If there’s one holiday that demands sparklers, BBQ, and star-spangled everything, it’s the Fourth of July. And, while we can certainly celebrate with a backyard grill and a few friends, why not turn Independence Day into an all-out adventure?
Whether you’re dreaming of fireworks lighting up a major skyline or craving a charming parade down Main Street, we’ve rounded up ten of the best places to go for the Fourth of July – five iconic cities and five small-town gems that go all in for America’s birthday.
New York City, New York
There’s no place quite like NYC for a blockbuster Fourth of July. The main event is the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, which light up the night sky over the East River in an epic display choreographed to music. It’s one of the biggest and most famous shows in the country, and you can watch it from parks, rooftops, or even a boat cruise on the river.
While you’re in town, you can also catch a Broadway show, wander through Central Park, or eat your way through neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy. For something festive during the day, see if you have time to check out Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island – a weird yet wonderful tradition.
NYC knows how to party, and the energy here on the Fourth of July is absolutely electric. To help you round out your trip, here are a few more unforgettable experiences you might like to add to your itinerary.
Washington, D.C.
Spending Independence Day in the nation’s capital feels about right. Each year, D.C. hosts a full day of patriotic celebrations, including the National Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue and the Capitol Fourth Concert on the West Lawn. The grand finale includes fireworks launched over the National Mall with the monuments lit up behind them.
Beyond the festivities, you can also take time to explore the Smithsonian museums (they’re free), the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence itself, and other iconic spots like the Lincoln Memorial. D.C. is a city rich in history and pageantry, and there’s no better time to soak it all in than the Fourth of July. Here are our picks for the best things to do in Washington, D.C.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston doesn’t play around when it comes to the Fourth. This is, after all, the birthplace of the American Revolution. The city’s Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is a must, combining live orchestral music with dazzling fireworks over the Charles River. The energy in the crowd is hard to beat, and there’s something really moving about celebrating freedom in the city where it all began.
During the day, you can walk the Freedom Trail, visit Paul Revere’s house, and explore the historic North End (don’t skip the cannolis). There’s also Harborfest, a multi-day celebration with historical reenactments, live music, and boat cruises around Boston Harbor. If you’d like your Fourth of July with a side of history and a dash of East Coast charm, this is it for you.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly is the proud host of Wawa Welcome America, a full week of festivities leading up to the Fourth, including free concerts, museum access, block parties, and fireworks at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. On the big day, you can watch the Salute to America Independence Day Parade as you soak in the historic setting.
While you’re here, be sure to take a stroll through Independence National Historical Park, see the Liberty Bell, and stand in the room where the Declaration was signed. Philadelphia doesn’t just celebrate the Fourth. It lives it. There’s an extra layer of meaning to every star and stripe this time of year, making it all an unforgettable experience.
Los Angeles, California
How about some fireworks with palm trees and a bit of Hollywood flair? The City of Angels has fireworks shows galore, but one of the best is the Hollywood Bowl’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, complete with a live orchestra and special guest performances. For a beachy celebration, you can head to Marina del Rey, where the fireworks reflect off the water for a magical view.
During the day, try to hike up to the Griffith Observatory, stroll the Santa Monica Pier, or explore the food scene downtown. LA is all about options, and that includes how you celebrate the Fourth, whether that’s a rooftop bar, a concert out on the lawn, or dipping your toes in the sand. And, if food will be on your mind, here are the best restaurants in town, according to the locals.
Seward, Nebraska
Ready to shine a light on some small towns that throw surprisingly big bashes for America’s birthday? Seward is affectionately known as “America’s Official Fourth of July City – Small Town USA,” and it earns that title every single year.
The celebration here dates back over a century and draws crowds of over 40,000 people (in a town with a population of under 8,000). We’re talking parades, pie-eating contests, live music, a craft fair, and, of course, a massive fireworks finale.
In between the festivities, you can stroll past the city’s historic buildings or visit the Nebraska National Guard Museum. The sense of community here is strong, and everyone (local or not) is welcomed like family. It’s wholesome, joyful, and everything you want a small-town Fourth of July to be.
Bristol, Rhode Island
Bristol says they host the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the country, dating all the way back to 1785. So, this charming coastal town is steeped in tradition. You’ll find patriotic house-decorating contests, concerts, and a Firemen’s Muster in the days leading up to the big one, which is capped off with a huge parade and fireworks over the harbor.
Beyond all that, Bristol is also a great spot to relax and explore. You can bike along the East Bay Bike Path, visit Blithewold Mansion, or wander the waterfront with a lobster roll in hand. In Bristol, you’ll find it’s a perfect blend of history, community, and New England charm.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor’s Fourth of July celebration has a little bit of everything: pancake breakfasts, lobster races, a parade, and fireworks over Frenchman Bay. This coastal town goes big with its small-town celebration, and the ocean backdrop makes everything feel a little more magical.
Even better, Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park. So, you can pair your holiday fun with hikes, coastal drives, and even a sunrise summit of Cadillac Mountain. It’s the ideal destination if you’d like a mix of outdoor adventure and small-town festivities.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
If you’re looking to kick off your celebrations early, Gatlinburg starts things with a Midnight Parade, the first official Fourth of July parade in the country each year. It starts at 12:01 a.m. and is full of floats, bands, and a joyful Southern spirit. The town also hosts a fireworks show later in the day, plus plenty of patriotic music and events.
Gatlinburg is nestled right next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so your trip can also include hiking, rafting, and scenic drives. The mix of mountain beauty and all-American charm makes this one a standout if you’d like to combine nature with celebration.
Decorah, Iowa
Tucked away in northeastern Iowa, Decorah throws a charming, music-filled celebration that’s equal parts wholesome and fun. The town hosts a community parade, a fireworks show at the local fairgrounds, and concerts at Phelps Park that overlook a pretty landscape filled with bluffs.
Decorah is also known for its Norwegian heritage, adding a unique twist to its Americana. You can explore the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, grab some locally brewed beer at Toppling Goliath, and enjoy the small-town hospitality that makes this a hidden gem for the holiday weekend.
Where Will You Be When the Fireworks Fly?
Whether you’re craving a big city skyline filled with sparks or a cozy town where everyone waves from the parade route, there’s a Fourth of July destination out there for ya.
Before you hit the road, come take a look at our extensive library of destination guides. If you’d like to turn this into a bit of a road trip, we have tons of ideas on how to make it twice as nice.
Whether you’re heading north, south, east, or west, we hope your weekend is filled with starry nights and you feel a little bit of extra magic in the air.