Spectacular fireworks displays across the Lowcountry

Summer in full bloom – Celebrate the season with spectacular fireworks displays across the Lowcountry

Each summer the night sky over the Lowcountry bursts to life with vibrant fireworks, continuing cherished traditions. From Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina on Hilton Head Island to The Sands in Port Royal, locals and visitors gather to watch dazzling displays on warm summer nights filled with family and fun. Seek out these spectacular light shows, and experience the magic of summer nights in this charming region.

HarbourFest fireworks

Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, Hilton Head Island 

Blast times: Tuesdays at dusk, June 4-Aug. 20; Thursday, July 4, at dusk.

HarbourFest began 35 years ago and has since become Hilton Head Island’s premier summer celebration at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. This weekly bash runs from June to August, turning every Tuesday into a mini Fourth of July with live music, food and drinks, family activities, arts and crafts and fireworks. Make sure to be there at dusk on Independence Day for the most impressive fireworks display in the region. For a different perspective on fireworks, book a guided kayak paddle through Outside Hilton Head, or enjoy a sunset fireworks cruise with Island Life Rentals. The most popular fireworks cruise at the marina is aboard the Holiday, an 80-foot, double-deck cruise ship featuring a snack bar and restrooms. Vagabond Cruise also offers fireworks dinner cruises, combining great food with spectacular views.

Pro tips: Avoid parking headaches by hopping on the free Breeze trolley, which runs daily from 1-10 p.m., and extends until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. On July 4, make use of the free shuttle service from the parking lot at the Hargray building near Fresh Market. For mid-island residents, walking with a flashlight or biking with a bright light attached can be a fun and eco-friendly option. Don’t forget the insect repellent — Broad Creek mosquitoes and no-see-ums seem to think fireworks shows are their personal dinner bell. For a different vantage point, check out the Marshland Road Boat Landing or the patch of woods behind Yacht Cove to enjoy the fireworks from a distance without the crowds.

Summer Jams and fireworks

Shelter Cove Community Park, Hilton Head Island

Blast times: Tuesdays at dusk, June 11-Aug. 6; Thursday, July 4, at dusk.

Join the fun every Tuesday at Shelter Cove Community Park, where the night’s highlight is a dazzling fireworks display. The festivities kick off at 6 p.m., so arrive early to enjoy dinner or drinks at the nearby restaurants in Shelter Cove Towne Centre. Kids can have a blast with inflatable bounce houses and face painting for a minimal fee. Bring your beach chairs and blankets to relax and watch the fireworks light up the sky around 9 p.m. In addition to the Tuesday excitement, the park offers free movie nights at 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays and a Sunset Celebration at 7 p.m. on Fridays, featuring live music from some of the best local bands. Make the most of your summer evenings with these fantastic events, creating unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Pro tips: Arrive early to snag a prime spot along the boardwalk for the best view. Fireworks are launched from a barge to the left, so choose your spot wisely. Don’t forget your bug spray. Mid-island residents might prefer walking with a flashlight or biking with a bright light, taking advantage of the new pathway next to the Kroger Fuel Center. Need to use the restroom? Skip the long lines near the playground, and head to the lesser-used restrooms tucked away next to Heritage Fine Jewelry on Towne Centre Drive. 

Harbour Town Fourth of July Celebration

Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island

Blast time: Thursday, July 4, approximately 9 p.m.

Join the festivities in Harbour Town for a fireworks extravaganza that will light up the sky over the Harbour Town Lighthouse, the 18th hole of Harbour Town Golf Links and Calibogue Sound. Enjoy a day filled with food, fun activities and live music. The fireworks display will begin around 9 p.m., but make sure to arrive early to catch Gregg Russell performing under the Liberty Oak Tree at 8 p.m. As you gather to watch the night sky come alive, note that the parking lot adjacent to the Harbour Town Lighthouse will be closed for the day. Visitors with daily gate passes should park in designated lots along Greenwood Drive, with motor coach buses available to drop passengers off in front of the Harbour Town Yacht Club. For Sea Pines residents, walking or biking with a light is the way to go.

Pro tips: Patience is a virtue after the grand finale. Take your time to enjoy the sights of Harbour Town, the lighthouse, the famous golf course and the marina after dark until the bus lines shorten and traffic flows more smoothly. For a more intimate experience, consider visiting Daufuskie Island. Its beaches offer a wide-open, front-row seat to the fireworks set off from a barge in Calibogue Sound. Alternatively, South Beach is another fantastic spot to view the fireworks from a distance, but remember, you’ll need to know a local homeowner if you need to use the restroom.

Port Royal Fourth of July Celebration 

The Sands beach, Port Royal

Blast time: Thursday, July 4, at dusk.

The Sands offers the best fireworks display you’ll find north of the Broad River. Arrive early to enjoy classic summer fare like hot dogs and burgers, along with a variety of food trucks, bounce houses and live music. Free parking is available on Paris Avenue and side streets, but note that the road to The Sands landing will be closed to regular traffic. While golf carts are allowed down to the beach, they must be removed before 8 p.m., or wait until all pedestrians have left before driving back, giving you a great excuse to linger and enjoy the festivities until the end. 

Pro tips: While you’re at The Sands, take some time to search for shark teeth along the beach. It’s a fun activity that adds an extra element of adventure to your visit. The Sands is one of the hottest spots in Beaufort County to find shark teeth, including the legendary megalodon tooth. After your treasure hunt, be sure to check out local favorites like Madison’s or Fishcamp on 11th Street for some local seafood. Both restaurants are within walking distance from The Sands. Also consider taking a lap around the boardwalk at the nearby Cypress Wetlands to get up close and personal with local wildlife. 

Salute from the Shore

Each year on the Fourth of July, hundreds of thousands of people gather on South Carolina’s beaches to show their appreciation for America’s armed forces during the Salute from the Shore military aircraft flyover. While the event is a breathtaking sight when it occurs, it’s been hit-or-miss in recent years due to weather and mechanical issues. Last year pop-up thunderstorms forced a route change, leaving many Hilton Head Islanders dressed in red, white and blue disappointed and sweltering on one of the hottest days of the year. If the flyover happens, it’s truly a sight to behold. Be sure to start watching the sky before and after the anticipated aerial display around 1:30 p.m. Fingers crossed for clear skies and smooth flying!