Wondering where to watch fireworks in Charleston for July 4th this year? As a local, I’ve rounded up all the best displays, event, and my secret spots to catch a great view.
Every year on July 4th our nation celebrates our independence with many of the things that make America great – baseball, barbecue, patriotism, and of course, FIREWORKS displays. Charleston is no different!
As a lifelong Charlestonian, I am sharing all my best places to watch 4th of July Fireworks in Charleston throughout the weekend from special events, restaurants, and a few secret spots! Happy Birthday, America!
This post includes the big firework displays hosted throughout each city or town within the Charleston area. Then, I will share a few restaurants with great viewing points and a few of my secret spots as a local!
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Organized Events for 4th of July Fireworks in Charleston
Fireworks in Charleston usually begin once it gets dark around 9pm or later. I will update this post as events are announced for 2025
1. Patriots Point Fireworks Fourth of July Blast
Every year Patriots Point, situated right below the Ravenel Bridge, hosts THE most patriotic 4th of July party aboard the historic USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. It is one of the best places to watch fireworks in Mount Pleasant.
If you’re looking for the most patriotic spot in Charleston to celebrate the 4th, this is it. Head aboard the historic USS Yorktown for an unforgettable night of live music, food from local favorites, family fun, and a 20+ minute fireworks show over the harbor.
Your ticket gets you on the ship, and the views alone are worth it. Expect festive vibes, plenty to eat and drink, activities for the kids, and one of the best firework displays in the Lowcountry.
This family friendly event will be held Friday, July 4th, 2025. Festivities kick off at 7:00pm, but fireworks don’t start until after 9pm once it is completely dark.
It always sells out so plan ahead!
2. Folly Beach Grand Fireworks Display
Folly Beach celebrates in style with a huge fireworks show right on the beach on July 4, 2025. Park anywhere near the Folly Beach Pier/Center Street and enjoy the show.
Plan ahead to have dinner before at one of my Folly favorite restaurants, Taco Boy or Rita’s! Afterwards, have drinks at the Bounty Bar or Snapper Jacks. You will be able to see prime fireworks from the rooftop of Snapper’s or Taco Boy!
3. Isle of Palms Fireworks Show
The fireworks show at Isle of Palms will take place on front beach between 21st Avenue and Coconut Joe’s. Catch them on Friday, July 4th beginning around 9pm.
4. Fourth of July on Sullivan’s Island
Beginning at 6pm head over to beloved Sullivan’s Island to the J. Marshall Stith Park for a party in the park! This annual event is the perfect place to celebrate the 4th and enjoy the fireworks with music provided by the Shem Creek Boogie Band.
The town will also host a golf cart parade in the morning on July 4, 2025! It begins at 9am at Sunrise Presbyterian Church and ends at Sullivan’s Island Elementary.
Pro tip: book a reservation at one of my favorite Sullivan’s Island restaurants and then head over to the park for the party.
5. North Charleston’s Park Circle 4th of July Festival
North Charleston hosts a FREE event at Riverfront Park beginning at 5pm. The fireworks at Riverfront Park typically start around 9pm when it gets dark. Grab your blankets or beach chairs and pack a picnic for the evening! They will have food trucks on site and parking is free, too!
6. Charleston RiverDogs at Joe Riley Stadium
Is there anything more American than a summer baseball game? The Riverdogs are at home again in 2025 playing against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. However, they are playing on JULY 3RD – so you can celebrate early!
Catch Charleston’s minor league baseball team in action during their Independence Day Celebration beginning at 6:35pm with a special post game fireworks show.
7. Kiawah Island Independence Day Festival
Enjoy this family friendly festival at Night Heron Park from 7pm-9pm on Friday, July 4th, 2025. Take part in the watermelon eating contest, bike parade, carnival games, and end the evening with a fireworks display. Food will be served and you can expect all your holiday cookout favorites!
Restaurants to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Charleston
Some of the best places to watch fireworks are at restaurants and bars, particularly those with rooftops. Many will require tickets, but some do not! I will update this as more places announce their plans for Independence Day.
Downtown Restaurants to Watch 4th of July Fireworks
A few Charleston restaurants and rooftop spaces to get front row seats!
The Watch Rooftop Kitchen and Spirits
Enjoy the best views in Charleston at The Watch Rooftop. I love their rooftop for its incredible nearly 360º views of Charleston. You will see fireworks from all over town while you dine on a classic BBQ feast. Tickets are $85/person.
The Citrus Club at The Dewberry Hotel
Check out the Citrus Club for the highest rooftop in Charleston overlooking the harbor with 360 degree views!
Revelry Brewery
A perfect brewery with rooftop space to watch the fireworks. You can see them from their rooftop or the main level.
The Royal American
Grab a seat on the back porch at the Royal American to get as close to the action as possible.
Fleet Landing
You will need to make a reservation well in advance, but have a late dinner at Fleet Landing which is situated along the harbor. Ask for a table on the deck and you may get to see some fireworks. Keep in mind, the big fireworks shows don’t begin until dark which may not be until 9 or 10pm and they may close before.
Mount Pleasant Restaurants to Watch 4th of July Fireworks
All of the restaurants along Shem Creek will be great spots to see fireworks in Mount Pleasant and have a few drinks. A few of my favorites are:
Tavern and Table
Cozy lounge seating along the deck. You must try the soft pretzels and the pimento cheese here!
Reds Icehouse
Red’s Icehouse is an iconic Shem Creek establishment. Enjoy fried seafood and climb up to their rooftop “birds nest” bar for the best views.
Saltwater Cowboys
Saltwater Cowboys has a huge outdoor deck with a bar and plenty of space to enjoy the firework shows.
Fish House at Charleston Harbor Resort
Located in Mount Pleasant right past the USS Yorktown. A beautiful and elevated view looking towards the Charleston Harbor.
Sunsets
Sunsets is a new spot on Shem Creek right between Red’s Icehouse and Saltwater Cowboys. They have a great menu with fun drinks and plenty of seating on the covered porch to see the show.
Folly Beach Restaurants to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Charleston
Snapper Jack’s Folly Beach
Have dinner and drinks at Snapper Jack’s on Folly Beach. Head to their rooftop for an incredible view over the island.
Taco Boy
Taco Boy is a beloved Folly beach restaurant with several floors and indoor/outdoor seating options. Go for the tacos and margaritas and enjoy the fireworks from their open air space.
Secret Spots to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Charleston
I have a few secret spots (not so secret, too) around town where you can pull over for great (FREE) views of the many fireworks displays around town.
Pitt Street Bridge Old Village + Alhambra Hall
So this one is not so secret and you will want to get there very early, but it is an incredible view to Mount Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island and Downtown fireworks. You will literally be surrounded by them! Also, along Pitt Street, there are many side streets that lead to the harbor where you can walk up and see. If there is not a private event, park at Alhambra Hall for a front row seat to the show!
Top Deck of Parking Garages
Literally walk up to any top floor in a parking garage downtown and have great views!
Downtown Charleston Parks
Great parks downtown like Waterfront Park, The Battery/White Point Gardens or Brittlebank will be prime spots.
Mount Pleasant Shem Creek Park
Walk out along the pier to enjoy 4th of July Fireworks overlooking Charleston Harbor and Shem Creek. I would expect this to be crowded!
What to Wear for 4th of July in Charleston, SC
Lastly, if you are celebrating Independence Day this year you are probably looking for an outfit to wear! Here are a few of my favorite festive options for Charleston 4th of July outfits that can ship quickly on prime!
