Five great 4th of July Celebrations to wish America a happy birthday
The whole of the United States takes a
well-deserved vacation when it comes to Independence Day. Fourth of July
fireworks are the way to celebrate our country’s freedom, but which are the
best celebrations to head out on the road to see? Here are five Fourth of July
destinations you must see to believe.
1. New York City
When it comes to the Big Apple you either go big or go home. And
not many places do it better than New York City. The annual Macy’s fireworks show is one of the
most iconic in all the land, and it’s easy to see why. This Fourth of July bash
returns to the East River as the fireworks are shot off from the Brooklyn
Bridge and barges below. Take your pick of spectacular places to see the action
– Lower Manhattan’s east side, Brooklyn Bridge Park or the Brooklyn Heights
Promenade. Another great spot for this Independence Day celebration is Flag
Plaza near Liberty State Park because it’ll give you amazing shots of the
Statue of Liberty with the fireworks popping off in the background.
2. Boston
The place where tea parties were considered all the rage back in
the 1700s is now one of your top spots to celebrate America’s birthday, and
rightly so. From July 2 – July 6, Boston Harborfest gives locals and tourists a
chance to go on all sorts of tours, kids’ activities and reenactments to soak
in Beantown’s rich history. But the real jewel in the city’s
crown is the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. Bring a blanket or rent a few
beach chairs to hear this acclaimed orchestra perform all sorts of patriotic
staples for free as the fireworks are shot for an experience that’s hard to
beat.
3. Philadelphia
You just know a city like Philadelphia – where the Declaration of Independence and
Constitution were drafted – is going to pull out all the stops when it comes to
July 4th fun. Historic sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center
show you the spirit of freedom still courses through the city’s veins. As if
the incredible Independence Day fireworks display behind the Philadelphia
Museum of Art wasn’t enough, guests can catch amazing concerts during the
Philly 4th of July Jam. This year’s lineup includes Nicki Minaj, Ed Sheeran,
Ariana Grande and Aloe Blacc, just to name a few.
4. Washington D.C.
How could you have a list of great July 4th celebrations and not
include Washington D.C.? The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an
interesting outing to enjoy. Running for roughly two weeks at the National
Mall, this festival gives visitors a taste of traditions from around the world
with dance, craftspeople, cooking and talks on cultural issues. It’s also one
of the hottest times of the year in the capital, so you’d do well to head into
the air-conditioned glory of the Smithsonian Institute for a look inside of the
world’s largest museum. Head back out to the Mall for a Fourth of July
fireworks extravaganza that washes the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial
and bursts of light in the darkness. I’d advise you to resist the urge to drive
into the area and just take public transport. Fares for the Metrorail and buses
aren’t too expensive, and will keep you from filling up with road rage.
5. San Diego
There’s no signs of East Coast bias here as the land of Ron
Burgundy offers up a one-of-a-kind experience to celebrate our nation’s
birthday. San Diego has something for everyone for the long
holiday. Want to relax on gorgeous beaches like Mission Bay or Pacific Beach?
You got it, but get there early for a prime spot of sandy real estate – some
folks get there as soon as daybreak. Your best bet to see arguably the best
fireworks display on the West Coast is going to either North Embarcadero,
Harbor Island or Shelter Island. Those areas will also get busy, so I’d
recommend renting out a hotel room on San Diego Bay. Now it may cost a pretty
penny, but it won’t be nearly as bad if you have a few friends to chip in for a
room overlooking the water.
Where’s your perfect place to
watch the Fourth of July fireworks? Let us know below.
