Myrtle Beach Hosts the Ultimate Birthday Party for America on the Fourth of July

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Celebrate Uncle Sam's 242nd birthday in “America's Favorite Family Beach Vacation Destination” – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

The Fourth of July is the peak of the summer season on the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of Carolina coastline that welcomes millions of visitors each year with its sandy beaches, cool Atlantic waters and more fun than you can squeeze into a family vacation.

In the heart of it all is Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort, the perfect place to celebrate Independence Day with friends and family. From fireworks displays to patriotic parades, check out this list of fun things to do on the Fourth of July and get ready to have a blast:

* Baseball: Nothing is more American than the national pastime, and the hometown Myrtle Beach Pelicans play all week leading up to the Fourth (June 25-July 3). Catch postgame fireworks shows June 28, July 1 and July 3, when the Pelicans host an Independence Day promotion at TicketReturn.com Stadium, adjacent to Broadway at the Beach.

* Fireworks: The skies light up at night over the Grand Strand on the Fourth, with free fireworks displays held up and down the coast. Guests at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort are only a short distance from the main event on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, but there are pyrotechnics displays at Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, Surfside Beach Pier and Cherry Grove Pier.

* Flyover: Keep your eyes on the skies for the Ninth Annual “Salute to the Shore,” a vintage plane parade that flies from Cherry Grove Beach to Charleston on the Fourth. Shortly after the start at 1 p.m., visitors can see a flight of F-16s, followed by C-17s and other military aircraft, zip down the coast.

* Parades: We do things a little differently here on the Grand Strand, and that includes the traditional Independence Day parade. Rather than lining the streets to watch a procession of floats and convertibles, visitors can wave to the red, white and blue decorated vessels in the Murrells Inlet Boat Parade as it winds through the inlets from the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk to Morse Park between 4 and 6 p.m. A few miles south, the Pawleys Island Golf Cart hits the streets of the historic resort.

* Road Race: Start your Fourth of July off with a patriotic run through the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, now known as The Market Common. The Independence Day 8K, 5K and 1-mile run wind through the streets of the upscale shopping district and past the remaining symbols of the former military base, such as Warbird Park's display of airplanes that were stationed here. The race starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by a post-race party and picnic at Valor Park.

Those are just a few of the many fun things to do and see on the Fourth on the Grand Strand, and they don’t include the great attractions, golf, shopping and dining that happens all summer long. Make a big splash at Myrtle Waves Water Park, hit the thrill rides at Family Kingdom, or shop till you drop while you wine and dine at the various hot spots around town.

Guests at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort don’t have to leave the premises to have a great time. Play in the pools, slip down the water slides, relax on the beach or chill out in the comfort of your rooms for a great family Fourth of July celebration and a memorable summer vacation. Book you stay at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort and celebrate America's birthday in true Myrtle Beach style.