For the Fourth of July, we celebrate our country’s independence with barbecues, fireworks, and beach vacations. Is there any other holiday so quintessentially American than Independence Day? It’s parades, picnics, and ice cream cones. And there’s no better place to celebrate than on the Charleston coast.
The charming towns of Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Sullivan’s Island boasts beautiful beaches, family-friendly activities, and an idyllic lifestyle. Book a stay in a classic beach cottage, oceanfront property, or a cozy condo.
Enjoy soaking up the sun while gazing at the Atlantic Ocean on one of the local beaches. Dip your toes in the sand. Build a sandcastle. Splash in the waves. Reserve beach chairs with an outfitter like Alligator Bikes, which rents tents, backpack chairs, and coolers.
As for holiday activities, the Annual Patriotic Bike Parade rolls through East Beach Village on Kiawah Island on July 4. Patriots of all ages are encouraged to join on bikes, skates, rollerblades, or by foot. Bike decorating begins at 5 p.m., with the parade kicking off at 5:45 p.m. The Kiawah Island Rec Department leads the parade, followed by Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty, and Captain America, traveling down Sea Forest Drive from The East Beach Village and finishing at Night Heron Park, where everyone can join the Independence Day Festival. The festival ends with a spectacular fireworks display at about 9:15 p.m. Admission is free.
The Red, White & Blue Festival takes place on the Kiawah Island Terrace Lawn at The Sanctuary from 5-9 p.m. on July 4. The cost is $109 per adult and $49 per child (ages 4-10). The festivities include a buffet-style menu with all the cookout classics you can eat — burgers, hot dogs, and seafood options — plus your favorite sides. Enjoy live music, open-air activities, and fun for the whole family. Close out the evening with a fireworks show at 10 p.m. fireworks show.
The Isle of Palms Community 4th of July Golf Cart Parade takes place on the end of the island toward Breach Inlet. The carts begin staging at 9 a.m. near the corner of Carolina Boulevard and 2nd Avenue. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. at 4th Avenue and Charleston Boulevard. Rent a cart, decorate it, and take part in the event. Contact event coordinator Diane Juras at djuras@comcast.net for info. At about 9 p.m., be prepared to watch the Isle of Palms fireworks display at the Front Beach area. City workers close the beach between 21st Avenue and 3rd Sea Cabins at 6:30 p.m. to set up the display.
On Seabrook Island, the fun starts at 8 a.m. on July 3 with a 5K Run/Walk that starts and finishes at the Lake House. Watch the fireworks display at dark on July 3 at the Seabrook Island Club Driving Range. At 9:30 a.m. on July 4, the Fourth of July parade rolls on Seabrook Island Road Loop. Want to ride in the parade? Register at the Lake House by noon on Saturday, July 1.
Wear your red, white, and blue, and wave your flag for the most spectacular Fourth of July you’ll experience!