When it comes to celebrating Independence Day, residents of Savannah get very creative. Spoiler alert: the city is brimming with entertainment options on the 4th of July. From Savannah Waterfront's Celebration, numerous firework shows at Tybee Island and Savannah Waterfront to trolley tours, cruises, and even museum visits, the holiday in Savannah promises to be memorable.
Savannah Waterfront's Independence Day Celebration (July 4, 2024)
River Street is one of Savannah's most famous sites for Independence Day celebrations hosted by Savannah Waterfront. On the 4th of July each year, it turns into a themed party mecca with thousands of patriotically dressed people, various contests, food trucks, games, etc. Live entertainment is available at Plant Riverside District and on Rousakis Riverfront Plaza. Because of the celebration, the street will be temporarily closed to vehicles at 6:30 pm and will open to traffic after the show.
But the best part about this event is the fireworks show, which starts at 9:30 pm and lasts around 20 minutes. Feel free to bring a blanket or a chair to fully enjoy the experience with your family or book your waterfront accommodation with the best view beforehand! The fireworks will set off from the ship in the Savannah River near the Savannah Convention Center.
Tybee Island July 4th Fireworks (July 4, 2023)
Tybee Island is a popular 4th of July destination with excellent beaches, swimming, sunbathing, but most of all, thanks to the island's amazing Independence Day fireworks show. The pyrotechnic show is held in the Tybee Island Pier and Pavillion and can be seen from most of the eastern beaches. Fireworks start at about 9:15 pm and last for about 15 minutes. After a short but magnificent display, you might enjoy some of the nearby restaurants and nightlife spots, such as Spanky's Beachside, Doc's Bar, and Rock House.
Hilton Head 4th of July Firecracker Run (July 4, 2024)
Located 30 miles away from Savannah, Hilton Head Island is one of the main hubs for Independence Day festivities. The activities begin early in the morning at 8 am with the Firecracker 5k marathon from Jarvis Creek Park. If you're with children, feel free to participate in the Family Fun Walk instead. After the race, enjoy the after-party with numerous activities for children, games and refreshing beverages. The registration for the event costs $34 for adults and $15 for children.
Salute from the Shore on Hilton Head Island (July 4, 2024)
Stop by the Myrtle Beach area on Hilton Head Island for a chance to pay respect to American military aviation. The annual flight demonstration takes place there. Participants wave their star-studded flags and show off patriotic outfits to salute the F-16 pilots provided by Shaw Air Force Base. The procession will land at the sand bar on May River in Bluffton. The display will begin at about 1 pm.
Hilton Head Island Fireworks Display (July 4, 202)
The mesmerizing fireworks show is a cherry on top of Hilton Head Island's 4th of July festivities. The show is part of HarbourFest, a weekly summer celebration with live performances and family-friendly activities. The fireworks are set off at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina when the sky darkens. Until then, you can enjoy the stunning acts of local musicians, for example, Sharon Tanner, at 6:30 pm and 8 pm.
Trolley Tour (July 4, 2024)
Sightseeing in Savannah on Independence Day is surely a great idea. A special trolley bus will take you around the city’s gorgeous historical destinations, such as Cathedral of St. John The Baptist, Bull Street Corridor, and Davenport House. And the best part is that the bus circulates through major patriotic party spots around Savannah, letting you hop on and off, so you can choose your favorite. The trolley operates everyday from 9 am to 5 pm, with tours every 20 minutes. The one-day adult pass costs $29 and children's pass costs $19.95.
4th of July Fireworks Cruise (July 4, 2024)
There is no better way to enjoy the Independence Day festivities than to hop on a yacht and watch the fireworks right from the deck. Savannah Riverboat Cruises organize sailing trips for every holiday, and the 4th of July is no exception. During the cruise, be sure to indulge in special drink offers and take in the sights of the fireworks show against the city backdrop.
The voyage lasts 90 minutes from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with boarding beginning at 8 p.m. The tickets for adults cost $69.95 and for children between ages 5 to 12 - $49.95. Children four years of age and under can enter for free with adult supervision.
American Prohibition Museum Excursion (all year)
Visiting one of Savannah’s museums is a terrific opportunity to learn more about America's customs and traditions and pay tribute to its culture. A great example is the American Prohibition Museum. There, you can learn all about the 1920s anti-alcohol era and daily life during those times, while sipping on a prohibition-era craft cocktail. The museum opens its doors at 10 am and closes at 6 pm. The ticket prices range from $17.23 for a museum trip only to $55.91 for an exclusive VIP experience.
