July 4th, 2026 celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. With such a historical event across the country, there are thousands of celebrations and cities to enjoy the 4th of July festivities from. We may be biased, but Charleston, South Carolina is home to so much of the United States history, and it is definitely the place to be to celebrate the summer holiday.
This season, Charleston is not only a place to enjoy the beach, sunshine and shopping, it’s a hotspot for celebration and is the current home of The Declaration of Independence. With numerous celebrations happening along the coastline, there’s a little bit of something for everyone looking to hit the Charleston Coast for the summer’s biggest celebration.
Kiawah Island
Annual Patriotic Bike Parade
From 5:00-5:45PM within East Beach Village on Kiawah Island, there’s a celebration built for every type of rider. Grab your decorated wheels (be it bikes, skates, roller blades, or stroller) and join the Annual Patriotic Bike Parade celebration led by the Kiawah Island Recreation Department, followed by Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty and Captain America. This celebration routes from Sea Forest Drive down to Night Heron Park, where everyone rings in the festivities for the Independence Day Celebration.
Independence Day Celebration at Night Heron Park
One of the biggest celebrations in the Kiawah Community, the Independence Day Celebration at Night Heron Park is an annual hit perfect for families and friends alike. Kicking off once the Bike Parade reaches the park, this event hosts live music, carnival games, inflatables, a photo booth, attractions, crafts and more! Featuring highlights such as a Watermelon Eating Contest and Fireworks to wrap up the evening, these Kiawah activities are hard to beat.
Red, White, & Blue Festival
Located within The Sanctuary, the Red, White, & Blue Festival is an elevated, ticketed event including live music, lawn games, a massive cookout buffet, and spirited fun, concluding with an unforgettable fireworks display under the stars.
Seabook Island
Fireworks Show at Seabrook Island’s North Beach
Always a hit with Seabrook Island guests year over year, the Seabrook Island Fireworks show is a standout! On Friday, July 3rd, the event will be hosted at the North Beach region of the island. Featuring live music, food and beverage, beach games, and fireworks starting at 9PM, this local event is a spectacular, family-friendly event for your summer stay on Seabrook.
4th of July Golf Cart Parade
Kicking off first thing in the morning on the 4th of July, this 9AM Golf Cart Parade launches its festivities from the Seabrook Island Lake House. Decked out with red, white and blue decor, residents and guests alike decorate their golf carts in festive flair for the event. Cruising around the island, this event is perfect for both families and guests participating and those lining the streets to enjoy the sites. Open to all guests with the path yet to be announced, this celebration is one for the books!
Isle of Palms
4th of July Golf Cart Parade
Another big hit for families visiting the Charleston coastline, Isle of Palms is a hotspot for family fun on the 4th of July. Kicking off in the morning on the 4th of July, the historic IOP Golf Cart Parade has been happening on the island for 30 years and marks its 6th year as an official city event. Attending guests can expect festively decorated golf carts, red, white & blue outfits, bikes, appearances from Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty, candy, and water guns & hoses along the route. Starting on Ocean Boulevard and working its way down Palm Blvd, this is one of the most memorable events happening in the Charleston area.
Isle of Palms Fireworks
It’s not a 4th of July event in Charleston without enjoying fireworks by the shore. Front Beach is a festive place on a regular day, but the main shopping district of Isle of Palms truly shows up and shows out for the 4th of July. The Isle of Palms Fireworks are free and open to the public! The area of the beach between 21st Avenue to 3rd by Sea Cabins will close in preparation for the fireworks, and the festivities will kick-off after dark. Under the stars and sparkling off of the waves, this event is a favorite for all island vacationers.
Mount Pleasant
Patriots Point 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States at one of the most historic places in Charleston… the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Yorktown. The Patriots Point 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is a ticketed event and includes access aboard the Yorktown, with live music, a 20+ minute fireworks show over the Charleston Harbor, reflecting over the water. Featuring family-friendly activities, live music, unmatched harbor views, and food & beverage available for purchase, there’s something for everyone at this local and beloved occasion.
“Revolutionary Skies” Drone Show
Ahead of the 4th of July festivities around the area, there’s a “Revolutionary Skies” Drone Show happening the weekend prior. From 9-10PM on June 27th over the Charleston Harbor, this local event is part of the SC250 celebrations around Charleston. In honor of Carolina Day, hundreds of illuminated drones will soar above the harbor, showing off breathtaking patriotic images inspired by Charleston’s Revolutionary history. This is a waterfront spectacle you won’t want to miss!
Charleston Area
Salute from the Shore
The Salute from the Shore is a standout celebration to salute our troops across the entire coast of South Carolina. Because plenty of guests and locals head to the beach to soak up some sunshine, the Salute from the Shore produces a military flyover spanning the entire South Carolina coast. Starting at 1PM, F-16s from Shaw Air Force Base will take to the skies, beginning in North Myrtle Beach and ending in Bluffton. Following the military brigade, volunteer forces of Warbirds will fly over in vintage T-34s, T-6s and T-28s. A spectacular event for all and an opportunity to thank our troops for their service!
Waterfront Independence Day Celebration + RiverDogs 4th of July Baseball Game
An independence day celebration on the Downtown Peninsula portion of the city, there’s plenty of fun to be had at the Waterfront Independence Day Celebration at Waterfront Park starting at 4PM. Featuring family-friendly programming and a coordinated, peninsula-wide fireworks display, this event is free and open to the public. Right by Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park, this event is perfect for enjoying the festivities before heading over to the RiverDogs game, if enjoying America’s favorite pastime is your preference!
Book a 4th of July Stay with Sweetgrass
Kiawah Island - 161 Bluebill
Spend your 4th of July in the calm and quiet comfort of Kiawah Island. Centrally located within the island, 161 Bluebill Court boasts a private pool and expansive pool deck that overlooks Bufflehead Pond and golf course views of Osprey Point. With a spacious and bright layout throughout the property, including 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths shared between up to 8 guests, this home is a stunning option to spend the holiday weekend in style. And, it’s only a 5 minute bike ride to the beach!
Seabrook Island - 13103 Pelican Watch Villa
Oceanfront beach days have never been better spent than at the Pelican Watch Villas on Seabrook Island. Bring the whole crew and book out numerous condos within this gorgeous, waterfront condo complex. Our personal choice for the 4th of July? 13103 Pelican Watch Villa, a 1 bedroom, 2 bath condo that sleeps up to 4 guests. This cozy space is situated on the 1st floor of the villas, allowing for easy access out to the boardwalk, just steps away from the shore.
Isle of Palms - 9 on 2nd Avenue
The ultimate Isle of Palms experience is just within grasp… All you have to do is book it. Located at the southernmost tip of Isle of Palms, 9 on 2nd Avenue is a 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath, standout property unlike any of your other vacation stays. This expansive villa features numerous porches for group hangouts, including a first floor patio, a third floor pool deck, and a lookout tower that gives you expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean and Breach Inlet. Boasting a private pool, stunning vaulted ceilings, updated detailwork throughout, and room to sleep 12, this property is a dream come true just minutes from the beach, perfect for those still looking for their perfect holiday stay.
Wild Dunes - 104A Shipwatch
Wild Dunes is the place to be this summer, especially with its resort-like feel and amenities throughout the gorgeous community. Wild Dunes boasts numerous waterfront condos throughout the area, but The Shipwatch Villas stand out as a guest favorite due to the expansive community pool and oceanfront access. 104A Shipwatch is new to our program and boasts gorgeous oceanfront views from its private porch. With 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and sleeping up to 6 guests, this condo is the perfect spot for a family getaway for the 4th of July!
161 Bluebill Court
Spend Your 4th of July by the Shore
Interested in celebrating the 4th of July in Charleston, South Carolina? From local events, fantastic parades, and stunning summer stays, we’ve got you covered as your local experts this summer season. Level up your holiday by staying with Sweetgrass Properties this 4th of July.
Whether you’re looking for a spacious estate located beach-front with ocean views or a cozy coastal villa just steps from community clubhouses, we have a little bit of everything for every type of family. Check out properties across islands like Kiawah, Seabrook, Isle of Palms, and Wild Dunes for your next vacation and experience the Sweetgrass difference.