There’s no shortage of opportunities to sit beneath a sky of bursting, cascading color on the Fourth of July, and in Charleston, you have several opportunities to do just that. The iconic fireworks display over the picturesque Charleston Harbor can be seen all over the Lowcountry, and we’ve put together a short list of some of the best spots to watch it from.
From historical sites like Patriots Point and the Charleston Battery to seats a The Joe, we have you covered with several options to best fit your schedule — and budget.
This list is not exhaustive (we have our secret spots, of course). Share your favorites with us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your favorite photos from this year’s celebrations.
Independence Day Celebration with the Charleston RiverDogs
Indulge in America’s favorite pastime this Fourth of July at the Charleston RiverDogs stadium, where fireworks will follow the Thursday home game against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Celebrations will continue through July 6, when active duty and retired members of the military and veterans will be honored on Friday and Saturday night respectively.
July 4 to July 6. Games start at around 6 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at tickets-center.com and range from $29 to $79. Joseph P. Riley Park at 360 Fishburne St. Downtown.
Fourth of July Festival at Riverfront Park
The North Charleston’s Independence Day event features the largest Fourth of July fireworks show in the Lowcountry. There will be music by the North Charleston Pops! and DJ Natty Heavy and some of Charleston’s favorite food trucks. The show is free to attend and free parking is available. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs, water and snacks, if desired.
July 4. Gates open at 5 p.m. Free to attend. Riverfront Park at 1061 Everglades Ave. North Charleston.
Sullivan’s Island Fourth of July Celebration
Begin your Fourth of July festivities with a morning golf cart parade on Sullivan’s island, which starts at Sunrise Presbyterian Church and ends at Sullivan’s Island Elementary School. In the afternoon, a Fourth of July party will be held at J. Marshall Stith Park. Music will be provided by the Shem Creek Boogie Band and fireworks will start after dark.
July 4. Party starts at 6 p.m. Both the party and the golf cart parade are free to attend.
J. Marshall Stith Park at 2058 Middle St. Sullivan’s Island.
Sunset Sail & Fireworks Viewing
Catch the sunset and fireworks from the Carolina Girl Yacht, which will sail from St. John’s Yacht Harbor to the Historic Charleston Harbor on July 4 evening. Enjoy a few drinks at the bar on board. No food is provided but guests are encouraged to bring a snack from home.
July 4. Boating time begins at 7:45 p.m. Tickets are $160 at eventbrite.com. 2408 Maybank Highway. Johns Island.
Patriots Point 4th of July Blast
What better place to celebrate Independence Day than from the U.S.S. Yorktown Flight Deck at Patriots Point. The event includes live music, food trucks and a prime spot to watch the fireworks show over Charleston Harbor.
July 4. Bag check stations open at 5 p.m. Tickets are sold for $95 at eventbrite.com. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum at 40 Patriots Point Road. Mount Pleasant.
Fourth of July at The Watch
If you’re looking for a chic dinner spot to watch the Fourth of July fireworks, consider The Restoration Hotel at The Watch rooftop in downtown Charleston. Tickets include all-you-can-eat Southern barbecue in perfect view of Charleston’s annual fireworks display.
July 4. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 for adults and $30 for children ages 4-12, available for purchase at eventbrite.com. The Watch Rooftop Kitchen & Spirits at 75 Wentworth St. Downtown.
Fourth of July at Pier 101
Enjoy the nighttime breeze and casual vibes on the Folly Beach Pier at beachfront restaurant Pier 101. Overlooking the water, you’ll catch the best of the Folly Beach fireworks from the restaurant deck.
July 4. Restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Night Heron Park at 101 E. Arctic Ave. Folly Beach.
The Battery
If you’re looking for a quieter spot, The Battery, a riverfront park on East Bay Street, is a favorite for residents of downtown Charleston. With a great view of the Ashley River towards James Island, you’ll catch the different fireworks displays all around the peninsula.
July 4. Fireworks start at dusk.
White Point Garden at 2 Murray Blvd. Downtown.
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