No matter where you plan to be this July 4th, chances are that part of your holiday celebration will include great food and watching fireworks. So to that end our dedicated team of travel writers has searched far and wide to find the best places to be patriotic in this year. So let freedom ring and celebrate the birth of our Country in some great destinations.
Washington DC: Rated: Most Memorable
Seeing the fireworks on the National Mall is sure to amaze young and old alike. We promise it will be one of the most memorable spectacles you have seen. Best of all - see Washington, D.C. for Free - all the museums and attractions are free to the publicPlan to arrive a little before dusk to pick your place to sit. Honestly, it won’t matter where you choose on the National Mall because the show is so large it almost covers the entire sky. The fireworks launch from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and light up the sky over the Washington Monument. Make sure to bring a blanket or chairs and some snacks too, because one you settle in, it’s a good idea to stay put. We recommend you book a hotel in town because you won’t want to be stuck in traffic or in long lines on the Metro, as the million plus visitors depart from the city limits.
Baltimore: Rated Most Convenient
Inner Harbor is a great place to enjoy the afternoon, go to the aquarium, the shops and enjoy great seafood. As an added attraction, the fireworks are displayed right over the harbor, which serves as a historic backdrop for the evening. If you are traveling with an older individual or someone who is handicapped, several hotels along the waterfront have rooms with air-conditioned views…but book early to be sure to get a room with a view.
New Orleans Rated Best Party
New Orleans is making a comeback this year and will once again host the “go Forth on the River,” dueling barges on the river synchronize fireworks to patriotic and classical music. It is known for some of the best pyrotechnics.
Philadelphia: Rated: Longest Show
Enjoy the music of Lionel Richie and American Idol Fantasia and be entertained on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art as Cirque u Soleil performs Quidam. The party lasts for hours. An alternate venue is along the waterfront at Penn’s Landing where you can eat at Dave and Buster’s, take a cruise on The Spirit of Philadelphia (tickets required) or stroll along the cobblestone paths of the waterfront. The Hilton Hotel has an outdoor bar for refreshments and great seats to see the firework display
Miami Rated: Mega Fest
Why not catch the show from the Amphitheater with gorgeous views of Miami and Biscayne Bay or see it just as well from the neighboring Bayside Marketplace. The fireworks start at 9:00 pm. This is our nation’s largest event with over 80000 in attendance. You’ll enjoy the food arts and crafts and even a play area for the kids.
Lake Tahoe, California Rated: Best Kept Secret
It may surprise you to learn that Lake Tahoe is known for more than it’s skiing and casinos. Lake Tahoe's Four Seasons of Fun offer pleanty to do in the warmer months of the year. Each year the Lake Tahoe Gaming Alliance and local radio stations present synchronized fireworks extravaganza that lights up the sky. The show, known as Lights on the Lake, can be enjoyed from shore or from party boats on the lake. With the Casinos as sponsors, the show is tremendous and is one of the largest fireworks displays in the west.
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