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More American than major league baseball or apple pie is the Fourth of July celebration we all look forward to in the USA each year. If there won’t be a big 4th of July celebration where you live, these are some of the best 4th of July destinations in the South for the most patriotic fun you’ve ever seen!
Best 4th of July Destinations
I hope you enjoy this list of the best 4th of July destinations in my South. Enjoy!
Jacksonville Florida
Jacksonville takes its celebration of the Fourth of July very seriously. Make a day of it with a two-for-one general admission to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens from July 2-4 or a $4 admission to MOSH (Museum of Science & History) on the Fourth! The big 4th of July party will begin in Downtown Jacksonville with family friendly activities, live performances, food, and fun. The fireworks will be at 9:45 p.m.
Enjoy the Jacksonville fireworks also from the sand of Jacksonville Beach or nearby as they will be set off from the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier. I was nearly brought to tears the last time we went to the Jacksonville fireworks. The amount of classic, patriotic music and ‘Merica sentiment over the loud speaker at the landing was so heart warming!
For a more artsy experience, enjoy the celebration just a short walk from downtown, under the Fuller Warren Bridge. The Riverside Arts Market will host its viewing of the fireworks while enjoying music and more with free parking.
Find out more information about July 4th in Jacksonville Florida at VisitJacksonville.
Charleston South Carolina
Patriot’s Point in Charleston South Carolina is such an incredible travel destination anyway, but to also celebrate July 4th there? Oh wow! To see a professional fireworks display aboard one of America’s most historic warships, the U.S.S. Yorktown?! What a way to celebrate America, I say. To watch the fireworks from the flight deck, a Patriots Point ticket must be purchased.
#fireworksblast17
Jekyll Island Georgia
An old fashioned celebration will take place on America’s birthday on the fabulously unique Jekyll Island in Georgia. The 3rd annual celebration will be in the historic district with a parade of decorated bikes, strollers, golf carts, wagons, and pets (on leashes). The line-up is at 9 a.m. behind the Jekyll Island Museum and the parade will start at 9:30. Gather near the Pier Road shops to cheer on the procession of patriotism. This event is completely free!
In the Beach Village (near the convention center) from 12 noon until 6 p.m., there will be sidewalk sales and live music on the green with free bounce houses and water slides for the kiddos.
The Jekyll Island fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. and it’s magical to view them from the beach sand. The most popular spots to view the show are between the Holiday Inn Resort and the Days Inn hotel. We had so much fun when we did this. Tip: spend the night or decide to not be in a hurry trying to leave the island!
Eclectic Alabama
Sweet home Alabama is showing patriotic pride all over the state. If you find your place on the grassy lawn of Lake Martin in Eclectic, Alabama, you’ll see the largest 4th of July Fireworks Display in the Southeast. You can also view the light show from your boat in the lake. The gates will open at 5 p.m.
Live music will begin at 6 p.m. and after singing the National Anthem at 9 p.m. (such a nice touch!), the fireworks will light up the sky. After the display of lights dies down, local musicians, Sweet Tea Trio will wind up the celebration. Tickets must be purchased for this 4th of July Blast.
I’d love to see you and your family enjoying the Best 4th Of July Destinations this year, so send your photos to FB or Instagram!
Tell me which July 4th destination you’ll choose this year?
Published on HuffPost, Okefenokee Living Magazine, and more, Shan is a Family Travel Journalist with a passion for helping women lose the overwhelm of planning family-friendly trips in the south. She shares travel reviews & insider secrets that Women REALLY want to know about Georgia, Florida, & the Carolinas vacations.
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Yayy for Jacksonvilleb making the list. We love this city so much we have a second home there. If I could add to your list I would suggest Chattanooga Tennessee.
I would love to go to Jacksonville, Florida it sounds like a pretty place filled with activities! Excellent list of places to visit in the south for summer!
Author
Thank you so much, Lanae!
shan
OOOOH I’m actually not that far from Jacksonville! Maybe I can convince the husband to take us!!!
Author
Yeah, Zhade! I hope it works out for you. It’s a treat.
shan
What a great list! I love popping over to Charleston for the 4th, but it’s pretty spectacular here in Savannah, too. I haven’t decide where I’ll end up just yet, but all of your ideas look great 🙂
Author
Thanks, Erin. Love Savannah. Will have to check out the festivities around you too. 😉 I’m in GA too.
shan
Now that we live in Raleigh, Jacksonville isn’t too far a drive. We may go this summer.
Author
Thanks for stopping by, Lynn. Jacksonville has it all! LOVE your blog by the way. #southernsisters
shan
So far away from me, but all of these places sound like so much fun! So many great 4th festivities!
Author
Thanks, Ashley!
shan
I live in Cali now, so very far from these fun sounding Fourth of July celebrations. Though I did live in Jacksonville for a month right out of school for a job. Loved it there. I didn’t even realize the 4th was next week until I read this. Lol. So I guess I don’t have plans yet.
Author
Thanks for stopping by, Erica. Wow, from Jacksonville to Cali-that’s a long way! You better get to making plans. 😉
shan
I’ve never been to any of these towns during the 4th of July, though I have visited a few at other times. I have to say, Beaufort, NC along with Atlantic Beach or Emerald Isle, NC are also great places to watch the fireworks for the 4th. Have a great holiday!
Author
Thanks so much for the tips!
shan
These towns sound awesome! I’ve never heard of Eclectic before, but I want to check out their celebration now!
Author
Yay!
shan
All of these celebrations sound so fun! I’ve been to Charleston once before and it was one of my favorite Southern cities, so I can’t imagine how spectacular it is on the 4th!
Marissa
http://www.quartzandleisure.com
Author
Charleston is amazing. 🙂
shan
I live about 30 minutes from Eclectic! It is a fun place to be! Lake Martin is one of my favorite spots around here. I also have family in Jacksonville and it is really fun to spend the 4th of July there!
Oh, so enjoyable, July 4th is so much fun for anyone, especially those that love fireworks.
Oh man! I bet Charleston would be perfect for 4th of July! I gotta make a trip there one year to catch some fireworks by the water
This post is so informational. Its easy to plan summer now. Thanks for sharing.
Author
Thank you, Gunjan. I appreciate your kind words.
shan