There's just something about the Fourth of July on the Grand Strand. Whether you're spending the day on the beach, grilling with family, or out on the boat, it always seems to end the same way—looking up at a fireworks show. One of my favorite things about living here is that you don't have to travel far to find one. From North Myrtle Beach all the way down to Georgetown, there are plenty of places to celebrate Independence Day, and many of the events are completely free.
If you're still deciding where to spend your Fourth of July, here's a roundup of some of the best places to catch fireworks and enjoy the holiday weekend.
Myrtle Beach
If you want to be in the middle of the action, Myrtle Beach has several great options. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk will host a fireworks show over the Atlantic beginning at 9:00 p.m., making it a perfect choice if you're already spending the day by the ocean. If you're looking to extend the evening, Broadway at the Beach will also light up the sky over Lake Broadway at 10:00 p.m., giving you plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment to enjoy before the show begins.
North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach is always one of my favorite places to spend a summer evening, and the Cherry Grove Pier fireworks show is a local tradition. The free professional fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m., and the beach around the pier fills up quickly, so plan to arrive early if you want a good spot. Before the fireworks, spend some time walking Main Street, grab dinner at one of the local restaurants, or make a stop at Barefoot Landing before heading toward Cherry Grove.
Murrells Inlet
If you're looking for a full day of activities, Murrells Inlet is hard to beat. The annual Murrells Inlet Boat Parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m., with decorated boats making their way through the inlet while spectators gather along the MarshWalk. After a day of live music, waterfront dining, and local shops, the evening wraps up with one of the Grand Strand's largest fireworks displays beginning at 10:00 p.m. It's one of those events that really captures the community spirit of the holiday.
Georgetown
If you prefer a smaller-town celebration, Georgetown's Fourth of July festivities offer a great alternative. The evening includes a community concert on the lawn of the Kaminski House before fireworks light up the harbor around 9:30 p.m. It's a relaxed way to celebrate while enjoying one of the most charming waterfronts in the area.
Make a Day of It
One of the best parts about the Fourth of July is that the fireworks are only part of the experience. Spend the afternoon shopping local, grab dinner at one of your favorite locally owned restaurants before the crowds arrive, or pick up ice cream and take a walk along the beach while you wait for the show to start. Supporting local businesses during one of the busiest weekends of the year helps our community while making your holiday a little more memorable.
A Few Tips Before You Go
If you're planning to attend one of the larger fireworks shows, arrive early. Parking fills up quickly, especially in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Murrells Inlet. Bringing a beach chair or blanket, staying hydrated, and packing a little patience will go a long way. And if you're hoping to catch a sunset before the fireworks begin, you'll be rewarded with one of the best evenings the Grand Strand has to offer.
Happy Fourth of July!
Whether you're celebrating in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Georgetown, or somewhere in between, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the holiday close to home. Living on the Grand Strand means we have front-row seats to some incredible Fourth of July celebrations, and many of them are free to attend.
However you choose to celebrate, I hope you have a safe, fun, and memorable Fourth of July with family and friends. Happy Independence Day!
