Red, White, & Boom!

Still haven’t nailed down your firework-viewing plans? Whether you prefer a low-key beach party or a full itinerary of patriotic festivities, Charleston is the place to be. Here is a list of events to suit all tastes.

Downtown
South Carolina Aquarium
Spend your evening under the stars on the South Carolina Aquarium’s Riverside Terrace. This affair is complete with a 4-D Theater movie viewing of either “Planet Earth: From Pole to Pole” or “Planet Earth: Shallow Seas.” Barbecue from Smoky Oak Taproom and local brews from Holy City Brewing are included in the ticket price. Watch fireworks over the Charleston Harbor from an unparalleled vantage point at this popular event.
South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf. Wednesday, 7-10:30pm. $55; $30 ages four-12; free for child under four. (843) 577-3474, www.scaquarium.org

Sizzling Southern Celebration
Adults willing to spend a little money for a special evening, head over to the lawn of the historic Wentworth Mansion. Circa 1886 chef Marc Collins puts a gourmet twist on traditional barbecue, with a menu featuring summer truffle and fingerling potato salad and pulled pork barbecue sliders. The price includes the delicious fare and a glass of champagne. Enjoy a cash bar for additional beverages. After dinner, go up to the mansion’s cupola for panoramic views of the city’s fireworks. Be sure to call ahead to reserve your spot!
Wentworth Mansion, 149 Wentworth St. Wednesday, 7:30-10pm. $70. (843) 853-7828, www.circa1886.com

Charleston Harbor Tours
Firefly Fireworks Cruise
If waterfront firework viewing isn’t close enough for you, climb aboard the Carolina Queen for a cruise around the harbor. A buffet of Southern cuisine is included in the ticket price, but alcoholic beverages—including Firefly vodka specials-are additional. Live music from the Louie D Project will fill the salty air as nearby bursts illuminate the sky.
Charleston City Marina, 17 Lockwood Dr. Wednesday, 8-10pm. $57.50; $35 child under 12. (843) 722-1112, www.charlestonharbortours.com

Mount Pleasant
Uncle Sam Jam
Another great spot to watch the Charleston Harbor fireworks display is on the Mount Pleasant Pier. The front of the pier is open to the public, but tickets are required to join the Uncle Sam Jam at the end of the dock. Sway to the beats of live beach and party music and sip on cold beverages available for purchase at the event.
Mount Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry Hallman Blvd. Wednesday, 7-11pm. $10; free for child under four. (843) 795-4386, www.ccprc.com

Fourth of July Blast
As one of the most popular Independence Day shindigs in Charleston, the Patriots Point party boasts the largest fireworks display in South Carolina. While tickets for the USS Yorktown’s Flight Deck have already sold out, there will be plenty of room in the free grassy area beside the ship. Enjoy live music, plenty of entertainment for the kids, and food and beverages available for purchase. Parking is $10, so make sure to carpool!
Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Rd. 5-9:30pm. Free. (843) 881-5989, www.patriotspoint.org

Sullivan’s Island
Fireworks in the Park
Sullivan’s Island residents and guests who don’t feel like trekking to Mount Pleasant or downtown, have no fear. The Sullivan’s Island Park Foundation presents Fireworks in the Park. Of course, no party is complete without music. Shem Creek Boogie Band will provide beach and shagging tunes for all to enjoy. At dusk, Zambelli’s Fireworks will put on a spectacular show. Alcohol and pets are prohibited.
J. Marshall Stith Park, 2050 Middle St. Wednesday, 5:30pm. Free. (843) 883-3198, www.sullivansisland-sc.com

Isle of Palms
Fireworks After Dark
Another way to watch fireworks without all the hoopla of a festival is on the beach on Isle of Palms. Gather with friends after dark and watch the spectacular light show on Front Beach. Leave the alcohol at home, though!
Front Beach, Ocean Blvd. between 10th and 14th Ave. Wednesday, dusk. Free. (843) 886-8294, www.iop.net

Folly Beach
Fireworks on Folly
For a laid-back celebration, stop by the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. Starting at dark, fireworks will be shot off from a boat, lighting up the Folly coastline.
Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier, 1 Center St. Wednesday, dusk. Free. (843) 437-2546, www.cityoffollybeach.com

Kiawah Island
Independence Festival in the Park
The exclusive Kiawah Island Golf Resort welcomes the public to their Fourth of July festival in Night Heron Park. Start the day off on Kiawah with a sandcastle contest just west of Sanctuary Boardwalk at 1 p.m. or the annual bike parade on Sea Forest Drive at 4:30 p.m. Then head over to the park for live music from the Headliners, carnival games and rides, and cookout-style food. The firework show will begin promptly at 9:15pm.
Night Heron Park, 4000 Sea Forest Dr., Kiawah Island. Wednesday, 5:30-9:30pm. Free. (843) 768-6001, www.kiawahresort.com