With winter finally behind us and the last snow gone, many Americans look forward to simple summer pleasures. Warmer days and brighter skies draw people outside, and July brings the nation’s hallmark event—Independence Day. Today’s celebrations go well beyond fireworks and parades, often involving a change of scenery. Below are our top 10 destinations worth considering for a memorable Fourth of July break.
New York City, New York
Our first destination is the Big Apple. The city has a rich history, with some of America’s most iconic sites like Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. During the Fourth of July, be prepared to be stunned by Macy’s firework show. Watch the beautiful colors glimmer off the East River.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Want to see some live music? During the Fourth of July holiday, attend the world’s largest festival called Summerfest. For nine days, artists from across the country get on stage and play for the masses. Stay at Milwaukee’s historic Pfister Hotel or Saint Kate. The lakefront is very beautiful in the summer, as throngs of people bathe and play on the beach. This city is truly underrated.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
This destination always appears on the top 10 or 20 best vacation spots in the U.S. And here’s why. Firstly, the island is a car-free zone, which means people have to travel by horse and buggy. During the Fourth of July holiday, tourists celebrate our country’s independence by wearing American flag sunglasses and t-shirts. The Grand Hotel preserves the island’s 19th-century ties with the same regal architecture as the White House.
Yosemite National Park
Woody Guthrie’s song “This Land Is Your Land” was a symbol of labor reformation and celebrated America’s natural beauty. For your summer holiday, visit Yosemite National Park and appreciate its untamed wilderness. Come face to face with animals such as mule deer, coyotes, and black bears. Ditch the fireworks this year and connect with nature.
Chicago, Illinois
Are you close to Chicago? The Windy City thrives in the summer, especially during the Fourth of July holiday. During the day, visitors can watch the long-running parade in Hyde Park, and then they can catch fireworks at Navy Pier. The NASCAR street race on the lakefront seems like a particularly intriguing event. Which one would you choose?
Channel Islands National Park
Jagged rock formations dot the coasts. Waves splash, the foam rises up, and it slaps the rock like an aggressive high-five. The outdoor adventures at Channel Islands National Park include hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Celebrate America and connect with our country’s unique landscape. In Oxnard near the harbor, patriotic festivities include fireworks, a farmer’s market, and a boat parade.
San Diego, California
More fireworks! Take the family to San Diego to watch one of the nation’s largest firework shows. The event, called Big Bay Boom, involves fireworks launching from multiple barges in the bay. Think of how the summer air will caress your face; it’ll be a cherished Fourth of July memory. Return next year and make the trip a family tradition.
Bristol, Rhode Island
Your palms will sweat as you stand on the hot concrete, cooking like a sausage on a grill. Sweat dampens your face. You block the sun out with your hand as you squint. You can see the parade starting from down the street. Bristol, Rhode Island, has the longest-running Fourth of July celebration in the country. Attendees can play old 1800s games like potato sack racing.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Imagine yourself driving down the Vegas strip with the top down. Neon lights flash. You peer up into the desert sky. Colored sparks streak down to Earth, looking like a Willow Tree. Every year, the Plaza and Casino host a fireworks show. The city breathes like a living thing, teeming with patriots celebrating America’s independence. Choose to spend the Fourth in Las Vegas and make a special memory that’ll last a lifetime.
Great Smoky Mountains Park
Our last Fourth of July holiday destination is the Great Smoky Mountains Park. Hike the park’s numerous trails and marvel at its spectacular wilderness. Nearby in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the locals enjoy the festivities with music, outdoor activities, and fireworks. But it’s really the midnight parade that piques interest. I can see the fireworks glowing, lighting up the parade. Now which one of our destinations did you like?
