Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is the classic Fourth of July destination since it was the site of the nation’s very first Independence Day parade. Though it peaked early, the city has kept things exciting for 43 years with its Midnight Parade, which takes place on July 4 at 12:01 a.m.

The River Raft Regatta takes place later in the day, in which competitors race their own floatables down the Little Pigeon River. The most innovative and fastest floats receive prizes. You can even rent and enter your own rubber ducky for a dollar. There's also the 4th of July fireworks display, which is best viewed from the city's iconic Skybridge.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The city that hosted the signing of the Declaration of Independence is a great choice for your Fourth of July vacation. With historic roots that trace back to the original Independence Day of the United States, Philadelphia is host to an extensive Independence Day celebration that often stretches over many days. The main events all take place on July 4th and include The United States of America Independence Day Parade, popular free concerts, fireworks, and oftentimes free access to many of the local museums. The day ends with a dazzling fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art once nighttime has come, and the fireworks themselves are accompanied by a powerful soundtrack that includes energetic music and powerful quotes throughout the performance. No one does the 4th of July quite like Philly, one of the country’s most patriotic destinations.

Cody, Wyoming

Cody is the place to go if you want to spend the long weekend in a charming rural town. The Fourth of July is the most important celebration in this small town in Yellowstone County, and it takes five days to fit everything in.

The Cody Stampede Parade is regarded as one of the best parades to attend on the July 4th holiday around the world. Thousands of people have lined Sheridan Avenue in downtown Cody for decades to witness this amazing show. There are two parades every year, one on July 3rd and the other on July 4th at 9:30 a.m. You can also go to the Kiddies Parades, which take place on July 2nd at 10 a.m.

The town also holds the largest rodeo in the region every 4th of July weekend. The Cody Stampede Rodeo draws out the best cowboys from all over the United States who compete for big prizes and ride the best horses in the country.

Honolulu, Hawaii

There’s no need to spend Independence Day relegated to the continental US. And there's also no reason you can't take a vacation on July 4th. Waikiki is a great site to celebrate Independence Day because of its big military community. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and pay your respects at the Remembrance Circle while you're there.

Watch the fireworks from the coastlines of Waikiki and Ala Moana, as well as at Ala Moana Center, where you can also enjoy free live Hawaiian music throughout the day and evening. Ala Moana Beach Park is one of the best sites to see stunning performances with the beautiful Pacific as a backdrop. Pack a picnic, sit back and enjoy the show of lights. Of course, there are plenty of other things to do in Hawaii, from learning to surf and snorkeling to luaus, hula shows, and simply resting and soaking up the sun and beach.

Huntington Beach, California

The first Huntington Beach 4th of July celebration, held in 1904 to honor the arrival of the first electric passenger train connecting the town to Long Beach and Los Angeles, drew 50,000 people. The yearly tradition now draws over 500,000 people over four days of programming, making it the largest Fourth of July celebration west of the Mississippi.

The massive parade, which dates back to 1904, starts at 10 am. This two-hour procession moves along Main Street and features dozens of floats, marching bands, and celebrity guests. Over the years, it was attended by astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Hollywood stars like Patrick Warburton, Tim Conway Jr., Jerry Mathers, and Joe Mantegna, and famous athletes like Tony Gonzalez, Tito Ortiz, and Hank Conger.

Washington, D.C.

Though celebrating Independence Day in the United States' capital city may be a touch cliche, it is an event that families looking for an exciting holiday should not miss. A variety of parades are staged across the city, featuring a wide mix of floats, music, and entertainers. Visitors to Washington, D.C. on Independence Day can learn about the country's history at one of the city's many museums, view portraits of all former presidents at America's Presidents at the National Portrait Gallery, or honor the Founding Fathers and view some of the country's most important documents at the National Archives.

Snag a position on the United States Capitol's West Lawn in the evening. A Capitol Fourth is one of the top free Fourth of July concerts in the country. Finally, take in the spectacular fireworks display set against the National Mall's stately memorials to cap off the night.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Lake Geneva is one of the most beautiful lake locations in the country. It's only 80 miles from Chicago and 40 miles from Milwaukee, but it feels a million miles away from the traffic, parking, and bustle of the large cities. The natural beauty and small-town charm of the area make it an excellent choice for the Fourth of July weekend.

The 4th of July fireworks at Lake Geneva is one of the most memorable Independence Day. And anyone interested in seeing the magnificent fireworks in all their splendor can simply book a 4th of July 2022 cruise on Lake Geneva. While you celebrate, party until your heart's content, drink your liquor and gaze at the skyline. Apart from the parties, fireworks, and cruises, there are some truly spectacular 4th of July festivities in Lake Geneva.

Lake Tahoe, California

Every year, large crowds go to Lake Tahoe to enjoy sandy beaches, community events, food and drink promotions at local restaurants, and firework displays that take place all across the lake. The daytime of Independence Day, as is customary in Lake Tahoe, is often filled with sunbathing, cookouts, and other beach-related activities as throngs wait for the sun to drop and the fireworks to begin. The fireworks display is coordinated with music played on local radio stations, and the lights can be viewed from almost anywhere in town.

The American Pyrotechnics Association named the July 4th fireworks display on Lake Tahoe one of the best in the country. With over 100,000 spectators, it is one of the most popular Independence Day events in the West. The event has been featured in USA Today, Travel & Leisure, and ForbesTraveler.com as one of the best Fourth of July celebrations in the country. This family tradition is choreographed to music and broadcast on local radio stations every year. The fireworks are released from barges off the coast and can be seen all throughout the town. Public transportation, paved bike routes, and surrounding parks and walks provide easy access to viewing sites on the South Shore.

Boston, Massachusetts

The city that played an integral role in the American Revolution is also the site of a plethora of 4th of July–themed events. The big one is the famed Boston Harborfest, a multiday festival that includes live entertainment, special Freedom Trail walks, and a Changing of the Guard that will transport you back to 1775.

There aren’t many fireworks shows that are accompanied by live music during the show, let alone a legendary act like the Boston Pops Orchestra. But Boston takes it a step further, with real cannons firing to the beat. The center of the action is DCR Hatch Shell, where the band performs. And with seven barges firing pyrotechnics along the Charles River, great views can be had from Harvard Bridge to the Esplanade.

New York City

As is customary in New York City, there are more Independence Day celebrations than any one family could possibly attend, which is ideal because it means that a trip to the Big Apple will keep everyone occupied for days. For the traditional route of celebration, practically every neighborhood in the city holds its own distinctive Fourth of July parades, and fireworks are fired off in numerous spots throughout the Big Apple, making catching sight of a variety of fireworks shows possible from the majority of locales.

It's "go big or go home" in Manhattan. And you know the fireworks will be spectacular if they have to compete with the lights of Times Square. Hundreds of thousands of people gather to witness Macy's 4th of July Fireworks over the Brooklyn Bridge, which annually promises to be the biggest ever.

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