South Carolina 4th of July Vacation

Myrtle Beach is known for its miles of sandy shores, ideal for families seeking a sun-filled 4th of July vacation. Broadway at the Beach is a waterfront collection of shops, bars, and restaurants, while Barefoot Landing is home to the Alabama Theatre and House of Blues, offering visitors nightly entertainment. Other notable highlights for the family to enjoy are the local skate park, Medieval Times (a themed theater experience), and the fun 36-hole miniature golf course.

South Carolina's second city boasts an unmissable historic downtown area, peppered with attractions such as the colonial French Quarter, The Citadel, and Fort Moultrie, a Civil War-era fort situated on nearby Sullivan's Island. As well as beaches, families can join a walking or carriage tour of the city, and shop for unique gifts in the stores which line Market Street.

The pine forests and floodplains of Congaree National Park boast an amazing range of flora and fauna. Wild turkeys, songbirds, and hawks populate the park and can all be spotted when taking a walk through the ancient forest landscapes. For yet more fun, take to the water on the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail, which ends at the Congaree River.

Located just across the water from Charleston, Patriots Point hosts one of the state's most dazzling July 4th fireworks displays. Visitors can either purchase a ticket to watch the spectacular show from aboard a docked ship or they can watch the display for free from the harbor. The celebration also includes live music and kids' entertainment starting in the late afternoon.

America's largest army training center also puts on a magnificent display for 4th July. Along with fireworks, there is also a cannon salute to each of the US states and an official army band playing rousing tunes. Note, that guests need to take official identification and car registration - check their website for details.

The annual Wells Fargo Red, White and Blue Festival in Greenville is held on the banks of Reedy River against the stunning backdrop of Liberty Bridge. Snuggle up with a blanket and a picnic to watch the fireworks and soak up the friendly atmosphere across the kids' zone, music areas, and food court which also serves drinks.

This colossal mountain range stretches across many American states, including South Carolina. There are numerous treks and camping opportunities, and the mountain range is famed for its accessibility and rugged scenery. It's the perfect July 4th escape for South Carolina nature lovers on a budget.

This palm tree lined island is a favorite with families and has an abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy. Water sports are a highlight here and Tidal Wave Sports are on hand to help you hit the water for wakeboarding, water skiing, and banana boat rides. Be sure to look out for the colonies of turtles which nest here in the summer months - the cute critters are a delight to see.

This historic waterfront town is packed with shops, restaurants, and museums. Be sure to check out Kaminski House (an 18th-century colonial-era home, which is now a museum), The Rice Museum, and The Georgetown County Museum. There are numerous walking and boat tours, while the harbor with its 4 major marinas is the perfect location for an afternoon stroll.