The Best Places To Spend 4th Of July In America

Fireworks extravaganzas, colorful parades and barbecue cookouts with games and friendly competitions have become  trademarks of Fourth of July celebrations. Being in the nation's capital, Boston or Philadelphia for the biggest holiday of the year is an obvious bucket-list choice. But other options – such as islands where you can go surfing in the morning, barbecuing at lunch, relaxing at the beach during the day and enjoy a grand fireworks shows at night, coastal cities or mountains – are not.

Hawaii may be far away from the mainland but you will not feel isolated. Snorkeling in the morning, a patriotic picnic in Pearl Harbor in the afternoon, followed by a top notch firework show from the beach is an ideal way to spend the country's birthday. The best place to be when the display starts is Ala Moana Beach Park. Thousands of people go there to get a water view of the pyrotechnics. If you have some time before the show, head to Ala Moana Center, the largest outdoor shopping mall in the state, and get a 25 percent savings pass.

With several military bases in and around San Diego, the feeling of patriotism is prevailing. The fact that you're almost guaranteed perfect weather makes the city even more appealing for the long weekend.  Take advantage of the world-class surfing waves before you indulge in barbecues, relax by bonfires and enjoy the eccentric fireworks show. The Big Bay Boom is the largest in the San Diego County with fireworks launched from four barges. There are parades, walks, runs, county fairs, patriotic contests, plenty of fireworks displays and many more events all over the area.

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Cruise is a famous way to celebrate Independence Day. The show over the Hudson River make the holiday unforgettable. Some of the best places to see the pyrotechnics are Brooklyn Bridge, Berry Park and Ground Ferry Park. Celebrate Independence Day in style at NYC's highest rooftop lounge, Sky Room, or go to the IndiePendence Day Festival for 12 hours of live comedy performances, beer and a free barbecue. Another exotic option is the annual Nighttime Walking Tour of Revolutionary War New York in lower Manhattan.

St. Augustine is thought to be America's oldest city, having been founded by the Spanish in 1565. The small town hosts one of the largest firework shows on the East coast, featuring 5,000 individual shells exploding as high as 2,000 feet and as low as 100 feet. It is choreographed to sync with a soundtrack of patriotic music that carries over the entire Bayfront area. A free two-hour concert will precede the show.

Fireworks will light up the sky all around Myrtle Beach and other area communities on July 4. Tens of thousands of people will watch them from blankets and chairs on beaches. F-16s from Shaw Air Force base and several vintage military aircrafts will fly over. Participate in a Cupcake Easting Contest or go to the Independence Saturday Cookout for wine tastings, barbecue and music.

There is a parade for everyone. Children will love the one with bike and your dog will have fun at the pet parades. Go to the Stars & Stripes Explosion for many live performances on oceanfront stages. All concerts are free. The fireworks extravaganza will start around 9:30 p.m. The Fourth of July Celebration at Mount Trashmore features live music, kid's events, food and fireworks. Virginia Beach also made the list of Best Places to Spend Memorial Day Weekend.

For decades, Thunder on the Mountain, Birmingham's Fourth of July fireworks show, has been hailed as one of the largest Independence Day traditions in the state of Alabama. The show will be fired from Vulcan Park which will be closed to the public during the display, but it will be visible through the metro area. Before the sky lights up, go to the Southeastern Outings Picnic at Bartow Arena Park, enjoy a concert by the University of Alabama Birmingham Summer Band, or go to a typical small town celebration in Bessemer for family games, parades and races for kids of all ages.

You won't see fireworks at Mount Rushmore on Independence Day, but this is the place to be if you're looking for a quieter holiday experience. With the nation's founding fathers in the background, you will witness world champion hoop dancer Jasmine Pickner teaching hoop dancing and native flutist Sequoia Crosswhite portraying stories and playing the flute, according to NPS. You'll get to "ask" the four presidents questions as they will be portrayed by professional reenactors. The evening programming on July 4 begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Amphitheater.

Between fireworks and parades, Washington has a whole lot going on for the fourth of July. If you're looking for some peace and quiet before the festivities begin, head to San Juan Island. It's a secluded beach on Griffin Bay and is known to be a popular picnic area on the Fourth of July. Also, on the Fourth, attend their small town parade, live music and fireworks. For more information click here.

We can count on the nation's capital to throw the best Fourth of July celebrations. The National Mall Fourth of July Celebration is one of the largest shows in the country. It lasts over 17 minutes. Fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and will be visible from many locations in Washington D.C. and Virginia, according to nps. Visit the National Archives to view the Declaration of Independence on display, watch a free concert at the U.S. Capitol, participate in the Independence Day Parade, which features unique floats and military servicemen and women, and attend the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Get ready for a week long of Fourth of July Festivities. Philadelphia's Fourth of July celebrations are held from June 27^th to July 4^th. The period is full of free concerts, firework shows, block parties, parades, patriotic ceremonies and a variety of kid's activities. Don't forget to attend the Independence Day Parade on July 4. Watch marching bands, colorful floats and military groups as they come together for this event. Then don't forget to attend the Wawa Welcome America July 4^th Concert – one of the largest free outdoor concerts in the country.

Relax in the sun, swim in the ocean, and get your tan on because, before you know it, Miami Beach will be kicking off your Fourth of July in full swing. Miami Beach is hosting its annual Fire on the Fourth festival, located in North Shore Park, on the Fourth of July from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Indulge in delicious foods from their food trucks, listen to live music and DJs, then enjoy their spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m. Tip: If you plan to watch the display from the beach, bring a blanket or chair to claim your spot. Make sure you get there early because it will be crowded.

Spend the weekend relaxing on the beach in Southport then participate in their huge Fourth of July festival. On the beach they will be hosting volleyball, sandcastle building and other contests. They will also have delicious fair foods, over 100 handmade arts and crafts on display, live bands, a Veterans Recognition ceremony, and a Flag Retirement Ceremony. At night, head back to the beach and enjoy their spectacular fireworks display. Also make sure you attend their Flag Retirement Ceremony on June 3 and their Flag Raising Ceremony on July 4. For more information click here.

Telluride is known for its sightseeing and adventure sports, they are also one of the best places to celebrate the Fourth of July in America. The day kicks off with the Telluride Foundations Rundola – a race to benefit the Telluride Foundation. After, attend their Fireman's 4^th of July Celebration, the parade begins at 11 a.m. Have fun with your family and participate in running races, eat delicious BBQ foods, watch airplane flybys and play a variety of family games. Then don't forget to watch their spectacular fireworks display at night.