The Best Places To See Fireworks On The 4th Of July

The Best Places to See Fireworks on the 4th of July

This year Independence Day falls on a Monday. This means you have a three-day weekend to get out and celebrate. Are you planning a trip? Maybe you are staying around your hometown instead. Either way, there are a ton of firework displays and festivals to choose from.

Below is a list of the best places to see fireworks on the Fourth of July. From live performances, 25-minute firework displays, free music, family-friendly entertainment, festivals and a variety of celebrations, you will not be disappointed.

From New York City to Texas and California, if you're ready to celebrate this country's Independence Day, here is your guide to some of the most spectacular spots.

New York City

Every year New York City hosts the Macy's Firework Show – the largest firework display in the country. This year is the 40th anniversary celebration. There will be a 25-minute display launched along the East River in Manhattan, patriotic performances from the United States Air Force band, and other performers including Kenny Chesney, Meghan Trainor and 5 Seconds of Summer.

Washington DC

The National Mall Fourth of July Celebration is one of the largest shows in the country. It lasts over 17 minutes. Fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and will be visible from many locations in Washington D.C. and Virginia, according to nps. Other events to participate in during the day include the Independence Day Parade and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia's Fourth of July festivities are held from June 27th to July 4th. The period is full of free concerts, firework shows, block parties, parades, patriotic ceremonies and a variety of kid's activities. Some of the most famous events include the Summer Mummer Concert on June 30, Philly @ the Movies and Free Hoagie Day at the Independence Mall. But of course, don't forget to attend the Independence Day Parade on July 4. Watch marching bands, colorful floats and military groups as they come together for this event. Then don't forget to attend the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert – one of the largest free outdoor concerts in the country.

Atlanta

Centennial Olympic Park is hosting Atlanta's Fourth of July Celebration. Enjoy free music, entertainment for the entire family, and the Southeast's largest fireworks display. J-Fly and Friends will be performing and the celebration will be broadcasted by Atlanta's local ABC affiliate WSB-TV.

Texas, Houston

Watch an incredible fireworks display at the Freedom Over Texas Fourth of July Celebration. The celebration begins at 4 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. Grammy-award winner Darius Rucker will be headlining the mainstage. Some of the festivities locations include Liberty Park which will comprise amazing talent and will be saluting the military, the Bud Light Bayou Beer Garden, and the Dr Pepper One of a Kind Zone which will feature Houston professional sport team set-ups.

San Diego

San Diego, California is hosting the Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show – one of the largest firework shows in the United States. The show begins at 9 p.m. and you can watch it from many different locations – Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero and the Coronado Ferry Landing, just to name a few. Boaters will have some of the best views of the show, as they will have the opportunity to observe the fireworks from right above.

Chicago

Held at the Navy Pier is Chicago's Independence Day celebration. The show is presented by the Illinois Lottery's 4th of July raffle ticket. Take a boat cruise and enjoy the fireworks show or ride the famous world-class Ferris wheel and catch a glimpse of the display from 150-feet in the air.

Minneapolis

Located in Minneapolis Park is the Red, White and Boom Festival. The event attracts over 75,000 people each year. It begins at 6:30 a.m. with the TC Half Marathon, Relay and 5K. Then from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. enjoy live music and activities for the entire family. The fireworks display begins at 10 p.m.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is known for its bright lights and intriguing atmosphere. Imagine it on the Fourth of July, when amongst the bright lights is the lighted sky. View fireworks from the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower, Caesars Palace, Mandalay Bay and Mission Hills Park, just to name a few.  *See: Top Adrenaline Inducing Attractions in Las Vegas

Seattle

Hosted by Seafair is the ultimate Fourth of July celebration at Gas Works Park. During the day, enjoy delicious foods, listen to live music, quench your thirst at their beer and beverage garden and participate in contests and games. At night, get ready for their fireworks show. It runs for approximately 20 minutes, features about 8,500 pounds of fireworks, and offers one of the best views over Lake Union. Tip: Reserve your seats in advance.

Atlantic City

New Jersey is home to the incredible Atlantic City. On July 3 at 9:30 p.m. experience the first fireworks display along the beach and boardwalk. On July 4 at 9:30 p.m. experience the final display at the Marina District. Both shows are 15 minutes long and are choreographed to music. They begin with a reading of the Declaration of Independence and end with the "Stars and Stripes Forever" John Phillip Souza march.

New Orleans

Gather together in Historic Downtown New Orleans for the annual Go 4th on the River celebration. Participate in tons of special events, listen to live music, eat delicious foods, and then experience the grand finale – the incredible fireworks display from over the Mississippi River. Some places to view the show include Woldenberg Park, Crescent Park and Algiers Point.

Boston

You don't want to miss the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. The WBZ-AM 1030 broadcast begins at 7 p.m. The countdown to the pre-show begins after, followed by the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular broadcast. Finally, at 8:30 p.m., the concert begins, and at 10:30 p.m. the fireworks display starts. The fireworks will light up the sky over the Charles River. *See: Boston National Historical Park

Miami

Miami Beach is hosting its annual Fire on the Fourth festival, located in North Shore Park, on the Fourth of July from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Indulge in delicious foods from their food trucks, listen to live music and DJs, then enjoy their spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m. Tip: If you plan to watch the display from the beach, bring a blanket or chair to claim your spot. Make sure you get there early because it will be crowded.

Pasadena, CA

Get ready for the 90th annual AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl Stadium this Fourth of July. Experience daylong entertainment for the entire family, live motorcycle stunts by the TNT Freestyle Motor Cross Show, a musical performance by the Liverpool Legends and their world-renown fireworks show.