Celebrating a Golden Isles 4th of July
Independence Day in the Golden Isles is one of our favorite holidays. There’s something nostalgic about the smell of hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill on a warm summer day. Add in a Golden Isles beach day that ends with fireworks, and you really can’t beat it.
If you’re planning to celebrate the 4th of July in the Golden Isles, we’ve rounded up some information that may be helpful to you. Remember to check our event calendar to see exactly what days and times the Golden Isles Independence Day celebrations are happening.
Golden Isles 4th of July Weather
July in Southern Georgia is HOT. The only time you won’t be sweating is anytime you’re not in a body of water. Whether participating in the Annual Sunshine Festival 5k or 1 Mile Fun Run or spectating a parade, lather yourself in sunscreen and dress accordingly. If you’re looking for a place to cool off in the Golden Isles, check out this article.
Golden Isles Restaurants on the 4th of July
It’s worth noting that many restaurants on the island shut down for the 4th so that the employees may enjoy the day. Don’t plan to go out to dinner, as you may be disappointed to find that no restaurants are open (we're learned the hard way).
If you're looking for restaurant options on the days up to and after the 4th, click here.
St. Simons 4th of July Festivities
Sunshine Festival St. Simons Island
The Sunshine Festival starts with a 5k and a 1-mile fun run in the morning. This race is a great way to kick off the holiday and is a hit among locals and visitors alike. The race takes off from Mallery Street, where there are bathrooms available in Mallery Park and several porta-potties. It’s hot even early in the morning, so hydrate!
The rest of the festival happens after the races in Pier Village. Come prepared with blankets and chairs, and browse the arts and craft festival for handmade goods (the arts and craft fest happens all weekend long). A golf cart parade occurs in the afternoon on Mallery Street and goes through Pier Village.
Admission and parking for the Sunshine Festival are free, but parking may be challenging depending on when you arrive.
Fireworks St. Simons Island
Fireworks on St. Simons happen around sundown (most likely at 9pm) near the pier in Neptune Park. The St. Simons Sound and the pier in the background make it a sight to behold. Don’t rush to leave after the fireworks, as it will take time to get through the crowds once they’re over.
Sea Island 4th of July Festivities
Sea Island Resort plans many Independence Day activities for its guests and members. You can check out the full list of festivities here. If you plan to make any Sea Island restaurant reservations, make them well in advance, as they fill up quickly (you can check out family-friendly options here). Also note that if you plan to enjoy one of the Sea Island pools, they will be BUSY on the 4th.
Sea Island’s Golf Cart Parade
One of the most notable Sea Island 4th of July festivities is the golf cart parade in the morning. Plan to get wet as those in the parade and the spectators blast water from water-squirt guns at the crowd (it’s welcomed in the heat!). You may bring your water squirt guns, but no water balloons are allowed.
* To get onto Sea Island, you must be a Sea Island Resort guest or member (or guest of a member).
Sea Island Fireworks
Fireworks typically happen at the Beach Club over the ocean around 9pm. Be sure to snag a spot on the beach or at the pool earlier in the day.
Jekyll Island 4th of July Festivities
Jekyll Island Fireworks
Jekyll Island may be a quieter island of the Golden Isles, but don’t let that fool you – Jekyll Island Fireworks for the 4th of July are BIG!
If you’re planning to watch the fireworks on Jekyll Island, make sure to arrive early. The line for the toll to get on the island can get quite long, especially for holidays (note that they raise the price of day passes on holidays as well). Plan to spend most of your day on or near the beach, as the best places to watch the fireworks are Great Dunes Beach Park and Oceanview Beach Park. The Jekyll fireworks typically start around 8:45, when it starts getting dark.
Looking for ideas for things to do during your day on Jekyll? Click here.
Brunswick 4th of July Festivities
Brunswick’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
You won’t want to miss Brunswick's Old-Fashioned 4th of July celebration at Mary Ross Waterfront Park in downtown Brunswick. All the fun starts around 4pm, including a parade, a pet parade, free games (hula hooping, sack races), food trucks, live music, performances, and free watermelon, and it all ends with fireworks.
Brunswick Fireworks
The Brunswick fireworks begin at dark, around 9pm, and are lit over the East River and Oglethorpe Bay.
Have a blast spending Independence Day in the beautiful Golden Isles! Read up on other local events and things you can do in town.
