How to Spend the Fourth of July in the Lowcountry

Backyard barbecues, poolside parties, and beachy breezes. There’s just something about summertime that’s magical, and that goes double for those of us who live or vacation in Beaufort County. Around this time of year the Lowcountry transitions into the Slowcounty, and the pace of local life becomes leisurely at best. But slow definitely doesn’t mean boring!

There are a multitude of family-friendly activities to choose from in Bluffton and Hilton Head, but during the sweet summer season that runs from June through August, entertainment options fairly explode…and we mean that literally on the Fourth of July! Here are a few of our top suggestions for enjoying a star-spangled holiday in the Lowcountry.

The 34th Annual Hilton Head Firecracker 5K Run and Fun Walk

To offset the burgers, potato salad, and baked beans that are sure to come later in the day, consider starting your morning with a little exercise! The annual Hilton Head Firecracker 5K run and fun walk will begin at Jarvis Creek Park on July 4th, 2019 at 8:00 am. The Firecracker Run is the largest and oldest road race in Beaufort County and one of the top 10 races in the state of South Carolina! There’s also a Children’s Fun Run for the kids to enjoy. Beginning at 9:00 am at Shelter Cove Community Park, the children’s run is designed for kids eight years and younger. Music, fresh fruit, cold refreshments, and door prizes will be available at the post-run celebration. Pull out your patriotic colors, lace up those running shoes, slather on the sunscreen, and join the fun. It’s for a good cause—a percentage of proceeds will benefit local charities—and as an added bonus, you’ll make some room for seconds on ice cream!

Get registered here | Pets, strollers, and baby joggers are not permitted.

July 4th Parade in Harbour Town

There’s nothing more All-American than a Fourth of July Parade, and Harbour Town hosts one of the best! Participants are encouraged to show patriotic pride by decorating bicycles, wagons, dogs, and kiddos before joining in this enjoyable promenade around Harbour Town. Meet at the Harbour Town Lighthouse at 8:30 am to register and pick up decorating supplies (supplies are limited to the first 100 participants registered). The parade line-up begins promptly at 9:30 am and entries will be judged on patriotism. More Fourth of July fun and activities will follow the parade!

Details here | Location: 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island

Salute from the Shore

Head to the beautiful beaches of Hilton Head Island at 1:00 pm on July 4th to catch the 10th Annual Salute from the Shore! This unique event is a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to salute our armed forces while celebrating the Fourth up and down the South Carolina coastline. This Independence Day celebration is freely offered by a non-profit, grassroots group of patriotic South Carolinians whose sole aim is to honor our armed forces. Beginning just north of Myrtle Beach and concluding at Lake Murray, Hilton Head is among the many points in between where this amazing spectacle can be seen. Onlookers are encouraged to “Go BIG!” with patriotic attire, flags, and signs, and to share their salute with the world using the hashtag #SalutefromtheShore on social media.

Learn more about the 2019 Salute from the Shore here

July 4th Summer Jams

Summer Jams is a weekly summer event presented by the Island Recreation Association. You can attend a Summer Jams session each Tuesday at Shelter Cove on Hilton Head Island, but beginning at 5:00 pm on Thursday, July 4th of 2019, there will be a special SUPER Summer Jams event with zip lines, bungee jumping, a rock wall, and more! Children of all ages will enjoy this activity-filled affair. Be sure to bring lawn chairs or blankets for the spectacular fireworks show that will conclude the event at 9:00 pm!

Location: Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island

Fireworks at Harbour Town

Harbour Town, located within The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, will again offer up their annual Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza. This is a not-to-be-missed display which lights up the night sky over the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse and reflects off the beautiful Calibogue Sound. Food, fun, and family entertainment abound!

For more information contact The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department at 843-842-1979.

Fourth of July Fireworks Dinner Cruise

Enjoy chef-prepared Lowcountry cuisine while marveling at an incredible fireworks display over the Calibogue Sound! Featuring a full buffet that includes slow-smoked beef brisket, roasted chicken, shrimp and grits, summer vegetables, and a homemade dessert, the Fireworks dinner cruise departs at approximately 7:00 pm and takes passengers for a leisurely three-hour ride through the coastal waterways before arriving in the Spanish Wells area. Here viewers will enjoy an up-close view of an amazing fireworks display. Shrimp and grits and fireworks? That’s how to do the Fourth right in the South!

Price is $79.95 per person. For more information, contact Vagabond Cruises at 843-363-9026. 

Fireworks at Skull Creek

For a front row view of the rockets’ red glare (okay, just the fireworks!) while having a delicious seafood dinner, head over to Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, Skull Creek Boathouse, or Dockside on Skull Creek. Each of these local restaurants offer a bird’s eye view of the fireworks which will be launched from a barge in the Intracoastal Waterway. Bonus: You’ll also be able to catch a gorgeous sunset before the fireworks begin. We call that a summertime win/win!

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