Celebrating 4th of July in North Myrtle Beach (2026)

If you're planning a July beach vacation and wondering whether North Myrtle Beach knows how to celebrate the nation's birthday, the answer is a resounding yes.

 

From a stunning fireworks display over the Atlantic to a patriotic flyover up the coastline, the city of North Myrtle Beach rolls out a genuine 4th of July celebration that keeps the whole family busy with adult and kid friendly events from morning to night.

 

At Beach Cove Resort, you can walk straight out to the sand and spend the day soaking up the sun, swimming, and enjoying the beach before the evening festivities begin. There's nothing that says Independence Day quite like a beach themed 4th of July on the South Carolina coast.

 

 

What to Expect for the 4th of July in North Myrtle Beach

 

North Myrtle Beach has an atmosphere that leans more relaxed than the high-energy scene you might find further south on the Grand Strand, but that doesn't mean the city skimps on the fun.

 

By late afternoon, Ocean Boulevard fills with golf carts draped in flags, kids carrying glow sticks, and families hauling folding chairs toward the beach to claim a fireworks spot before sunset. There’s a steady buzz everywhere — live music spilling out from waterfront bars, ice cream lines stretching onto the sidewalks, and beachgoers squeezing in one last swim before the sky lights up.

 

What makes North Myrtle Beach different from some bigger beach destinations is that it still feels manageable. You can spend the morning on the sand, grab lunch at a seafood shack in Cherry Grove, listen to a local band around Barefoot Landing, and still make it back to the beach without feeling like the entire day turned into a traffic battle.

 

Things to Do on Fourth of July Around North Myrtle Beach (2026)

 

Because July 4, 2026, falls on a Saturday, expect the holiday energy to build across the entire weekend. Crowds will be up compared to a weekday holiday, so plan ahead and arrive early at key spots to make a real difference in your experience.

 

The Cherry Grove Pier Fireworks Show

3500 N Ocean Blvd, North Myrtle Beach, SC

 

The centerpiece of the North Myrtle Beach 4th of July is the annual fireworks display launched from the Cherry Grove Pier. The show is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2026, beginning at 9:30 PM. This is a permitted professional event organized by the city, and it draws crowds along the shoreline.

 

The 3500 block of North Ocean Boulevard will be closed during the fireworks show, and 300 feet of beach on both sides of the Cherry Grove Pier will be closed to the public starting at 7 PM. If you plan to watch from the shore, check the tide chart for the Cherry Grove area before the show so you know what the beach conditions will be when you arrive.

 

It's worth noting that the sale, possession, or use of personal fireworks within the city limits of North Myrtle Beach is prohibited. The city handles the show, so grab a lawn chair or beach chair and head over to Cherry Grove Pier for an unforgettable fireworks display overhead.

 

Watch the Fireworks from the Water with Hurricane Fleet

4491 Mineola Avenue, Little River, SC

 

For a truly unique July fireworks cruise, Hurricane Fleet Ocean Adventures offers a Fourth of July themed cruise that puts you on the water for the Cherry Grove Pier fireworks show. Watching the fireworks display from the Atlantic is a completely different experience than watching from the beach, and it's one the whole family will be talking about long after the trip home.

 

The Salute from the Shore Flyover

Viewing at Ocean Boulevard/Cherry Grove Beach

 

Before the fireworks even begin, the Salute from the Shore gives beachgoers one of the most memorable moments of the entire holiday. This event features a military flyover by F-16s from the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base in South Carolina.

 

The aircraft travels the full length of South Carolina's coastline, passing over North Myrtle Beach in the early afternoon. Plant yourself on the sand, bring a flag, and look up as the jets roar overhead.

Catch the Windy Hill Golf Cart Parade

Seaview Street Beach Access

 

One of the most charming North Myrtle Beach 4th of July traditions is the Windy Hill Golf Cart Parade. Located at the southernmost tip of North Myrtle Beach, the neighborhood of Windy Hill decorates golf carts in patriotic themes and parades through the neighborhood in a casual, family-friendly event that showcases community creativity and spirit.

 

It's the kind of low-key, neighborhood celebration that captures what makes North Myrtle Beach feel less like a resort strip and more like a real community. The parade starts at 10 AM and runs along Seaview Street.

 

Whether you ride along or cheer from the sidewalk, it's a great way to start the morning before heading to the beach.

Run the Red, White & Blue 5K at Barefoot Landing

4898 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC

 

For families with runners in the group, the annual Red, White & Blue 5K at Barefoot Landing on July 3 is a fun way to kick off the weekend.

 

Participants are encouraged to wear patriotic attire, with awards for top finishers and a Stars and Stripes Kids Dash available for younger runners. Sign up in advance if you plan to participate.

Enjoy Live Music and Fireworks at Barefoot Landing

4898 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC

 

Barefoot Landing makes a full evening out of the 4th of July, and it's one of the most enjoyable ways to spend the holiday in North Myrtle Beach. On July 3rd, live music kicks off at 5 PM. Then, on July 4th, get your party started at Lulu's at 5 PM until the sun goes down over the water.

 

Then at 10 PM, Barefoot Landing closes out the night with a fireworks spectacular over the lake. Arrive early to grab dinner, browse the shops, and find a good spot along the waterfront before the show begins. All fireworks shows are weather permitting.

Start the Holiday Week with the All City Choir Cantata

200 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC

 

If you want to ease into the patriotic spirit before July 4th itself, the City of North Myrtle Beach hosts its annual All City Choir Cantata in late June. This free patriotic celebration features songs of God and country at First Baptist Church on June 27, 2026, at 3:30 pm, and on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 3:30 pm & 6:30 pm.

 

Explore More Fireworks Along the Grand Strand

View at Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach, or Cherry Grove Pier

 

North Myrtle Beach's Cherry Grove fireworks show is the main event, but the Grand Strand has several other spectacular fireworks displays lighting up the night sky on July 4th.

 

If you're interested in catching an additional show or exploring further south, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk hosts a fireworks display at the Second Avenue Pier, and Broadway at the Beach puts on a show over Lake Broadway.

 

Tips for a Great Beach 4th of July in North Myrtle Beach

 

Before you head out to celebrate, here's a quick rundown of what to know and what to bring for a smooth July 4th in North Myrtle Beach:

• Arrive early at Cherry Grove. The 300-foot beach closure zone on either side of the Cherry Grove Pier goes into effect at 7 PM, well before the 9:30 PM fireworks show.


• Check the tide chart. Knowing the tide ahead of time helps you find the best spot on the shore for the fireworks display.


• Plan for traffic. Ocean Boulevard traffic will operate under a reverse traffic pattern following the fireworks show. Road closures and routing changes along Sea Mountain Highway and Duffy Street are designed to move vehicles out efficiently, so build in extra time.


• Expect summer heat. July 4th highs in North Myrtle Beach typically reach the low-to-mid 90s with high humidity. Plan outdoor activities like the 5K or golf cart parade early in the day, and use shade and pool time to recover in the afternoon.


• Watch the forecast. Afternoon pop-up thunderstorms are common along the Grand Strand in July, so have a backup plan for any outdoor events.


• Pack smart. Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are must-haves for the beach and daytime festivities. Lightweight, breathable clothing in red, white, and blue is always a crowd favorite.


• Bring fireworks essentials. A beach chair or blanket, a light layer for after sunset, and a small cooler will keep you comfortable through the evening fireworks show.


• Wear closed-toe shoes. If you're walking the area at Barefoot Landing or navigating post-fireworks crowds along Ocean Boulevard, you'll be glad you have them.

 

Book Your Fourth of July Stay at Beach Cove Resort

If you’re planning to spend the 4th of July in North Myrtle Beach, staying somewhere with direct beach access and room to actually relax makes a huge difference, especially during one of the busiest weeks of summer. Beach Cove Resort puts you close to all the holiday action while still giving you an easy place to escape the crowds when you want a slower pace.

 

You can spend the day on the beach, head to nearby restaurants and Barefoot Landing events, then, after the fireworks, head back to your oceanfront balcony to wind down. The resort’s spacious suites, multiple outdoor pools, lazy river, and beachfront location make it especially ideal for families or groups trying to balance activity with downtime.

 

Plan your July getaway at Beach Cove Resort and enjoy oceanfront accommodations just minutes from all the holiday action.