The Best Beaches To Kick Off The 4th Of July Weekend

Your Fourth of July weekend should be nothing less than spectacular; and what's better than having an entire weekend to celebrate? Or, better yet, a long weekend to celebrate! Take advantage of this opportunity and plan a weekend getaway.

Head to the beach – escape reality, get some sunshine, kick back and relax; or take up a new water sport and hit the ocean for some action packed fun.

*Related: The Biggest and Best Independence Day Parades in the U.S.

From beach festivals to live music, boat parades, picnics and fireworks overlooking the ocean, the beaches on this list are the best places to kick off your 4^th of July weekend.

Spend the weekend relaxing on the beach in Southport, then participate in their huge Fourth of July festival. On the beach they will be hosting volleyball, sandcastle building and other contests. They will also have delicious fair foods, over 100 handmade arts and crafts on display, live bands, a Veterans Recognition ceremony, and a Flag Retirement Ceremony. At night, head back to the beach and enjoy their spectacular fireworks display. For more information click here.

St. Augustine's Fourth of July celebration will be one to remember. But first, start your weekend off relaxing on their beautiful beach. On the 4^th, head to the Castillo de Dan Marcos for live music and an incredible fireworks display over the historic Bayfront. For more information click here.

Between fireworks and parades, Washington has a whole lot going on for the fourth of July. If you're looking for some peace and quiet before the festivities begin, head to San Juan Island. It's a secluded beach on Griffin Bay and is known to be a popular picnic area on the Fourth of July. For more information click here.

Get ready to celebrate Independence Day like you may have never before. Panama City Beach is only giving you a few days over the weekend to relax. Their Grand Lagoon Freedom Rocks celebration is taking place on July 3^rd and will set off fireworks around 9 p.m. On July 4^th enjoy more celebrations at Pier Park. For more information click here.

If you are looking for a fun Independence Day weekend with the family, look no further than Virginia Beach. Enjoy bonding with your family and relaxing by the ocean before the festivities begin. On July 4^th Virginia Beach is hosting their "Stars & Stripes Explosion." Enjoy live performances and, of course, fireworks! For more information click here.

Relax in the sun, swim in the ocean, and get your tan on because, before you know it, Miami Beach will be kicking off your Fourth of July in full swing. They are hosting their annual Fire on the Fourth festival. Enjoy delicious foods from their food trucks, listen to live music and DJs, and enjoy their spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m. Tip: If you plan to watch the display from the beach, bring a blanket or chair to claim your spot. Make sure you get there early because it will be crowded.

If you are looking for the ultimate party this Independence Day, look no further than Alfredo's Beach Club in Long Beach. Relax all day at the beach, and then head to the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier at night. They are hosting "Party on the Pier" July 4^th and July 5^th. They will be featuring live bands, a DJ dance party, a food court, art show and craft vendors. For more information click here.

What better way to kick off your Fourth of July weekend on a beach than with a Boat Parade. Decorate your boat and head to Murrells Inlet, Garden City Point on July 2^nd for the parade. Then spend the rest of your weekend relaxing on the beach, and on July 4^th participate in more of their festivities.

Escape to Cape Cod for a relaxing weekend getaway on the beach. Then participate in their America's Independence Day with barbecues, parades, band concerts and a spectacular fireworks show which you can see from various locations. Click here for more information.

This white sandy beach with ocean front hotels is perfect for your weekend Fourth of July getaway. Play volleyball, go dolphin watching or rent a boat. Then get ready because Clearwater is ready to entertain you. On Saturday, July 2^nd watch a Rowdies soccer match and a free concert by recording artist Flo Rida. On the Fourth, celebrate with a picnic in Craig Park, participate in their Children's Parade and end your day with the largest fireworks show in the Tampa Bay area in downtown Clearwater. For more information click here.

There may not be much time to relax on the beach this Fourth of July weekend. Huntington Beach has a ton of events planned for you. From July 2-4 enjoy their 3-day Pier Plaza Festival from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and their Pier Plaza Entertainment. Then on July 4^th watch fireworks over the ocean at 9 p.m. For more information click here.

Spend your weekend on this 5-mile long stretch coastline that makes up the gorgeous Tybee Island Beach. On July 4^th head to the pier and pavilion at 9 p.m. for a free fireworks show. *See: The 5 Best Beaches for Families in the U.S.

The Jersey Shore is ideal for family vacations and perfect for your Fourth of July weekend getaway. Spend your time parasailing, surfing, jet skiing and wave running. Then, on July 3^rd participate in Avalon's 4^th of July Family Festivities and watch their fireworks display at dusk. For more information click here.

San Diego is full of incredible beaches – go surfing, boogie boarding and stand up paddling, just to name a few. Celebrate Independence Day at their Annual Big Bay Boom fireworks show at 9 p.m. along the San Diego Bay or head to Ocean Beach Pier at 9 p.m. for another fireworks show.

Spend your weekend relaxing along this 3.3-mile beach and walking along its 2.2-mile boardwalk. On Monday, July 4^th wake up early and if you're up for it, participate in the "Fabulous 4^th 4K Race in memory of Sean Ryan." Then head to National Blvd Beach at 8 p.m. for the free Summer Concert Series. Long Beach has also made our list as one of The Cleanest Beaches in the U.S.