FOCUS: Lots to do in area on July 4

Staff reports | Looking for what to do on July 4? The Lowcountry, with one of the nation’s longest and strongest links to American history, offers everything from fireworks viewing and partying to a special history fair at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

The history fair, which is free with regular admission from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 4, will showcase 24 historic organizations and institutions, including Fort Moultrie, site of the nation’s first victory of the Revolutionary War. Learn more.

Lots of people also spend part of Independence Day wandering the beaches and streets of coastal communities — Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island and Folly Beach — to watch fireworks. Others attend one of the many planned events in North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Kiawah and Charleston. Here’s a sampling of stuff to do over the Fourth:

Uncle Sam Jam, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Mount Pleasant Pier, Mount Pleasant. For just $10, you can dance to live classic oldies and beach music performed by Permanent Vacation. Beverages are available for purchase. Tickets are limited; age 15 and under require a chaperone. More.

Patriots Point 4^th of July Blast: 6 p.m. July 4, Yorktown Flight Deck, Patriots Point, Mount Pleasant. Those who want to watch the fireworks from the flight deck of the USS Yorktown can purchase two types of tickets — $35 tickets, which allow you to buy food and drinks on board, or $100 VIP tickets which come with lots included, such as a special area to view fireworks on the ship’s bow and catered food and drinks. More.

Fourth of July Festival, 3 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., July 4, Riverfront Park, North Charleston. The city says it offers the area’s largest fireworks show during the event that will feature musical guests, kids’ activities, food trucks, craft vendors and more. Free admission. More.

Sea Stars and Stripes: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., July 4, S.C. Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston. You can watch the fireworks, eat catered food, drink Holy City beer and mingle with the fish inside the aquarium during this holiday event that has a front porch to the harbor fireworks. $60 for adults, $30 for children, with discounts for members. More.

Celebrate The Red, White & Blue: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., July 4, The Sanctuary, Kiawah Island. Food and classic drinks will be served on the Terrace Lawn as kids participate in fun activities. Fireworks on the beach will be held at 9:30 p.m. Cost: $48 for adults; $24 for kids. Reservations required. More: 843.768.6253.

Middleton Place history, events: All day, July 4-5, Middleton Place, west of the Ashley, Charleston. You can listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 3 p.m. each day on the grounds of the home of a signer of the document. There are lots of other activities during the weekend that come for free with regular admission ($25 for adults; free during the holiday for kids). More.

Blues and BBQ Harbor Cruise: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., July 4, Charleston harbor. You can get a water view of the fireworks aboard the Carolina Belle. Enjoy food from Home Team BBQ and live blues form Shrimp City Slip. Cost: $52.95 per person.   Cash bar. More.

Craft Brews Cruise: 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., July 4, Charleston harbor. Similar to above, but on the Carolina Queen with $4 craft beers. Cost $30 per person. More.

Sunset sail on the Pride: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., on the Schooner Pride, Charleston. Beer and wine are available for purchase on this sunset sail. $55 per person. More.

Sizzling Southern Celebration: 6 p.m., July 4, Circa 1886 restaurant, 149 Wentworth St., Charleston. The restaurant will offer music, lawn games, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar before moving inside at 7 p.m. for a three-course dinner. Guests for this ninth annual event will head upstairs to the cupola to watch the fireworks. Cost: $75 per person. Reservations required. More.