The United States has several holidays in honor of important days in its history, but perhaps none is more widely celebrated than the 4th of July, also known as our Independence Day. The day marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, officially declaring that the US would no longer be a part of the British empire.
Throughout the country, you’ll find parades and fireworks displays, with some cities even breaking out the Declaration of Independence itself to read to an excited crowd. From small-town celebrations to massive festivals in some of our most historic cities, this list is sure to help you find the best place to be on the 4th of July for your Independence Day getaway!
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The 15 Best Places to Visit for the 4th of July
1. Go Back to Where It All Started at Plymouth
There are few places in the US more entrenched in our nation’s history than Plymouth, Massachusetts, the site of the first permanent settlement by Europeans in New England. This historic spot offers one of the best 4th of July vacation ideas with a full day of family fun, including a race, a parade, concerts, and a fireworks spectacular.
While you’re in Plymouth, be sure to stop by some of the immersive, historic landmarks the city has to offer, like the Plimoth Patuxet Museums. It’s a great place to learn about not only the colonists’ history but also the history of the Native tribes of the region.
2. Spend the Holiday in Our Nation’s Capital
We couldn’t write a list of places to visit for the 4th of July without talking about our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. Independence Day in DC means America’s National Independence Day Parade, the free A Capitol Fourth concert on the West Lawn of the Capitol, and fireworks on the National Mall.
3. Party It Up in New York City
There’s always a party starting in New York City, and the 4th of July is certainly no exception. These massive celebrations are what makes NYC one of the best 4th of July destinations.
Just some of the many events happening in NYC in honor of Independence Day include the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, the New-York Historical Society’s all-day celebration, and rooftop parties throughout the city.
There are also some less patriotic-focused events happening around this time in NYC, like the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island!
4. Immerse Yourself in History in Boston
Boston is one of the best places to go for the 4th of July if you’re looking to be surrounded by our nation’s history. When you plan a weekend getaway for the 4th of July, you can walk the historic Freedom Trail to take in some of the most iconic sights around the city.
But the 4th of July in Boston also means the return of Harborfest, a family-friendly festival that runs for several days at the start of July. During the festival, you’ll watch historical reenactments, marches, musical performances, and fireworks shows and take part in activities like the art markets and the Chowderfest food festival.
For another free thing to do on the 4th of July in Boston, you can catch the Boston Pops free concert and fireworks show over the Charles River.
5. Find Your Fellow Americans in Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love is another of the US’s most historic cities and another one of the coolest places to visit for the 4th of July. As the home of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it’s no wonder why they go big in Philly for the 4th.
Instead of just one day or even one weekend of celebrations, Philadelphia’s 4th of July festival, called the Wawa Welcomes America festival, lasts 16 days. The festival actually celebrates both the 4th of July and Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the US.
Featuring free admission to museums and landmarks, live concerts, hoagie giveaways from Wawa, and a fireworks finale, the Wawa Welcomes America festival is one of the US’s best summertime celebrations!
6. Go Fireworks-Free in Breckenridge
If you’re looking for places to go on the 4th of July where you don’t have to hear fireworks all night, you’re looking for Breckenridge. In 2019, the city indefinitely banned both public and private fireworks, so you won’t be seeing any fireworks displays here for the 4th.
Instead, you’ll see fireworks-free celebrations that invite you to get outside and experience the beauty of the city. Throughout the day, you can watch or even partake in trail and bike races or just enjoy strolling through art festivals, watching parades, and celebrating our history with a patriotic concert.
7. Step Back in Time in Williamsburg
If you’re looking to literally be immersed in history, Williamsburg is easily one of the best 4th of July destinations. Colonial Williamsburg puts on an amazing show in its immersive, historic neighborhoods, with events including a reading of the Declaration of Independence, costumed players marching through the streets, musical performances, and a fireworks showcase.
8. Enjoy the Festivals around St. Louis
You might have to do a bit of traveling to see the best of the St. Louis area for Independence Day, so we definitely recommend going for a 4th of July weekend instead of just for the day of the holiday. In Downtown St. Louis, you’ll find America’s Birthday Parade featuring elaborate floats, marching bands, and dance tropes decked out in red, white, and blue.
In nearby O’Fallon, there’s the Heritage & Freedom Fest, a multi-day carnival filled with rides, traditional fair treats, free concerts, and a parade. Over in Saint Charles is another multi-day celebration, the Saint Charles Riverfest, featuring a carnival, live music, children’s activities, and a fireworks extravaganza.
9. Spend the Day in Cape May
Summertime is the best time to be at the Jersey Shore, enjoying the warm water, sunny days, and fun-filled boardwalks. Over in Cape May, this 4th of July weekend getaway offers you an annual Independence Day Parade, followed by a fireworks spectacular. Enjoy a sunset on the beach before watching those bursts of color illuminate the sky!
10. Rock Out in Nashville
It’s so fitting that the Independence Day celebration in Nashville, one of the best 4th of July destinations, is called Let Freedom Sing. After all, they don’t call it Music City for nothing. This annual tradition brings together some of the biggest names in music for a free concert in the streets of Downtown Nashville.
This patriotic party is then followed by one of the largest fireworks shows in the country, with pyrotechnics synchronized with a live performance by the Nashville Symphony. It’s a music-filled celebration you don’t want to miss.
11. Find History Come to Life in Dallas
Dallas is where you’ll find quite a few Independence Day celebrations, making this city a contender for one of the best 4th of July vacation ideas. Fair Park Fourth at historic Fair Park offers kid-friendly activities, local artisans showing off their masterpieces, the best food trucks in the area, and more live music and entertainment, all leading up to a fireworks spectacular.
Another celebration awaits at Klyde Warren Park, where little ones are bound to love the easy access to the children’s park. But the most unique celebration is over at the Dallas Heritage Village, where their Old-Fashioned Fourth invites you to join in the parade, dine on apple pie, and explore historic buildings, with funds going to support the local community.
12. Enjoy the Beauty and Fun of Pigeon Forge
With the Smoky Mountains surrounding you and tons of family-friendly activities to explore, Pigeon Forge is one of the best places to go on the 4th of July. Independence Day brings about the annual Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival, featuring live music, local food vendors, and a fireworks extravaganza.
If you plan on spending the whole weekend in Pigeon Forge, be sure to spend a day over in Dollywood, where you can ride coasters, see live shows, and check out their Summer Celebration. This annual tradition invites you to ride the rides well into the night before you watch the Sweet Summer Nights light-up drone show and fireworks finale.
13. Find Celebrations Galore in Charleston
Charleston is one of the most vibrant and historic cities in the US, making it one of the best places to go for the 4th of July. During your 4th of July weekend getaway, you can stroll through the cobblestone streets and tour the colorful landmarks that call the city home.
For a one-of-a-kind fireworks show, get your tickets to the Patriots Point Fireworks Blast, where you’ll board the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in nearby Mount Pleasant. In addition to watching the fireworks on the flight deck, you’ll also enjoy plenty of food trucks and live music counting you down until sunset.
14. Experience the Charm of Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is considered the gateway to Acadia National Park, but it’s a destination all its own, and it’s one of the best places to go for the 4th of July. There’s a reason why their 4th of July celebration is consistently voted one of the best in the US!
Bar Harbor offers a whole weekend of fun, with the annual Lobster Scavenger Hunt, a pancake breakfast, a craft fair, a seafood festival, a parade, a concert series, and a fireworks display over Frenchman Bay.
15. Wander Through the History of St. Augustine
What’s the oldest city in the US? You might be thinking of Boston or Philadelphia, as they’re so tied to American history, but the oldest city in the US can actually be found in Florida. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is a goldmine of beautiful historic landmarks, which is just one of the reasons why it’s one of the best 4th of July destinations.
On this patriotic holiday, you’ll also find the Fireworks Over the Matanzas, featuring a two-hour concert in St. Augustine’s Historic District, followed by one of the biggest fireworks displays on the East Coast!
