Your Ultimate Guide to 4th of July in Myrtle Beach

Whether you're a parade-goer, on the hunt for the best firework shows, or just looking for some plans with friends, Myrtle Beach pulls out all the stops for Independence Day. As a local, here are my go-to recommendations for making the most of the 4th on the Grand Strand.

Start the Morning with a 5K (or Just Watch One)

If you're an early riser, there are two great races to kick off the holiday:

Red, White & Blue 5K at Barefoot Landing — July 3rd, 7 AM. Dress in your best patriotic gear and run along one of the prettiest spots in North Myrtle Beach. Kids can join in with a 50-yard dash at 8 AM.

Independence Day 5K at The Market Common — July 4th, 7 AM. Now in its 17th year, this race runs near Grand Park Lake and also includes an Uncle Sam's 1-Mile Fun Run and a Stars & Stripes Kids' Dash. A great low-key way to start the day before the crowds hit.

Catch a Parade (or Two)

The Grand Strand has some seriously fun 4th of July parades — and they're all free.

Pawleys Island 4th of July Parade — 10 AM. Now in its 58th year, this is a classic. Think boats, flatbed trucks, and cars completely decked out in red, white, and blue. Decorating contests for homes and docks are part of the fun too.

Murrells Inlet Boat Parade — July 4th, 10 AM. The 43rd annual boat parade starts at Garden City and winds through the MarshWalk, ending at the Hot Fish Club. Grab a spot along the water and watch the creatively decorated boats go by — it's one of those only-in-Myrtle-Beach experiences.

Surfside Beach Golf Cart Parade — July 4th, 10 AM. Locals line up along Ocean Boulevard to cheer on decorated golf carts making their way north to 16th Avenue North. It's charming, festive, and very Surfside.

The Salute From the Shore — Don't Miss This One

At 1 PM on July 4th, F-16s and C-17s fly the length of the Grand Strand coastline starting at Cherry Grove. Get on the beach, wear your most patriotic outfit, and look up. It gives me chills every single year.

Evening Plans: Live Entertainment & Food

Surfside Beach 4th of July Celebration — 5–8 PM at 406 Surfside Drive. Live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a laid-back vibe. Perfect if you want something festive before the fireworks.

Barefoot Landing — All day long, Barefoot Landing has live entertainment, great restaurants, and a waterside atmosphere that's perfect for the holiday. The Dockside Village Stage and Crooked Hammock Brewery are two favorites.

Broadway at the Beach — Walk around, grab dinner, and stake out your spot for the fireworks later. It's lively, it's fun, and everything you need is right there.

Fireworks — Where to Watch

Here's the full lineup for 2026:

• Cherry Grove Pier (North Myrtle Beach) — 9:30 PM. Bring a beach chair and watch from the sand nearby.
• Broadway at the Beach — 10 PM. Fireworks launch over Lake Broadway — stunning from anywhere around the complex.
• Murrells Inlet MarshWalk — 10 PM. Shot from the end of the pier, visible from the entire MarshWalk. Come early and make a dinner reservation at one of the waterfront restaurants.
• Barefoot Landing — 10 PM. Another over-the-water show on the south end of North Myrtle Beach.

My personal pick? The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk. Dinner on the water, boats everywhere, and fireworks reflecting off the marsh — it doesn't get better than that.

Myrtle Beach fills up fast on the 4th. Here's how to make the day smoother:

• Arrive early to parades and fireworks spots. Traffic along the strip picks up significantly by mid-afternoon.
• Park and walk when you can. Especially around Broadway at the Beach and the Boardwalk area.
• The beach itself is a great fireworks viewing spot — you can often see multiple shows from one spot on the sand.

The 4th of July is one of my favorite times to be a Myrtle Beach local. If you're visiting and falling in love with the area — or if you've been thinking about making this your permanent summer — I'd love to chat. There's truly no better place to plant roots.

— Palmetto Properties SC | Your local experts and go-to agents @palmettopropertiessc