by a fireworks display at night. View the latest beach condition on their live cam.

photo credit: Red, White and Blue, flickr, creative commons by Bisayan lady