Updated November 2026. For this year’s schedule, see Edisto Beach 4th of July.
The Fourth of July is the busiest day of the year on Edisto Beach. Families pack the island for a small-town celebration the Edisto Chamber calls “Red, White, and Beach”: a morning golf cart parade, an afternoon on the sand and an evening of music and professional fireworks by the water. Here’s what to expect and how to plan for it.
How Edisto Celebrates
- Morning: golf cart parade. Decorate your cart in red, white and blue and join in, or line the route and wave.
- Afternoon: the beach. In some years, military aircraft fly along the South Carolina coast in a “Salute from the Shore” flyover around midday, so wear your patriotic colors and bring a camera.
- Evening: July 4th on the Creek. Music and a professional fireworks show at Bay Creek Park on Docksite Road. Bring chairs and a picnic, and arrive early, because the park fills up.
Times change from year to year, so check our 4th of July event page or call the Edisto Chamber of Commerce at 843-869-3867.
Plan Ahead
- Book early. July 4th week is peak season. Reserve your rental and any dinner reservations well ahead.
- Stock up before you arrive. Edisto has one grocery store, and over the holiday it can run short of just about everything. Bring what you can or shop on the way in.
- Bring extra ice. Every place on the island that sells it can run out on the Fourth.
- Coming for the day? All of Edisto Beach is public, with beach accesses on nearly every block. Parking fills early, so arrive in the morning and follow the parking rules at the accesses.
- Leave fireworks to the pros. Personal fireworks aren’t allowed on Edisto’s beaches or in town. See all the Edisto Beach rules.
- Beat the heat. Expect highs around 90°F, bring shade and water, and watch for afternoon thunderstorms. Check the Edisto weather and rip current risk before you swim.
Fireworks Nearby
Want a bigger show? Charleston-area celebrations, such as the fireworks at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, draw big crowds every year, but the drive back to Edisto is long on a holiday night. Most families find the show at Bay Creek Park is the perfect end to an Edisto Fourth.
