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The inaugural Salty Sam’s Patriot Boat Parade takes place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary. The festive maritime procession kicks off at 11:00 AM from ⁠Salty Sam’s Marina in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, and will completely circle Estero Island. Dozens of boats decorated in vibrant red, white, and blue will participate in this community celebration.

Event Schedule
How to Experience the Parade

For the Salty Sam’s Patriot Boat Parade, your best viewing spots are restaurants located directly on or near Matanzas Pass and Salty Sam’s Marina, where the decorated boats pass by.

Best Front-Row Views

Parrot Key Caribbean Grill: Located right at Salty Sam’s Marina, this is arguably the best restaurant for parade viewing. The open-air waterfront setting puts you in the middle of the action, and many boats pass directly in front of the restaurant. Arrive early—tables fill quickly on parade night.

Marina Cantina Tin Tiki: Also located at Salty Sam’s Marina, this newer waterfront spot offers harbor views and a front-row seat to parade traffic entering and leaving the marina.

Dixie Fish Company: Just across the channel from the marina area, this longtime waterfront favorite offers excellent boat traffic views and a lively atmosphere for parade watching.

Bonita Fish Company: Located next to Dixie Fish on Fisherman’s Wharf, this dockside restaurant provides great views of boats traveling through the back bay.

Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant: A good option near the bridge and downtown Fort Myers Beach. While not as close to the marina as Parrot Key, you’ll still have excellent opportunities to see parade boats as they travel the bay.

 

 

If you’re spending the Fourth of July in Southwest Florida, you’re in for one of the most memorable holidays of the summer. From beach days that roll into sunset fireworks, to hometown parades and family festivals under the palms, each town brings its own version of celebration—laid-back, scenic, and full of coastal charm.

Whether you’re here for a week-long vacation or just a long weekend, this guide highlights the best family-friendly ways to enjoy Independence Day across Naples, Fort Myers Beach, and Bonita Springs.

Naples – Classic Beach Day + Fireworks

Best for: Relaxed families, scenic beach day

Event info: https://www.visitnaplesfl.com

Fort Myers Beach – Full-Day Island Celebration

Best for: Active families who want a beach “holiday experience”

Event info: https://www.fortmyersbeach.org

Bonita Springs – Easy Family Festival Night

Best for: Stress-free families, all-in-one location

Event info: https://www.cityofbonitasprings.org

💡 Family-Friendly Tips

From sandy toes at sunset to fireworks lighting up the Gulf, Southwest Florida’s Fourth of July is more than an event—it’s a memory-making day for the whole family. Pick your spot, settle in early, and enjoy one of the most beautiful celebrations of summer.

Discover a one-of-a-kind adventure at Hope & Joy Sanctuary—where unforgettable animal encounters meet hands-on learning!

Get up close with incredible animals like kangaroos, capybaras, and even a sloth during a guided, small-group experience designed for all ages. This interactive sanctuary focuses on education, rescue, and meaningful connections, giving you the chance to feed, pet, and learn about these amazing animals in a safe, supervised setting.

Visits are by appointment only to ensure a personalized and safe experience for both guests and animals. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance, as availability is limited. Book your visit here: https://scatterjoyacres.org/visit-us-in-florida/

Perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a unique Florida experience—your wild adventure starts here.

Contact for bookings & questions: 19861 North River Rd., Alva, FL 33920 | Tel: 941-867-9401 | Email: info@scatterjoyacres.org

If you’re looking to fit in a little pickleball while visiting us in Southwest Florida, there are several free and low-cost options. The top pickleball spots in Naples and Bonita Springs include the premier 65-court East Naples Community Park (home to the U.S. Open) and Veterans Community Park. Sports Challenge America (12 courts) is a top, fee-based choice in Bonita Springs, along with public options like the City of Bonita Springs Recreation Center.

Top Pickleball in Naples

Top Pickleball in Bonita Springs

Key Tips

The 50th Annual Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026. The event begins with a traditional flag-raising ceremony at Crayton Cove at 9:30 AM, followed by the main parade kickoff at 11:00 AM.

The 2026 parade was briefly canceled in early January due to rising security and city fees, but it was reinstated after the community raised approximately $46,000 in just a few hours to cover the costs. As the largest privately-funded parade in Florida, it typically attracts over 40,000 spectators to downtown Naples.

Parade Route & Logistics
The parade covers approximately one mile through downtown Naples.
2026 Major League Baseball Spring Training
Spring training in Southwest Florida, near Estero/Fort Myers, features the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park and the Minnesota Twins at the Lee Health Sports Complex (Hammond Stadium), with games running from late February through March. Nearby, you can catch the Atlanta Braves in North Port and the Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte.
Top Spring Training Locations Near You (Grapefruit League):
Key Information:
The 22nd Annual Cars on 5th Concours in Naples, FL, is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM on 5th Avenue South. As the city’s largest one-day event, it will showcase over 750, or more than 400, rare exotic, classic, and luxury vehicles (Ferraris, Lamborghinis, etc.). The event is part of the Naples Automotive Experience running February 5-7, 2026.
Key Details for 2026:
The event will also feature unique, high-end cars such as a 1923 Hispano-Suiza, Pagani Huayra R, and Bugatti Chiron.
For more information: click here.

Bonita Springs Seafood & Music Festival™

Join us February 6th-8th, 2026 for the 5th Annual Bonita Springs Seafood & Music Festival. The event will be held next to The Poker Room (the old Dog Track) located at 28001 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. Hours will be Friday 3pm-9pm, Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 11am-6pm. Admission is FREE!

Enjoy a weekend of relaxation, great food, and wonderful live music, along with shopping at a marketplace of arts, crafts, and fine products.

As you listen to live music, explore the arts and crafts marketplace, where you’ll find a treasure trove of unique and exquisite products. Browse, shop, and indulge in a shopping spree like never before!

This event is more than just a music festival; it’s a celebration of food, music, shopping, and relaxation. So come on over, bring your friends, and be a part of the festivities. You won’t regret a single moment of the incredible experience that awaits you!

Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Sea turtle nesting season in Florida is from March through October, with peak activity between May and July. The majority of nesting occurs in Florida, accounting for almost 90% of the U.S.’s sea turtle nesting. It begins when the massive females (they can weigh up to 400 pounds) lumber through the sand to lay their eggs. After two months of incubation, it’s time to hatch! Itty-bitty sea turtles push their way out of their shells and make a mad scramble to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Because hatchlings are guided by moonlight, it’s essential to turn off any beach-facing lights from homes, flashlights and even camera flashes. Read more local guidelines on how to help keep our beaches sea turtle–friendly. If you spot a problem with a sea turtle or nest, please contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

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