The United States of America turns 250 years old in 2026, and in honor of a quarter century of independence, several cities across the nation are celebrating! While Myrtle Beach may not be front of mind when you think of cities that played a major role in the American Revolution, like Boston or Philadelphia, there were some important events that took place here, and they’re worth learning about!
Whether you’re a history buff or you were planning on visiting Myrtle Beach this summer anyway, we’re here to keep you in the know about all of the America 250 events happening along the Grand Strand. Let’s see what’s going on this summer!
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In this blog:
- The Swamp Fox—General Francis Marion
- U.S. Highway 17
- Georgetown
- 4th of July Celebrations
- Other Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
- Book Your Vacation to the Grand Strand Directly with Sea Star Realty
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Swamp Fox—General Francis Marion
Do you remember learning about General Francis Marion (aka the Swamp Fox) in school? He played a pivotal role in the fight for freedom in America, and he operated in and around Myrtle Beach! His mastery of South Carolina’s wetlands and employment of guerrilla warfare helped outmaneuver British forces, which led to, of course, eventual American victory.
As history tells it, British Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton was tasked with tracking down and stopping Marion and his troops, but the challenge quickly wore him down. Frustrated by the elusiveness of his target, he famously remarked, “As for this old Fox, the Devil himself could not catch him!” From then on, Marion was referred to as the Swamp Fox.
You can traverse some of the very low country Marion and his forces operated in when you pay us a visit! Make sure to check out these Horry County historical markers while you’re at it.
US Highway 17
US Highway 17, also known as the Coastal Highway, closely traces the historic Kings Highway, which was built to connect Charleston, South Carolina, to Boston, Massachusetts. The road pre-dates the American Revolution, as construction was ordered by Charles II of England in 1650, and it’s one of the oldest continuously used roads in America! While most of the road is paved over, you can still imagine what it was like to drive on the road when the only method of transportation was horse and buggy. You can travel anywhere from Florida to Virginia on Route 17!
Georgetown
Visiting Georgetown will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine! It’s the third-oldest city in South Carolina, and you can tell just by walking around and looking at the buildings. It’s about an hour’s drive from Myrtle Beach, and you can learn a lot about local history!
Historic Front Street is a great place to grab food or a drink, and there are also several museums in Georgetown. Check out one of these on your visit:
4th of July Celebrations
Of course, there’s no better way to celebrate the birth of the nation than some good old-fashioned fireworks celebrations. And this year, they’ll be bigger and better than ever!
Here are our favorite 4th of July celebrations across the Grand Strand:
- July 4th Celebration & Boat Parade on the Marshwalk
- Myrtle Beach Fireworks at Broadway at the Beach
- North Litchfield Golf Cart Parade
- Surfside Beach 4th of July Celebration
- Pawleys Island 4th of July Parade
- Salute the Troops
- Red White & Blue 5K
Most of these events happen on July 4th itself, but you can click on each link for full details on location and timing!
Other Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
Beyond the America 250 events, Myrtle Beach offers plenty of other fun things to do! Spend a morning at the beach or boardwalk, then balance it out with a visit to Brookgreen Gardens, a round of golf, or a sunset stroll at Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.
Live music, local seafood restaurants, and evening shows make it easy to have an action-packed vacation, and when you get tired, you can always return to your Sea Star Realty rental!
Book Your Vacation to the Grand Strand Directly with Sea Star Realty!
After a long day of celebrations, return home to the best vacation rentals on the Grand Strand when you stay with us at Sea Star Realty! We have a wide variety of homes specifically designed to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking to splash around in a home with a private pool or find a pet-friendly property so your pup can come along for the adventure, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect home in our extensive catalog of Myrtle Beach vacation rentals.
Ready to book? Fantastic! We can’t wait to host you here on the Grand Strand. Browse our available Myrtle Beach rentals now and book your vacation directly with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are America 250 activities family-friendly?
Most daytime events are designed for families, including parades, museum visits, historical markers, and community celebrations. Fireworks events are family-friendly but loud and crowded—bring ear protection for younger kids.
Will July 4th events be spread out or concentrated in one area?
They’re spread across the Grand Strand, not confined to one venue. Expect simultaneous celebrations in Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, Murrells Inlet, and North Litchfield, which helps distribute crowds but requires planning your base location carefully. Luckily, we have rentals all across the Grand Strand, so there will be something close to you no matter where you’re staying!
When is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach for America’s 250th celebrations?
Late May through early July 2026 is the peak window. Memorial Day weekend, the week leading up to July 4th, and July 4th itself will have the highest concentration of official events, parades, and fireworks.
Written by Grace O.
Grace writes for Sea Star Realty, sharing insights and travel tips to help you plan unforgettable vacations to the Grand Strand!