Fourth of July [1] is arguably the best weekend of the Summer. It usually involves lots of food [2], a few drinks, sunshine, bonfires, and of course, fireworks. But where exactly are the best spots in the country to watch fireworks [3]? These seven popular cities go all out when celebrating America's birthday, and they should definitely be on your Independence Day bucket list. From New Orleans to Washington DC (along with specific firework shows to check out and hotels to stay at in each), consider your Fourth of July weekend basically set.
New York City, NY
Where to watch:
- Macy's 4th of July Fireworks (9:20 p.m.) — Macy's 43rd annual celebration will start on the Brooklyn Bridge and continue along the East River.
Where to stay:
- New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge [5]
- Courtyard New York Manhattan/Chelsea [6]
- The New York Edition [7]
San Diego, CA
Where to watch:
- Annual Big Bay Boom July 4 Fireworks Show (9 p.m.) — Find any place along the bay for one of the largest displays in the country. Fireworks are launched from four barges strategically placed around North San Diego Bay and can be seen from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Marina District, and Seaport Village/Coronado Landing.
- SeaWorld San Diego 4th of July Fireworks (9:45 p.m.) — The theme park will celebrate with a 15-minute display set to a musical soundtrack.
- Ocean Beach July 4th Celebration at Ocean Beach Pier (9 p.m.) — End a day of soaking up the sun with a spectacular show launched from the OB pier.
Where to stay:
- Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina [8]
- Residence Inn San Diego La Jolla [9]
Boston, MA
Where to watch:
- Harborfest Fireworks July 2 — One of the largest Independence Day festivals in the U.S. will be located at Boston's waterfront. You'll be able to enjoy everything from Boston's colonial era to a fireworks display.
- Fireworks Over the Charles River (8-11 p.m.) — Following the live Pops concert will be the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. The celebration kicks off in the morning at 9 and ends with a half-hour pyrotechnics show in the evening.
Where to stay:
- Boston Marriott Long Wharf [10]
- Boston Marriott Cambridge [11]
Orlando, FL
Where to watch:
- Fireworks at the Fountain (4-10 p.m.) — This free fireworks display and laser show will be held around Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.
- Independence Day at Walt Disney World Resort [12] (9 p.m.) — Head to Magic Kingdom for "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky," followed by a special fireworks presentation at Disney's Hollywood Studios at 10 p.m.
- Independence Day at SeaWorld Orlando — The theme park will offer a special Fourth of July Reflections show, featuring an expanded fireworks display timed to patriotic music.
Where to stay:
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld [13]
- JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes [14]
- The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes [15]
New Orleans, LA
Where to watch:
- 3rd of July Celebration (7-9 p.m.) — The Marine Corps Band will kick the festivities off early with some patriotic music. Enjoy classic Independence Day fare at the Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn at City Park with fireworks to wrap up the night.
- Fireworks on the Mississippi River (9 p.m.) — Enjoy the Dueling Barges Fireworks display on the River, which can be seen from Jax Brewery, Woldenberg Park, and other locations around the French Quarter.
Where to stay:
- Courtyard New Orleans Downtown [16]
- JW Marriott New Orleans [17]
- Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette French Quarter Area Hotel [18]
Washington DC
Where to watch:
- National Mall Fireworks, July 4 (9 p.m.) — This is the prime viewing spot to watch the display from, which normally launches from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting pool.
- A Capitol Fourth, July 4 (8 p.m.) — America's 39th Annual birthday bash will be celebrated with a free concert featuring nearly a dozen performances on the West Lawn.
Where to stay:
- JW Marriott Washington DC [19]
Chicago, IL
Where to watch:
- Navy Pier July 4 Fireworks (9:30 p.m.) — Watch the colorful display perfectly synced to music on Lake Michigan.
- Itasca July 4 Fireworks — Just right outside of the city in the village of Itasca is the one of the biggest fireworks displays. The event at Hamilton Lakes Campus office will feature performances followed by a 25-minute fireworks show.
- Rosemont's Rockin in the Park on July 4 (7-10 p.m.) — This Summer concert series will finish the evening off with a spectacular display at MB Financial Park.
- Highland Park on July 4 (9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.) — This family-fun celebration at Wolters Field will lead into the night with a fireworks show that starts at 9:30 p.m.
Where to stay:
- AC Hotel Chicago Downtown [20]
- Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel [21]