The GCR Guide to Celebrating Independence Day on the South Strand

Beyond the spectacular fireworks, the South Strand is booming with ways to make your Fourth of July holiday sparkle. Join in the local family-friendly festivities—including live music, a military air show, parades and more!

The Town of Surfside Beach is selling Fourth of July T-shirts available for purchase at the Surfside Beach Town Hall. You can also purchase T-shirts for the Murrells Inlet Boat Parade, supporting Murrells Inlet Boy Scout Troop 396, at our Garden City Realty office. These spirited beachy tees are an excellent memento to treasure from your shoreside holiday.

Check out our Independence Day calendar below to begin planning your celebration.

**Please note that events are weather permitting.

Surfside Beach

  • 11:00 a.m. Annual Golf Cart Parade – Join this beloved town event by outfitting your golf cart in red, white, and blue decor. Catch the parade along Ocean Boulevard in Surfside Beach.
  • 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Fourth of July Celebration at Memorial Park (Surfside Drive & N. Willow Drive) – Gear the kids up for an evening of outdoor festivities, including live music, balloon artists and face painting. Come hungry – there will be food trucks!

Garden City and Murrells Inlet

  • 2:30 p.m. Garden City WET Golf Cart Parade – Prepare your water guns for a fun-soaked affair. The parade lines up at Willard’s Fireworks and travels down Calhoun Drive. This parade is a fundraiser for the local fire company and first responders. Non-slip shoes, water-friendly clothing, and maybe even goggles are recommended for this playful water fight. NO WATER BALLOONS, please.
  • 5:30 p.m. The 41st Annual Murrells Inlet Boat Parade – This year’s theme is Red, White, and View. The parade kicks off at Garden City Point. Festive boats will be cruising along the inlet, displaying their American spirit. You can view the parade from the MarshWalk, Belin United Methodist Church, or Morse Park Landing.
  • 10 p.m. Fireworks (20+ minutes) – Station yourself along the MarshWalk and prepare for a dazzling show. Colorful fireworks will illuminate the coastal skies and glitter across the inlet water.
  • All evening – Live music at MarshWalk restaurants – Hop between your favorite MarshWalk establishments to experience the lowcountry talents, such as the funky soulful ensemble, Painted Man.

Across the South Strand

  • 1:00 p.m. The 14th annual Salute from the Shore – Bring your American flags to the beach for an enthusiastic salute of our armed forces. Salute from the Shore is a non-profit organization devoted to honoring our nation’s servicemembers.

On July 5th, head to the MarshWalk for the Inlet Clean Up (time TBD) for a community effort to clear any debris from the July 4th celebrations and keep our waters clean. Check out our website for more area information to prepare for your visit. We are thrilled to have you as our special guests during one of summer’s biggest occasions.

  • Lauren Evanousky, Garden City Realty, Guest Services Vacation Specialist

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