How to Celebrate the Fourth of July Charleston Style

The Fourth of July is just around the corner. That means now is the perfect time to start planning how you want to celebrate this patriotic holiday with your family and friends.

Haven’t given it much thought? No worries!

From fireworks to festivals, Charleston has plenty of activities to choose from. And we at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction are here to offer a few ideas we think you will enjoy!

Check out our favorite ways to celebrate the Fourth of July as we honor the men and women who have served our country.

South Carolina Aquarium Sea Stars and Stripes Event

Looking for a fun, festive, and fishy was to celebrate the Fourth of July? If your answer is “Yes!”, then we suggest grabbing a ticket for the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Stars and Stripes Independence Day celebration.

The celebration starts at 7:00 p.m. on July 4 and ends after the fireworks show.

Tickets include:

  • Aquarium experience including hands-on encounters.
  • American food favorites.
  • Local and domestic beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Spectacular view of fireworks courtesy of Patriots Point.
  • Wonderful memories with family and friends.

Grab a ticket before they sell out!

Uncle Sam Jam

If you enjoy dance parties and spectacular ocean views, the Uncle Sam Jam is an event you won’t want to miss.

Enjoy the cool harbor breeze while dancing to live beach music at the Mount Pleasant Pier as you wait for the fireworks to begin over the Charleston Harbor. It’s a perfect way to wrap up a fun-filled Fourth of July celebration!

Details:

  • Beverages will be available for purchase inside the event.
  • Treats and snacks will be available at the Riverwatch Cafe.
  • Gates open at 7:00 p.m., and music starts at 8:00 p.m.
  • Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited.
  • Admission purchased in advance is $8. Admission will be $10 on-site, if space is available.

Grab a ticket for this event now! 

4th of July Festival

North Charleston is hosting their annual July 4th celebration at the Riverfront Park on July 4 from 3:00 p.m. until 9:45 p.m.

This year’s event features exciting musical guests, children’s activities, food trucks, craft vendors, and the Lowcountry’s largest 4th of July fireworks show.

This event is free to the public, so be sure to mark it on your calendar! If you decide to go, be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair with you to sit and watch the fireworks.

Click here for directions and additional information

Folly Beach Fireworks

Folly Beach, located only 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, is the perfect place to watch fireworks this Fourth of July.

Because it’s located so close to downtown, you’ll have plenty of time to grab dinner with your friends and family or peruse the shops before settling down with a blanket or lawn chair on the beach to watch the fireworks show.

It’s doesn’t get much better than watching a dazzling fireworks display over the sparkling ocean water.

Get directions to Folly Beach here.

Patriots Point Fireworks

Looking for a unique location to watch fireworks this Fourth of July? You’re in luck! Catch one of the most amazing fireworks displays this holiday at the flight deck of the historic USS Yorktown, the 10th aircraft carrier to serve in the U.S. Navy.

Tickets are $30 and include access to the ship starting at 6:00 p.m. There will also be food and drinks for purchase and live music throughout the evening.

You can also purchase a $75 VIP ticket, and receive complimentary drinks from a full-service bar and access to a special area at the bow of the ship. It’s a very neat experience!

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to watch fireworks, you can see them for free on the grounds of the Patriots Point Museum.

Find out more here. 

The Best Places to Take a Stroll in Charleston

 Between the history, warm weather, and charming Southern-town feel, Charleston, South Carolina, is a wonderful place to visit. In fact, it’s been voted the #1 city to travel to in the United States by multiple travel and leisure publications.

If you’ve never been to Charleston or are planning a trip here in the next few weeks, you’re in luck! We’re just about to enter one of the best seasons in Charleston—springtime.

With warm temperatures, beautiful gardens in bloom, and increased amount of water activity on the coastline, the city of Charleston comes alive during the spring months.

There’s so much to do and so much to see that we thought we’d highlight a few of our favorite places to take a stroll in this beautiful city.

Be sure to put at least one of these places on your list during your trip…

Battery & White Point Gardens

Located in Charleston’s historic district, this landmark provides a spectacular view of Fort Sumter and the Charleston Harbor. It was first used as a public garden in 1837. With the outbreak of the Civil War, it became a fortification for the city.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll definitely enjoy checking out the old Civil War cannons located throughout the park along with a gazebo-style bandstand from 1907. Statues and memorials are also located throughout the park and give visitors a chance to learn a little about the history of the area.

Ocean views, large shady oak trees, and oyster shell pathways make this park a beautiful place your entire family can enjoy.

Find out more.

The Old City Market

The Old City Market is known as the cultural heart of the city of Charleston.

As one of the nation’s oldest public markets, this market plays a leading role in the preservation of American history. Bringing your family out to the market to shop for a day is almost like taking a step back into history.

At the market, you can shop, eat, or just enjoy the ambiance of the city as you stroll down the streets.

Find out more.

Folly Beach

Travel 15 miles from downtown Charleston and you’ll find beautiful Folly Beach.

Its large beaches—a hot spot for surfing–eclectic neighborhoods, and community of locally owned restaurants and shops make it the perfect place to explore, unwind, and rest with your family.

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, we highly recommend you talk a walk on the beach.  There’s a good chance you’ll be able to spot loggerhead turtles, dolphins, bald eagles, and various types of sea birds.

Find out more.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

If you love strolling through gardens, smelling the roses, and identifying countless varieties of flowers, trees, and shrubs, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is the place for you.

Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has been around for centuries. This incredible estate has witnessed everything from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond.

It’s also the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870. Every day hundreds of people visit to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens.

Find out more.

Do you have a favorite place to stroll around in Charleston?

Share in the comments below!

Charleston’s Five Beach Towns

Whether you’re taking the kids out for sandcastles and swimming lessons, or your friends need a day suntanning with gossip and a good book, Charleston beaches have something for everyone. We’re known for gentle waves, fun beachside events and friendly neighborhoods, but how do you choose which one to visit?

Check out our short guide to plan a day-trip on the coast:

Kiawah Island: Known as one of the most popular southeast wedding destinations, Kiawah Island is all about Southern comfort and luxury. Not only can you enjoy ten miles of untouched beaches, the family can explore forests, sand dunes and enjoy wildlife. The Island is mainly known for its impressive golf course and resort, so if you get sick of the surf, you can trade it for turf. Coastal Living Magazine recently voted Kiawah the “Happiest Seaside Town.”

Isle of Palms: Six of the seven miles that make up Isle of Palms are accessible beaches, which are used by a number of year-round residents as well as thousands of visitors and guests. Many of the beach houses on the island are available for rent. It’s quiet and perfect for families who want a subdued getaway. Rent or bring some bikes and explore the island through its many bike paths!

Folly Beach: Folly Beach is where the action is! Catch some waves at the most popular surfing spot in the area. But note: From May 15th to Sept. 15th surfing is prohibited from 10 am to 6 pm from 2nd Street East to 3rd Street West, known as the swimming zone. From September 16th to May 14th, surfing is allowed in any area except surfing is always prohibited 200′ from the fishing pier. Build sandcastles and enjoy the sun on these wide beaches. If you want to escape the coastline for lunch, break with a picnic and check out the pier or gaze at the Morris Island Lighthouse in the late afternoon.

Seabrook Island: Exclusive and serene, Seabrook is a privately-owned island for members and their guests to enjoy. That’s right, you have to join the Seabrook Island Club to gain access to its amenities, but it’s worth it. Miles of pristine beaches, gorgeous dunes, old live oaks and more await. You can enjoy ultimate comfort, plus switch between playing in the waves and playing in the pool.

Sullivan’s Island: Sullivan’s Island is a truly day-trip spot, with hardly any vacation rentals and no hotels available. A serene and casual neighborhood, it offers the best in family-oriented activities. Bring your buckets, bikes and blankets for an all-day sun fest! Be sure to pack a cooler, too. This island is so quiet, it only offers a handful of restaurants. You’ll feel like you live there!

Remember to check beach guidelines and rules before you travel!

The Best & Brightest Fireworks in Charleston this Fourth of July

Of course Charleston, historic landmark city that it is, would never settle for anything less than the brightest to rein in the 4th of July, and we at the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction wouldn’t have it any other way! To set your patriotic heart a-soaring this holiday, we’ve rounded up the places where you’ll want to get a good seat come sundown:

  • Patriots Point will host one of Charleston’s biggest and brightest pyrotechnics displays yet with the USS Yorktown as the center stage. Patrons can sit aboard the Flight Deck for $10, but spectators can also enjoy the fiery spectacle landside as well. With food vendors abound and plenty of entertainment for the kids, it’s a walk-through-friendly environment. The real selling point, though, is the view: the fireworks overhead and reflected off the waterfront will saturate your senses in awe.
  • In the heart of Summerville, catch the “Red, White, and Blue on the Green” in Town Square from 5-8 PM. As a special patriotic treat, the Fort Dorchester Garrison re-enactors will set up a Revolutionary War era camp on Hutchinson Square. A reminder of the reason for the holiday, World War II jeeps owned by Summerville locals will be on display. The fireworks sizzle shortly after dusk.
  • The North Charleston Fireworks and celebration take place at Riverfront Park
    where you can enjoy local live music provided by CoastRunner, The Blue Dogs, and Quianna Parlor. A little dancing is good for your health, and a great way to celebrate our country’s independence!
  • Folly Beach, only 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, is yet another perfect star-spangled spot this Fourth of July. Tour the local restaurants, then settle down with your blanket on the sand to watch the sky dazzle above you.

Happy Fourth of July, Charleston! Where will you go to see the fireworks this year?