The Best Fourth of July Celebrations Across the U.S.

Boston

The city's Revolutionary War history makes it a perfect place to celebrate America's Independence. Boston Harborfest begins July 1 at Downtown Crossing with performances by the Massachusetts 215th Army Band and meet-and-greets with reenactors from the USS Constitution. July 2 brings all-day entertainment in Christopher Columbus Park beginning at 1 p.m., a concert by local artists at 6 p.m., and a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.

The celebration continues on July 3, with family-friendly fun and the chance to sample the area's best clam chowder for free during Chowderfest. For the grand finale on July 4, watch the USS Constitution sail past Long Wharf in the afternoon, and stick around for the famous Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, which begins at 7 p.m. on the Charles River Esplanade.

Coney Island, Brooklyn

Nothing says the Fourth of July like fireworks and hot dogs, and you can have both on Brooklyn's famous Coney Island Boardwalk.

Speaking of hot dogs, Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest happens every year at noon at its flagship eatery. For one day only, contestants from all over the country compete to knock the leading hot dog eater off their pedestal and go home with a share of the $40,000 purse — and the coveted Mustard Belt. Join the thousands of spectators and watch the event on the elevated boardwalk stage. The atmosphere is electric, with the current champion, Joey Chestnut, holding the record for downing a whopping 62 hot dogs in 10 minutes.

You'll find plenty of ways to spend the afternoon in the iconic NYC summer destination while you wait for the 9:30 p.m. fireworks show, which takes place just off the beach near Pat Auletta Steeplechase Pier. Visit the New York Aquarium, mere steps away, stroll along the boardwalk, or lounge on the beach. Luna Park offers an arcade, go-karts, food stands, and thrill rides, including the famous Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster, which dates from 1927.

Bristol, Rhode Island

Bristol is the place to join America's oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration, dating back to 1785. It just might be the longest too, starting on June 14, Flag Day, and concluding with the 2.5-mile Military, Civic, and Firemen's Parade on July 4. Other popular annual events include a concert series at Independence Park, a Fourth of July Ball on June 21, and, of course, fireworks, with a show over Bristol Harbor on July 3 at 9:30 p.m.

New York City

Spectators flock to New York City to see the always spectacular Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show, which is launched on the East River or the Hudson River, depending on the year (it's the Hudson in 2024). Consider watching from a boat or a hotel's rooftop bar to escape the crowds and get a better view. Wherever you're perched, make sure you tune in to AM radio station 1010 WINS to hear the patriotic musical score to which the fireworks display is choreographed.

Before the pyrotechnics, get into the spirit of Independence Day by visiting some of New York City's Revolutionary War locations. Fort Tryon Park, the site of the Battle of Fort Washington, is located uptown in Washington Heights. If you're heading downtown, stop by St. Paul's Chapel in the Financial District, where George Washington frequently worshipped. Then, head to Fraunces Tavern, now a museum and restaurant, where he bade farewell to his troops at the war's end — a British cannonball hit the building in 1775. If time allows, take a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry for great views of Lower Manhattan and a trip to Fort Wadsworth, which was captured by the British during the war.

Philadelphia

This is where it all began in 1776 with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and Philadelphia celebrates its important place in American history with 16 days of festivities. From June 19 (in honor of Juneteenth) to July 4, you can enjoy free concerts, complimentary admission to participating area museums, historical reenactments, and dazzling fireworks displays as part of the Wawa Welcome America Festival.

On July 4, the Salute to America Parade sets out from Independence Hall at 11 a.m., while the Historic District Block Party happens all day on the Independence Mall, featuring food trucks from local vendors and musical entertainment. End the day with a concert at 7 p.m. at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and a fireworks show over the Philadelphia Museum of Art beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Visit Myrtle Beach and you'll see why it's one of America's best beach towns for celebrating the Fourth of July. Want to start the day with some exercise? The annual Independence Day 5K, one-mile Fun Run, and kid-friendly 50-yard dash start at 7 a.m. at the Market Common District. Nearby, the annual Fourth of July Parade in Pawleys Island and Surfside Beach Golf Cart Parade are also worth a visit (at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively).

Wherever you are in Myrtle Beach, don't forget to look up. The Salute from the Shore features vintage F-16s from Shaw Air Force Base and other legacy aircraft, like a C-17 from Joint Base Charleston, flying along the coast at 1 p.m. Later, venture south to Murrells Inlet around 6 p.m. to see the annual Boat Parade, where colorful boats compete for the best-decorated prize as they cruise from Garden City Point to the Hot Fish Club.

Starting at 6 p.m. on the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier, you'll find a variety show, inflatable rides, and a fireworks display after dark. Fireworks shows can also be seen at 9:30 p.m. at Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach, or from Barefoot Landing or Broadway at the Beach at 10 p.m. on July 4, or after the Myrtle Beach Pelicans baseball game on July 3.

New Orleans

The New Orleans Riverfront is the place to be on the Fourth of July — where else can you see two dueling barges put on a fantastic fireworks show, all synchronized to patriotic music? It's part of Go 4th on the River, an annual event on the Mississippi River between the Governor Nicholls Street Wharf and the Canal Street Dock. The Port of New Orleans also brings out the General Roy S. Kelley fireboat with its famed water show featuring red, white, and blue fountains at 6 p.m., before the main fireworks display at 9 p.m.

Popular viewpoints include Woldenberg Park, the Moon Walk promenade, and across the river in Algiers. From 5 p.m. at the waterfront Crescent Park, you can take part in a DJ dance party, purchase snacks from food trucks, and snag a good spot for the fireworks. For the very best views, though, book a cruise on the Creole Queen, Steamboat Natchez, or another NOLA riverboat.

Chicago

In Chicago, the Fourth of July is all about family-friendly fun, live music, and fireworks. Appease your inner child at Navy Pier, where you can go on iconic amusement park rides like the Centennial Wheel and a historic carousel that dates from the 1920s. Just be aware that the fireworks displays here happen every Wednesday at 9 p.m. and Saturday at 10 p.m. from late May to late August, but not on July 4, which falls on a Thursday in 2024.

About a 10-minute drive from Navy Pier, the Grant Park Music Festival presents a free July 4 concert from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Pritzker Pavilion featuring patriotic favorites and popular Broadway show tunes.

Wilmington, North Carolina

You'll have several opportunities to celebrate the holiday in this underrated North Carolina beach town. For starters, on July 2, the North Carolina Symphony performs patriotic classics at the Wilson Center (tickets from $23 per person). On July 3, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk hosts its annual Boardwalk Blast event, with musical entertainment starting at 6:30 p.m. and a fireworks display at 9 p.m.

Then on July 4, head to the Wilmington Riverwalk in the city's historic district for family-friendly festivities from 5 p.m. onward, including a special performance by the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra at 7 p.m. at Riverfront Park's Live Oak Bank Pavilion and an epic fireworks display at 9:05 p.m.

San Diego

This Southern California city is home to thousands of service members, veterans, and their families, representing the Navy, Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Patriotism runs high for the annual Big Bay Boom event, with fireworks launched simultaneously from four barges throughout San Diego Bay at 9 p.m. Watch the spectacle from one of many locations including Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, the Marina District, and the Coronado Ferry Landing.

Boats are also ideal spots for seeing the fireworks and many options are available, including dinner and cocktail cruises. A favorite — and usually sold-out — viewing location is the USS Midway flight deck, with musical entertainment, an exciting USO review, and all-American concessions.

Nearby, Coronado Island hosts its own Fourth of July celebration with a parade at 10 a.m., free concerts from 3 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., and fireworks over Glorietta Bay beginning at 9 p.m. If you have kids in tow, you may want to drive to Legoland (about 34 miles north of downtown) for its annual Red, White & Boom fireworks show.

Minneapolis

Family fun prevails in Minneapolis, with the triumphant return of the city's Red, White, and Boom event in 2024 for the first time since 2019. On July 4, live music and family activities begin at 6 p.m. leading up to an impressive fireworks show at 10 p.m. It's all happening along the western side of the riverfront at the Stone Arch Bridge parking lot and Water Works Park. That means you'll get the best views from Gold Medal Park, the Guthrie Theater Bridge, and the Mill City Museum, which requires tickets. Rooftop restaurants throughout downtown Minneapolis also make great vantage points.

Washington, D.C.

Our nation's capital is a wonderful place to celebrate the Fourth of July. The National Independence Day Parade begins at 11:45 a.m., marching along Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets downtown. Line up early to see the patriotic floats and fife and drum corps go by — and keep your eyes peeled for politicians and other celebrity guests. On Capitol Hill, the West Lawn hosts the popular A Capitol Fourth concert at 8 p.m. presented by the National Symphony Orchestra and featuring an all-star lineup that has included everyone from Stevie Wonder to Dolly Parton in recent years.

The grand finale of the day is a dramatic fireworks display over the National Mall, which happens shortly after 9 p.m. Arrive early to grab a good spot, as you can expect large crowds anywhere in sight of the monuments and memorials. Other popular viewing points include the streets surrounding the National Mall and just across the water in East Potomac Park. You'll also be able to see them from any rooftop bar downtown or from the Potomac River.

Nashville

When it comes to the Fourth of July in Nashville, music is center stage and the fireworks are second to none. The "Let Freedom Sing!" concert is free to the public and features a lineup of popular country music artists including Chris Young, YOLA, Blessing Offor, and Girl Named Tom. Afterward, head to the Ascend Amphitheater to see a riveting 30-minute fireworks spectacular accompanied by a performance by the Nashville Symphony — you can also get a good view of the display from Riverfront Park.

Additional events include the Music City July 4th 5K, happening downtown from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the premier of a new country music-themed Cirque du Soleil show, "Songblazers," at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, on view from July 2–28, 2024.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Celebrate Independence Day in the historically accurate atmosphere of Colonial Williamsburg and you'll feel as if you've done some time traveling. You can listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson (well, their reenactors, anyway), observe a special militia muster, and play 18th-century games at the Market House.

Later, watch a cannon salute to the original 13 states, accompanied by fife and drum corps music. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on the Palace Green, a striking sight as the sky lights up over the Governor's Palace. Get there early to enjoy a sing-along of all your favorite patriotic tunes, listen to the Revolutionary marching band, and hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud (they do that a lot here).

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Each year, Gatlinburg is the first city in the U.S. to celebrate the holiday with its Fourth of July Midnight Parade, which starts promptly at 12:01 a.m. on July 4. Join the roughly 80,000 spectators who attend the late-night event each year.

The annual River Raft Regatta starts at 11 a.m. along the Little Pigeon River, while a race of unmanned floatables follows at 1 p.m. Prizes are awarded for various categories, including the most creative boat. A free concert by the 100th Army Band begins the evening festivities at 9 p.m. at Ripley's Aquarium Plaza, leading to the downtown fireworks display at 11 p.m.

Gatlinburg is located at the base of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While you're there, take a ride on the Gatlinburg Sky Lift, an open-air chairlift that rises 1,800 feet to the top of Crockett Mountain, providing incredible views of the natural scenery around you.

Charleston

This historic South Carolina city offers several options for celebrating Independence Day. Across the Cooper River, the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum puts on a Fourth of July bash overlooking the harbor with live music and food vendors from 6 p.m. Keep an eye on the museum's website and you may even be able to snag tickets to watch the 9:20 p.m. fireworks display from the deck of the historic World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. Either way, arrive during the day so you can explore the site.

About a 20-minute drive from downtown in North Charleston, you can enjoy live music, food trucks, craft beer, and what's billed as "low country's largest Fourth of July fireworks show" at Riverfront Park from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (the display happens at 9 p.m.).