Each year, Independence Day sees proud Americans from sea to shining sea gather with friends and family members, don their red, white and blue attire, and celebrate our nation’s birthday with patriotic parades, parties, picnics, barbecues and — perhaps the top Fourth of July attraction for most — fireworks shows!
And on the Grand Strand, not only can all of the above be found in abundance, but each is arguably just a little more enjoyable than in the typical environment, for a few reasons. First, when the summer temperatures spike, we’ve got an entire ocean to jump in to cool off. Second, the range of fun attractions and activities in the Myrtle Beach area offers something for everyone, with choices that can enliven the holiday weekend for both young and old. And lastly, let’s face it — where’s a better spot to watch the July 4 fireworks than with your toes in the sand as the night sky lights up above the crashing ocean waves?
Of course, there’s plenty to do on the Grand Strand all summer long — but the events lineup really kicks up a notch for summer’s biggest holiday weekend. If you and your vacation crew are lucky enough to find yourself in the Myrtle Beach area for the July 4 holiday weekend, be sure to check out one of these fun and patriotic events and celebrations while you’re here:
4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Broadway at the Beach: This shopping/dining/entertainment hot spot in Myrtle Beach gets even hotter on Independence Day, as the skies over Lake Broadway will light up with a fireworks show at 10 p.m. (weather permitting) on the Fourth of July. Bonus: Additional fireworks shows are scheduled for Tuesday, July 2, and Friday, July 5, with each starting at 10 p.m.
Barefoot Landing Fireworks: North Myrtle Beach shopping/dining/entertainment complex Barefoot Landing will also present a Fourth of July fireworks show starting at 10 p.m., this one lighting the skies alongside the Intracoastal Waterway and over the attraction’s 27-acre lake.
Cherry Grove Pier Fireworks: The fireworks show launched from North Myrtle Beach’s Cherry Grove pier will begin around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. Spectators can grab a spot on the beach to watch the show.
Pawleys Island 4th of July Parade: Visitors and locals alike parade through Pawleys Island on makeshift floats during this fun community event. The celebration sees golf carts, cars, trucks, boats, bicycles, marchers and more get decorated in the nation’s colors and parade through the town. The patriotic fun gets started at 10 a.m.
July 4th on the MarshWalk: Home to the Grand Strand’s largest aerial fireworks show, this annual celebration on Murrells Inlet’s MarshWalk sees the sky filled with bursts of red, white, blue for 20 minutes starting at 10 p.m. on the evening of July 4. Earlier in the day, the annual Murrells Inlet Boat Parade starts at noon and will see a lineup of patriotic boats float the inlet. And before the fireworks show begins, live music will be presented at a number of the MarshWalk restaurants. So get there early to relax with a delicious meal and a drink or two before the main event!
Salute From the Shore: Hit the beach in your red, white and blue starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, to see the 10th annual presentation of this event, which includes flyovers by vintage and military aircraft that will stretch the span of South Carolina’s Atlantic shoreline.
Brookgreen Summer Music Festival: At Murrells Inlet’s Brookgreen Gardens, evening concerts under the oaks are staged throughout the summer at Azalea Concert Field. The concerts are free with garden admission, and are scheduled during the holiday week for 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, Thursday, July 4, Friday, July 5, and Saturday, July 6.
Music on Main Concert Series: Held at the Horseshoe in North Myrtle Beach, this series of Thursday-night shows will feature variety/dance act Tru Sol on Thursday, July 4, starting at 7 p.m.
Independence Day 5K and 1 Mile Races: Held at the Market Common shopping/dining/recreation district in Myrtle Beach July 4, these races allow participants to get their holiday off to a running start with a pair of competitive events that begin at 7:30 a.m. The start and finish lines can be found at Valor Park in the heart of the complex.
After celebrating a Fourth of July to remember on the Grand Strand, head back to the comfortable accommodations and wide range of on-property amenities found at North Beach Plantation to rest up for another day of Myrtle Beach area fun. Book your Independence Day getaway today — and start planning an unforgettable celebration on the South Carolina coas
