July 4th Ideas

Fireworks, Festivals, and Fun: Top July 4th Celebration Spots

Independence Day in the United States is a chance for fun, festivals and plenty of fireworks celebrations. July travel always includes the chance to gather together and enjoy some of the things that make this country great. Many cities have festivals and special events to get the holiday started with a “bang,” so here are some red-white-and-blue July 4th ideas to help you select a destination that’s the perfect place to celebrate America’s birthday.

Lake Tahoe, CA

A top choice on Independence Day “must see” lists, Lake Tahoe hosts one of the nation’s biggest Fourth of July celebrations, with more than 100,000 attendees each year. So whether you’re watching from a boat, at a lakefront restaurant or from one of the lovely beaches, the show – and your surroundings – will be spectacular.

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New York City, NY

For a “taste” of real New York style, start your Fourth of July at Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island. After a day at the beach, find a good spot and look up – it’s Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks display on the Hudson River. Are there better fireworks anywhere else? Fuhgeddaboudit!

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Cape May, NJ

This quaint seaside town is known for its classic Cape May Independence Day Parade, a truly patriotic event. When night falls, everyone heads to the fireworks display at Congress Hall Beach. As the natives say, “This is how Cape May has celebrated Independence Day since the 19th century. Why change now?”

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San Diego, CA

San Diegans say their town is everyone's first choice for 4th of July celebrations, and after you’ve seen the Annual Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show, you’ll probably agree. Billed as the largest display in the country, it includes fireworks launched from barges all along the bay, with plenty of places for beachside viewing.

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