Celebrate Independence Day in Charleston

There are lots of ways to celebrate the nation's birthday in Charleston.

How will you spend your Fourth?

Start you Independence Day off with a little run — The July 4th  Cross Country Run is a 5K at Trophy Lakes on Johns Island starts at 8 a.m.

Experience American History at Middleton Place — Catch a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m., listen to Revolutionary War era fife and drum music, see what it was like to be a Continental soldier and bone up on South Carolina's contributions to the Revolution. 

Or take in a tour of the Heyward-Washington House from the Charleston Museum — and learn about the revolutionaries that owned and visited the house, including George Washington.

Celebrate on the water with one of two Harbor Cruises sailing Thursday — The Blues and BBQ Cruise from 7 - 9 p.m. features a live blues band and barbeque buffet from Home Team BBQ. Or check out the July 4 Craft Brews Cruise, which boards at 8 p.m. and features Lagunitas craft brews, food from Roti Rolls and live music by Weigh Station.

Perhaps you prefer to spend the day at the beach — The Sanctuary Resort at Kiawah is hosting a daylong July 4 celebration beginning at 11 a.m. at Loggerhead Bar & Grill, with the Young Adults Cafe and Ice Cream Social in the evening before fireworks on the Terrace Lawn.

Or if you spend the day on Folly Beach head towards the Tides Hotel around 8 p.m. to catch the Folly Beach fireworks display.

And if you want to stay downtown you can catch the fireworks over Patriots Point from the South Carolina Aquarium's Riverside Terrace — Enjoy live music, check out a 4-D movie, grab a Holy City Brew and some barbecue from Smoaky Oak Taproom while you wait on the show.