Best of all, guests at Bay View on the Boardwalk don’t have to travel far to enjoy all the action on the beach, Ocean Boulevard and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach’s downtown oceanfront district, Bay View on the Boardwalk is only a short stroll away from all the festivities at Plyler Park and the fireworks at the Second Avenue Pier. Here is a sneak preview of some of the most popular Fourth of July celebrations on the Grand Strand:
* Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: With live music and entertainment in Plyler Park, followed by a spectacular fireworks show over the ocean, the Hot Summer Nights entertainment series offers something for everyone on July 4th. Although the pyrotechnics are launched from the Second Avenue Pier, they are easily visible from points along the beach and Boardwalk, including the Bay View on the Boardwalk property. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
* Myrtle Beach Pelicans: What could be more American than spending the Fourth of July at a baseball game, having a hot dog and watching fireworks? Here’s your chance at the Myrtle Beach Pelicans’ game against the Buies Creek Astros at Pelicans Ballpark. Enjoy all the action on the diamond and the between-inning antics while taking in one of the nation’s top minor-league baseball experiences. The first pitch is at 7:05 p.m., and after the last pitch, the lights go down and the fireworks come out to the sounds of patriotic music.
* Murrells Inlet Independence Day Boat Parade: They do things a little differently in the nearby fishing village of Murrells Inlet — like holding parades with boats instead of floats. This 34th annual tradition brings big crowds to the banks of the inlet to see the patriotic flotilla sail by with hands and American flags waving. The parade takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. and can be seen from various spots along the inlet, as can the 10 p.m. fireworks show at Veterans Pier.
* Broadway at the Beach: This popular entertainment, dining and shopping complex turns red, white and blue for the Fourth of July. The regular Summer Nights lineup of live bands, fire dancers, stilt-walkers and more will serve as the warm-up act to the main event — a huge fireworks display over Lake Broadway at 10 p.m.
* Barefoot Landing: Located in North Myrtle Beach, this multi-purpose complex offers a full day of festivities on the 4th. Live music, entertainment and a sunset foot parade around the boardwalk build up the anticipation for the 9:30 p.m. fireworks show over Barefoot Lake and the Intracoastal Waterway.
* The Market Common: Hit the ground running on the Fourth of July for the Independence Day 5K and 8K at The Market Common in Myrtle Beach. This 7:30 a.m. event features road races in the morning and post-race parties in Valor Park. For those who prefer to ride rather than run, The Market Common is also offering free carriage rides around the upscale retail and dining district.
With so many fun Fourth of July festivities on the calendar on the Grand Strand, it’s a shame you can’t be six places at once. But if you can only be at one place on Independence Day, make it Bay View on the Boardwalk in Myrtle Beach.