Myrtle Beach 4th of July celebrations attract families from all over the country because it is the most patriotic place to spend the holiday.
Why is Myrtle Beach Such a Popular 4th of July Destination?
4th of July Myrtle Beach fireworks shows occur across different beaches, which reduces overcrowding and allows everyone to get a good view. The area also celebrates Independence Day with eye-catching red, white, and blue parades on land, on sea, and up in the sky. Families especially love visiting for the holiday because there are an abundance of family-friendly activities that appeal to all ages. Within a short drive, visitors can do escape rooms, see shows, watch sports, learn about the natural world, find sea glass, and more.
Summer is the time to make memories! If you have a family trip on the horizon, read on to learn why Myrtle Beach is the perfect summer destination for you.
Does Myrtle Beach do Fireworks for 4th of July?
No one does 4th of July fireworks like Myrtle Beach! There are 5 different areas that have front row seats to the light show:
1. Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is an experience in and of itself. The area is home to theaters, escape rooms, an amusement park, both novelty and luxury shops, confectionaries, adult beverage locations, and kid-friendly restaurants. You could spend the entire day here and not run out of things to do.
The show typically starts around 10:00. The fireworks are launched over Lake Broadway, so be sure to arrive early enough to get an unobstructed view.
2. Barefoot Landing
Similar to Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing is a go-to shopping destination for tourists and locals alike. The activities gear more towards musical performances and shows, which make the destination popular for families with older kids. The boardwalk is surrounded by a 27-acre lake, so visitors can enjoy the unique combination of natural beauty and charming architecture.
Myrtle Beach 4th of July fireworks normally begin sometime after 9:00 when it is fully dark.
3. Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach
If you are an avid angler, chances are you have heard of Cherry Grove Pier. It’s where Walter Maxwell broke the all-tackle world record in 1964 when he caught a 2,000-pound tiger shark. While the pier has been renovated several times since then, it remains an excellent fishing spot and an even better perch for exceptional fireworks.
Locals always recommend the pier for 4th of July because the beach has plenty of room for everyone and the reflection of the lights in the water give the illusion of two shows in one.
4. Murrells Inlet MarshWalk
Murrells Inlet splits the difference between Cherry Grove Pier and Broadway at the Beach. If you stroll along the boardwalk, you’ll hear live music spilling out of every venue.
But there’s more to the inlet than just the local businesses. If you stroll out onto the pier, you’ll be wrapped in untouched natural scenery with clear blue water on all sides. But, beware, you may see a ghost or two since the inlet has a long history of pirates and tragic love stories gone wrong.
When the sun sets, the inlet’s sky is filled with one of the largest and longest Myrtle Beach 4th of July fireworks shows. Starting promptly at 10pm, you don’t want to miss this red, white, and blue display of patriotism!
5. Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is located halfway between central Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet. The annual Surfside Beach 4th of July celebration is an all-day affair. From 5pm to 8pm, families are invited to enjoy live music, watch stilt walkers perform, participate in giveaways, and sample unique dishes from the fleet of food trucks. When the sun goes down, the fireworks begin!
Please note that all firework display times are subject to change. Shows may be cancelled depending on the weather and local ecological ordinances.
When you stay at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, the expert front desk staff know all the local happenings. Not sure of an event’s start time? Need a recommendation on how to spend the afternoon? Just ask! Our team is happy to help!
Iconic 4th of July Parades in Myrtle Beach
Parades are an integral part of celebrating America’s independence day. This tradition dates back to 1777 when military parades, bonfires, and celebrations first filled the streets of Philadelphia. Parades for celebration spread to other cities around 1812 and have been a time-honored tradition ever since.
4th of July Myrtle Beach parades occur across land, sea, and even sky! There are 5 places where you and your family can watch a patriotic parade:
1. Annual Murrells Inlet Boat Parade
Murrells Inlet hosts a boat parade where boat owners compete for the best design, decoration, theme, and costuming for their vessels.
The procession begins at Garden City Inlet on Surfside Beach; this area is located just south of Myrtle Beach proper. The boats will take a route through Murrells Inlet and end up at Morse Park Landing. With such a long parade route, it is easy for families to find prime seats to watch the show!
2. Pawleys Island 4th of July Parade
Pawleys Island is located about 35 minutes south of Myrtle Beach. This parade takes place on land, so it is made up of trucks, trailers, boats in tow, golf carts, and motor homes. Each year, residents compete to have the best float decorations.
Families visiting for Myrtle Beach 4th of July may enjoy heading down to Pawleys Island. The area is something of a hidden gem, so it’s easier to get front row seats without having to form a line or squeeze in.
3. Surfside Beach 4th of July Celebration
Surfside Beach is only 15 minutes away from Myrtle Beach, and this parade is made up entirely of golf carts. Whereas Pawleys Island parade is known for the decorated vehicles, Surfside Beach is the parade to attend if you have a sweet tooth. The locals who take part in the parade always stock up on lots of candy to give to the kids in the audience.
4. North Myrtle Beach Golf Cart Parade
This golf cart parade is known for being the most patriotic 4th of July Myrtle Beach parade of all! The event usually kicks off mid-morning and takes a route along Seaview Street. Before the parade, residents and visitors alike are invited to hear the All City Choir Cantata perform at Living Water Baptist Church. After the parade, there are festivities like hot dog eating contests, live music, and a free kids crafting corner.
5. Salute from the Shore
This parade doesn’t take place on the ground or in the water; it also takes place in the sky. Salute from the Shore is a beloved tradition that started in 2010. Around 1pm, F-16s from McEntire Joint National Guard Base fly along the coastline from Cherry Grove to Beaufort. The first half of the aerial parade is active military pilots; the second half features vintage T-34s, T-6s, and T-28s flown by the Warbirds, a group of volunteer pilots.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in red, white, and blue, wave flags of all sizes, and make signs to salute the troops.
Family-Friendly Activities Across the Grand Strand
When you first arrive for Myrtle Beach 4th of July festivities, you’ll quickly discover that everywhere you look, there’s another memory-making family activity to do! When you stay at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, you can get great deals on some of the most exciting local attractions. If you head 10 minutes down the road to Broadway at the Beach, you’ll find things to do for kids of all ages.
Things to do with little kids:
- Make a new best friend at Build-a-Bear Workshop
- Ride the carousel
- Ride a T-Rex, excavate fossils, and come face to face with life-sized dinosaurs at Dino Park
- Meet and greet with sharks (and other exotic fish) at Ripley’s Aquarium
- Get dressed up and take Old Tyme Portraits at the east or south location
- Splash at the waterpark
- Build a one-of-a-kind custom miniature car at Ridemakerz
Things to do with older kids and teens:
- Put your brains to the test at one of the 2 escape rooms: Backstage Escape Games and The Escape Game, which each have multiple themed challenge rooms
- Channel your inner Fast & Furious driver in go-karts at Broadway Grand Prix
- Catch a musical or Cirque du Soleil-inspired act at Broadway Theater
- Tackle 18 holes at PopStroke or whack balls at Top Golf
- Zip 50 feet over the water on the Soar & Explore zipline
- Mingle with celebrities at the Hollywood Wax Museum (it’s the building with King Kong climbing the side – you can’t miss it)
Myrtle Beach Dining on the 4th of July
Restaurants are nearly always open to serve the Myrtle Beach 4th of July visitors. When you hang around Barefoot Landing on Independence Day, you’ll find plenty of dining options for all times of day.
Breakfast
Need some java? Swing by Café de Paris, which had every caffeinated beverage you can think of, plus pastries, crepes, and smoothies. If you’re craving something hearty and savory, then try Blueberry’s Grill. The unique menu embraces Southern-style cooking with mouth-watering biscuits, gravy, and eggs benedict.
Lunch
If you ask the locals for good places to have lunch, they’ll definitely point you to River City Cafe. They start serving lunch around 11am, and you can sit indoors or out in the fresh, summer air. The menu consists of classic American fare like homemade fries, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
If you’re craving something with a bit of kick, check out Taco Mundo Kitchen Y Cantina. This restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine along with signature margaritas for the adults.
Dinner
For dinner, you simply must embrace the sea-side lifestyle by dining at a raw bar. Flying Fish Public Market & Grill is the most unique dining attraction in town because it is part restaurant and part market. All the shellfish and sushi you eat at the raw bar are caught locally and served very fresh.
Delicious Dining Closer to the Homebase
If you don’t want to go anywhere, Marina Inn at Grande Dunes has multiple on-site dining options. Reflections Coffee in the main lobby serves pastries, coffee, and sandwiches from 6:30 am until 11 am each day.
For lunch, head over to Reflections Kitchen & Bar where guests can enjoy salads, seafood, burgers, and pasta in a casual atmosphere. Reflections is an idea dining location for anyone who is vegan, vegetarian, or has other dietary requirements. The expert chefs will work with you to style a meal without allergens or unwanted ingredients.
When it is time for a couples date night, look no further than Waterscapes Restaurant. The elegant dining room with perfect wine pairings create a romantic ambiance. If you and your beloved are looking to renew your vows, elope, or host a party before tying the knot, Waterscapes can also be rented out for special events.
Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach for the 4th of July
When you plan a Myrtle Beach 4th of July trip, be sure to book your accommodations well in advance. TheMarina Inn at Grande Dunes is the most luxurious 4-star hotel in the area. This means that rooms tend to fill up fast as Independence Day approaches.
Depending on the size of your family, you may choose to book a 2-, 3-, or 4-bedroom suit. The 4-bedroom suite is the penthouse, which sleeps up to 9 guests in a luxurious 3,300 square foot space. The 3-bedroom condo suites are the perfect home-away-from-home, complete with a full kitchen, private balcony, fireplace, and a mix of king and queen-sized beds. If you book a 2-bedroom suite, you can also enjoy the convenience of a full kitchen. The 2-bedroom suites can sleep a maximum of 6 to 8 guests, depending on the specific room.
When you stay at Marina Inn in the summer, you get access to full beach service, which includes towels, beverages, lifeguards, and transportation. All the amenities, like the pool, sauna, business center, and gym, are open 24 hours a day to accommodate guests with all different sleep schedules.
FAQs
I. What are the best places to stay in Myrtle Beach for the 4th of July?
For a luxurious and centrally located stay, Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is the top choice. This 4-star resort offers spacious suites, exclusive beach access with full service, and breathtaking views. Booking early is essential, as top-rated hotels fill up fast for the holiday. Many beachfront resorts and vacation rentals also provide prime spots for fireworks viewing.
II. Does Myrtle Beach have any special 4th of July concerts or live music events?
Yes! Myrtle Beach hosts several live music events on the 4th of July. Murrells Inlet MarshWalk features local bands at waterfront venues, while Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach often have special performances. Many restaurants and bars, such as The Bowery, host patriotic-themed shows. Check event schedules early, as performances vary each year.
III. Are there any 4th of July festivals or fairs in Myrtle Beach?
While Myrtle Beach doesn’t host a large-scale fair, visitors can enjoy festive celebrations across the Grand Strand. Surfside Beach has a lively event with live entertainment, food trucks, and family activities. Market Common often holds patriotic-themed street parties. Additionally, some amusement parks, like Family Kingdom, celebrate with special promotions and entertainment.
IV. Can you watch fireworks from a boat in Myrtle Beach?
Absolutely! One of the best ways to experience Myrtle Beach 4th of July fireworks is from the water. Several charter companies, like Express Watersports and East Coast Jet Ski Adventures, offer fireworks cruises along the Grand Strand. Booking in advance is essential, as these excursions sell out quickly. Private boat rentals are also an option for a more personal experience.
V. Are there any special 4th of July dining experiences or buffets in Myrtle Beach?
Many restaurants offer special holiday menus and buffets. Waterscapes at Marina Inn provides an elegant dining experience with fresh, locally sourced seafood. Gulfstream Café in Garden City offers a rooftop fireworks view with a seafood feast. For a more casual option, check out Captain George’s Seafood Buffet, a local favorite. Reservations are recommended for all holiday dining.
VI. What transportation options are available for getting around Myrtle Beach on the 4th of July?
Traffic can be heavy on the 4th, so plan ahead! Coast RTA buses offer public transportation along the Grand Strand. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available but may have surge pricing. Many resorts, including Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, offer shuttle services. If driving, arrive early and park in designated lots near event locations.
Do You Have More Questions?
Planning your 4th of July getaway to Myrtle Beach and need more details? The team at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is happy to help! Whether you need event recommendations, dining reservations, or travel tips, our expert staff is here for you. Contact us today to make your holiday unforgettable!
Come Celebrate the Red, White, and Blue in Myrtle Beach!
Whether you’re making memories with your teens and traveling with toddlers, your whole family will have a blast in Myrtle Beach. Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is the perfect place to stay for both the high service amenities and the central location to the other beaches.
Plan your perfect Myrtle Beach 4th of July getaway today by booking your stay at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes.
