No matter which state you call home, or where you choose to celebrate Independence Day, fireworks are the biggest and brightest of all Fourth of July traditions – and a perfect way to top off your holiday festivities.
While shows may vary in size and length, some firework displays go the extra mile and stand out above the rest. Below are some of the best U.S. destinations for “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing” the radiant shows that will light up the sky according to USA Today.
- Washington, D.C. – the Nation’s Capital will lead the way in patriotic tradition by hosting a fireworks extravaganza on the National Mall.
- New York City, N.Y. – New York City is having a big celebration with Macy’s 38th annual fireworks display on the East River.
- Boston, Mass. – Boston’s annual Boston Pops concert and fireworks event hosted at the bank of the Charles River sees more than half a million people each year.
- Philadelphia, Pa. – Philadelphia’s “Welcome America” celebration features the Fourth of July Jam and Fireworks concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art as its backdrop.
- Chicago, Ill. – Chicago residents and visitors alike can enjoy a radiant fireworks show that is accompanied by synchronized music and sound from the shoreline of the Navy Pier.
- San Diego, Calif. – This Southern California city celebrates July 4th with an array of different shows throughout the county. The island of Coronado, for example, hosts a two-hour parade which is followed by a family concert and fireworks show over Glorietta Bay.
- Portland, Ore. – Portland’s Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival is one of the largest blues festivals in the country and is a great vantage point for watching fireworks.
- Atlantic City, N.J. – The Atlantic City fireworks festival, “We the People, By the People, For the People Fourth of July Fireworks” illuminates the sky and attracts more than 250,000 people.
- San Antonio, Texas – Stars and Stripes over San Antonio, which is held downtown each year, is the city’s largest and longest Fourth of July fireworks show.
- Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – This city’s Fourth of July Spectacular will include an impressive fireworks show and feature culinary specialties, games and music from live bands.
