Celebrate the Fourth of July in Style
The Fourth of July is a perfect time to enjoy fireworks, food, family, friends, and fun. Small towns and big cities across the U.S. will celebrate the nation’s independence with parades, live music, and pyrotechnics. Whether you’re looking for family entertainment or sizzling summer fun in 2011, we’ve compiled a list of the hottest places across the country to celebrate the Fourth of July in style.
Boston, Massachusetts
For Bostonians, one day isn’t enough to celebrate the Fourth of July – they’ve stretched the celebration of our nation’s independence into a six-day event called Harborfest. Celebrate the birth of the American Revolution with reenactments, tours, speeches, sailing events – and of course – food, fun, and fireworks. June 29 – July 4 in Boston Harbor.
Las Vegas, Nevada
There are plenty of things to do and see in Las Vegas over the holiday weekend, including fireworks shows, but the quintessential Fourth of July activity in America’s Hottest City is the pool party. There are plenty to choose from – the MGM, the Cosmopolitan, the Hard Rock, the Tropicana, the Mirage, the Venetian, the Aria, the Encore, and the Palms all host pool parties. Keep in mind that many revelers go topless at Vegas pool parties, so the affairs are strictly 21+.
Los Angeles, California
There are dozens of community celebrations and fireworks shows throughout Los Angeles and Southern California on the Fourth of July, but there’s nothing quite like watching pyrotechnics at the Hollywood Bowl after a summer concert. This year pop duo Hall & Oats will take the stage with a full orchestra. Tickets range from $17.50 to $168.
Miami, Florida
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or a sizzling beach party, Miami is a hot destination this Fourth of July. Bring the kids to Bayfront Park in downtown Miami for a free, all-day event featuring food, a fun zone, and spectacular fireworks. In South Beach, enjoy jazz, blues and pyrotechnics on the beach at Ocean Drive and 8th Street. Visit the “Cirque du Grove” carnival at Coconut Grove and enjoy wire walkers and live music at Peacock Park. Or go back in time and watch an old-fashioned Fourth of July parade on Key Biscayne featuring marching bands, stilt walkers, and floats.
New York, New York
There are plenty of activities to choose from in the Big Apple on Independence Day, but be sure to catch the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Show on the Hudson River. More than 40,000 shells will be fired from six barges along the river. The show is synchronized to music, and the New York City Fire Department boats will be shooting plumes of red, white, and blue water over the river. There are many excellent places to view the show, but plan ahead and arrive early – millions of people will head to the river to catch this breathtaking fireworks display.
San Diego, California
There’s nothing like watching a fireworks show on the Fourth of July – unless you have a chance to watch seven fireworks shows at the same time. You can do just that at San Diego’s Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show. The dazzling display will be set to music and originate from seven barges placed strategically around San Diego Bay. An estimated 850,000 people will head to the shore to catch the show. Or catch the closing day of the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for some old-fashioned Fourth of July fun.
San Francisco, California
There are plenty of fireworks displays and live music events to choose from in the Bay Area this year. However, if you want to celebrate the Fourth of July in style, embark on a yacht for a dinner cruise around San Francisco Bay and enjoy a buffet, dancing, and fireworks. Or head down to Pier 39 for a day of live music topped by a spectacular fireworks display.
Washington, DC
There is nothing more patriotic than celebrating the Fourth of July in Washington, DC. Watch military units, marching bands, floats, and Capitol VIPs parade down Constitution Avenue, check out a celebration of the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives, or see music, dance, cooking demonstrations, crafts, and storytelling at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Be sure to stay for the concert outside the Capitol and one of the most spectacular fireworks shows anywhere.
