Myrtle Beach is a great place to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of ‘Merica!
July 4, 2026 | Grand Strand, South Carolina
This year’s Fourth of July is shaping up to be the biggest in a generation. The holiday falls on a Saturday, America is turning 250 years old, and the Grand Strand — all 60 miles of it — is ready to celebrate in style. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here’s your guide to making the most of Independence Day on the coast.
Start the Day Right: The Salute from the Shore
Before a single hot dog hits the grill, the Grand Strand gets its first show of the day from the sky.
At approximately 1:00 PM, F-16 fighter jets from Shaw Air Force Base will begin a flight south along the entire South Carolina coastline, starting at Cherry Grove in North Myrtle Beach and sweeping all the way down to the Lowcountry. Following the military jets, a civilian formation of vintage Warbirds — T-34s, T-6s, and T-28s — will take over for a second pass.
Where to watch: Get to the beach by 12:30 PM and stake your spot. The North Myrtle Beach Horseshoe area is a popular gathering point, where the city has timed live music to begin right as the jets arrive from the north. It’s one of those moments worth planning around.
This is the 17th year of the Salute from the Shore, organized by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to honoring those who serve.
North Myrtle Beach: A Full Day of Events
North Myrtle Beach goes all-in on the Fourth, with a schedule that stretches from late morning through the night.
11:00 AM — Salute to America March Organized by American Legion Post 186, this patriotic march honors current and former military members. A great way to kick off the day before the jets arrive.
1:00 PM — Music at the Horseshoe Live music kicks off at the Horseshoe — timed perfectly to coincide with the F-16 flyover. Stay for the music, and you’ll hear the jets approaching from the north at the same moment the performance begins.
9:30 PM — Cherry Grove Pier Fireworks North Myrtle Beach’s signature fireworks display lights up the sky over Cherry Grove Pier. The 3500 block of Ocean Boulevard will be closed to traffic at 7:00 PM for safety, and golf carts are prohibited after 8:00 PM per state law. Plan to walk or bike if you’re staying nearby — leave the car at your rental and enjoy the stroll down.
Pro tip: From the right spot in North Myrtle Beach, you can sometimes catch both the Cherry Grove show (9:30 PM) and the Barefoot Landing display (10:00 PM) without moving. Position yourself accordingly.
Barefoot Landing: Shopping, Music, and Fireworks Over the Lake
Barefoot Landing offers one of the most family-friendly Fourth of July experiences on the Grand Strand. Arrive early to browse the shops, grab dinner from one of the waterfront restaurants, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the complex. The evening wraps up with a spectacular fireworks display over the lake at 10:00 PM — a beautiful setting that draws big crowds for good reason.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: Downtown on the Fourth
For a classic oceanfront Fourth of July, head to the 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. The area buzzes with energy all day, and the fireworks show — launched over the Atlantic Ocean from the Second Avenue Pier — is scheduled for 9:00 PM. It’s hard to beat fireworks reflecting off the ocean on a warm July night.
Broadway at the Beach: Five Nights of Fireworks
Broadway at the Beach is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, and they’re doing it in style — with fireworks for five consecutive nights, culminating in a massive Saturday night extravaganza over Lake Broadway at 10:00 PM. If you want multiple nights of fireworks without going anywhere, this is your spot.
Murrells Inlet MarshWalk: The Grand Strand’s Biggest Aerial Show
Head south to the MarshWalk for what many consider the Grand Strand’s largest aerial fireworks display. The day starts with the Annual Boat Parade at 4:00 PM, departing from Garden City Point and passing the MarshWalk on its way south to Morse Park Landing. The fireworks follow at 10:00 PM, over the marsh and waterway. Add in the waterfront restaurants, live music, and holiday drink specials, and you’ve got a full evening right there.
A Unique Option: The Barefoot Queen Riverboat Cruise
Want to watch fireworks from the water? The Barefoot Queen Riverboat offers a special July 4th dinner cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway, timed to arrive at Barefoot Landing just in time for the fireworks show. It’s a memorable way to spend the evening — dinner, a full bar, and fireworks from the boat.
Getting Around: What You Need to Know
July 4th on a Saturday in America’s 250th anniversary year means the Grand Strand will be exceptionally busy. A few things to keep in mind:
- Arrive early in the weekend. Saturday arrivals mean sitting in holiday traffic on Highway 17 and Highway 501. If you can get here Thursday evening or Friday morning, you’ll spend the Fourth enjoying it instead of trying to get in.
- Walk, bike, or take a golf cart. Ocean Boulevard and the beach areas will be congested through the evening. If your rental is within walking distance of any of these venues, leave the car behind.
- Golf carts have a curfew. State law prohibits golf carts after 8:00 PM in North Myrtle Beach on July 4th.
- Personal fireworks are prohibited. All cities along the Grand Strand prohibit personal fireworks within city limits. Stick to the professional shows — they’re worth it.
- All shows are weather permitting. The Grand Strand in July can produce afternoon storms with little warning. If a show is delayed or rescheduled to July 5th, check the official city websites (nmb.us for North Myrtle Beach) or venue pages for updates.
Quick Reference: Fireworks at a Glance
| Location | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Grove Pier (NMB) | 9:30 PM | Beach closes at 7 PM; walk or bike |
| Myrtle Beach Boardwalk | 9:00 PM | Over the Atlantic at Second Ave Pier |
| Barefoot Landing | 10:00 PM | Over the lake; arrive early |
| Broadway at the Beach | 10:00 PM | 5-night run; 30th anniversary |
| Murrells Inlet MarshWalk | 10:00 PM | Largest aerial show; boat parade at 4 PM |
However you choose to spend it, the Grand Strand is one of the best places in the country to celebrate the Fourth — and 2026 is a year none of us will forget. Get out there, find your spot on the beach before the jets arrive at 1:00 PM, and enjoy every moment of America’s 250th birthday.
Happy Fourth of July from Grand Strand Promotions!
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