The Fourth of July is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. It’s a time when people come together to celebrate with fireworks, food, music, and fun. In 2025, more people are expected to travel for the holiday. According to AAA, 72.2 million Americans are planning to take a trip over the July 4th holiday week – the highest number so far.
There are so many cities and towns across the country putting on fireworks, parades, and fun events that choosing where to go can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why we made this guide, to help you decide. You’ll see exactly what each destination has planned, from concerts and parades to family activities and, of course, fireworks. We also included helpful travel tips to keep your trip smooth and stress-free.
Key Takeaways
- Macy’s Fireworks in NYC and Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! ranked among the largest and most iconic July 4th events in the U.S.
- 2025 travel is booming, with over 72.2 million Americans expected to travel.
- Save big with last-minute deals on hotels, rentals, and flights, especially in trending spots like Myrtle Beach, San Diego, and Boston.
Top Cities in the U.S. to Celebrate Independence Day 2025
Many cities are planning special events, fireworks, and concerts to celebrate. Here are the top places to go and all that they offer.
New York City, New York
New York City is home to one of the country’s biggest fireworks shows. In 2025, the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular will return with thousands of fireworks shells launched from the Hudson River. The fireworks will light up the night sky and can be seen from many parts of Manhattan and New Jersey.
Even though New York City does not hold a Fourth of July parade, there are still many things to do. A lot of people also head out to Long Island or Fire Island for the day, where they spend time on the beach, watch local fireworks, have barbecues, and take advantage of the warm weather.
Washington, D.C.
In the nation’s capital, the Fourth of July is full of official celebrations. The day starts with the National Independence Day Parade along Constitution Avenue. This parade includes marching bands, fife and drum corps, drill teams, balloons, and even celebrities.
Later in the day, people gather at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for a Capitol Fourth concert. The concert ends with a fireworks show over the National Mall, where you can see the Washington Monument and other landmarks lit up in the background. You can also attend the Independence Day BBQ and Block Party at Café du Parc Terrace near the White House. It offers food, drinks, and a smashing view of the fireworks. Many visitors also bike along the Mount Vernon Trail or take a cruise on the Potomac River to watch the show from the water.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville celebrates with a large event called Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th. This is a free concert that brings in close to 200,000 people each year. In 2025, the main performer will be Dierks Bentley, along with artists like Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon, Grace Bowers, and Keesha Rainey.
After the music, there will be a fireworks show that is one of the largest in the country. It will be synchronized to live music by the Nashville Symphony, and there will also be a drone light show. Families can enjoy activities during the day at the Amazon Family Fun Zone. People who want a more relaxed experience can book the Exclusive Fireworks Viewing, which comes with snacks, drinks, and reserved seating.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is known for its history, and it celebrates the Fourth with several days of events called Boston Harborfest. This festival includes Freedom Trail walks, concerts, tours, historical reenactments, and even a Chowderfest.
On July 4, the main event is the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular – a free outdoor concert by the Boston Pops Orchestra, followed by fireworks over the Charles River. The music includes the 1812 Overture and features live cannons, drumrolls, and ringing church bells. A special fireworks viewing is also available on the rooftop of The Fairmont Copley Plaza, but only for guests staying in Fairmont Gold rooms.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and it honors that history with a week-long celebration called the Wawa Welcome America Festival. The event includes a parade through the historic center of the city, food events, movies, and live storytelling.
The celebration ends with the largest free concert in the country, followed by a fireworks show with 15,000 shells. The fireworks are launched with the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the background, which is also known for the “Rocky Steps.”
San Francisco, California
San Francisco puts on a full day of activities at Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. During the day, there are street performers, live music, and food stands. At night, the city will launch 10,000 fireworks over San Francisco Bay from two separate locations. The show lasts 25 minutes and is set to music.
Good places to watch include Aquatic Park, Pier 39, and the hills near the Golden Gate Bridge. People can also take a cruise on the bay with Red and White Fleet or Blue & Gold Fleet. Another option is to hike up to Pioneer Park for a great view.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas celebrates the Fourth with fireworks over The Strip and Fremont Street, plus lots of parties and entertainment. There are big daytime pool parties at the Encore Beach Club and the Palm Tree Beach Club at the MGM Grand, which has two plunge pools and a light and sound show.
At night, fireworks light up the sky from around seven different casinos. One of the best places to see them all at once is from the rooftop bar at Resorts World. Watching from above gives a full view of the fireworks, while some street-level spots can be blocked by tall casino buildings.
After the show, visitors can check out new places to eat and relax. The Four Sixes Ranch Steakhouse at the Wynn is based on the Yellowstone TV show. The Pinky Ring, a jazz lounge by Bruno Mars, recently opened at the Bellagio. You can also visit Brasserie B by Bobby Flay or Ole Red Las Vegas, a live music venue connected to Blake Shelton.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a good choice for a beach-style Fourth of July. The area has fireworks at Barefoot Landing, Cherry Grove Pier, and Broadway at the Beach. There are also events like the Myrtle Beach Golf Cart Parade, a boat parade at Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, and a military flyover as part of Salute from the Shore.
Families can also enjoy the cupcake-eating contest at Heroes Harbor. For those staying overnight, the Island Vista Resort offers a beachfront location with two outdoor pools, an indoor lazy river, spa services, and family activities.
Underrated July 4th Celebrations You Can’t Miss
Sure, big cities usually get most of the attention on the Fourth of July, but plenty of smaller towns and less well-known places host amazing celebrations, too. These events can be just as fun or even more memorable. Here are the most interesting and often-overlooked Fourth of July events happening across the country in 2025.
Hanover, New Hampshire
One place that really focuses on community and tradition is Hanover, New Hampshire. Each year, the town hosts its Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration in downtown Hanover and on the Dartmouth Green. In 2025, the theme is called “Hanover in Harmony,” and it features live music throughout the day.
The celebration begins with a parade, followed by activities on the Green. Families can enjoy things like a pie-eating contest, pony rides, and classic games for all ages. Food is served by the Hanover Rotary, which holds a public barbecue.
People visiting from out of town often stay at the Hanover Inn Dartmouth, which overlooks the Green and gives easy access to all the events. If you like nature, the Appalachian Trail runs right through Main Street. Nearby, you can visit Lake Sunapee for a boat cruise or stop by Sanctuary Dairy Farm Ice Cream, where they make fresh ice cream on-site.
Boulder, Colorado
Another city that has fun with local flavor is Boulder, Colorado. The main event takes place at Folsom Field, the football stadium at the University of Colorado. There, people come together for a concert, a stadium sing-along, and a special appearance by the school’s mascot, Ralphie the Buffalo. At the end of the night, everyone watches a fireworks show over the stadium.
Before the Fourth, the city also hosts an event called Star-Spangled Splash at Boulder Reservoir. This outdoor party includes live music, a beer garden, carnival rides, games, and fun activities for kids like face painting and bounce houses. People can cool off in the water using free paddleboards, hydro bikes, or waterslides.
If you’re more interested in adult-only plans, Boulder is also known for its many local breweries, which are open all weekend long.
Addison, Texas
A few towns go all out for the holiday, and Addison, Texas, is a great example. Although the town has only about 17,000 residents, more than 500,000 people attend the Kaboom Town! event each year on July 3.
The fireworks show uses 3,500 pounds of fireworks and is choreographed to music. Before the fireworks, the crowd watches an air show with vintage planes flown by the Cavanaugh Flight Museum’s World Class Warbirds.
When the show ends, people don’t have to go far to find food. Addison has more than 200 restaurants, which is more restaurants per person than any town in the country.
Traverse City, Michigan
Next is Traverse City, Michigan, known as the Cherry Capital of the World. Around the Fourth of July, the town hosts the National Cherry Festival, which runs from June 28 to July 5, 2025.
This festival has concerts, parades, pie-eating contests, midway rides, a cornhole tournament, and an arts and crafts fair. The 2025 lineup features performers like Cheap Trick, Collective Soul, Hoobastank, and the Plain White T’s. An air show over Grand Traverse Bay is also part of the celebration.
People looking for a quiet place to stay often choose the Delamar Traverse City, a hotel with views of the bay, pools, outdoor dining, and easy access to local attractions. While in the area, many people also visit Sleeping Bear Dunes or go wine tasting on the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.
Boise, Idaho
Boise, Idaho, starts celebrating early, beginning the day with a hot air balloon launch at 6:30 a.m., followed by a pancake breakfast at Cecil D. Andrus Park and a patriotic pet parade.
Later in the morning, the Idaho Fourth of July Parade kicks off in downtown Boise and moves past the State Capitol building. The 2025 theme is “Star-Spangled 4th.” The parade includes music, marching bands, and groups from the local community.
After the parade, visitors can spend the afternoon biking along the Boise River Greenbelt or visit local wineries like Cinder Wines, Split Rail Winery, and Telaya Wine Co.
The fireworks begin at sunset in Ann Morrison Park, where there are food vendors, drinks, and plenty of space to sit. Visitors staying in downtown Boise can book rooms at Hotel Renegade, which also offers rooftop views at The Highlander bar. That’s where they host the Red, White & Rooftop fireworks party.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
For something a little more peaceful and historic, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota has a different kind of Fourth of July. While there are no fireworks, visitors can take part in special programs on July 3 and 4.
Costumed reenactors portraying George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln walk around the site. On July 3, they host a press conference in the Carvers’ Marketplace, where visitors can ask questions. On both days, they are available to talk with visitors and sign autographs.
Each evening at 9 p.m., there’s a sculpture lighting ceremony at the amphitheater. While entry to the memorial is free, there is a parking fee.
Seward, Alaska
Seward, Alaska, celebrates in a way that’s very different from most places. Their biggest event is the Mount Marathon Race, a challenging 5K race that ascends and descends a 3,022-foot mountain. This race began in 1915, and every year, the town’s population grows from about 3,000 to 30,000 people as crowds come to watch.
Because of Alaska’s long daylight hours in the summer, fireworks don’t start until 12:01 a.m. on July 5. Most people are there for the race, which includes steep slopes, muddy trails, and even waterfalls. Competing in or winning the race is considered a big accomplishment.
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
In Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, the Fourth of July feels like stepping back in time. The day begins with a reading of the Declaration of Independence by a Thomas Jefferson reenactor from the Capitol building’s West Balcony. Visitors can also go on the Freedom’s Paradox tour, which talks about the connection between liberty and slavery in American history.
Later in the evening, people gather at Palace Green for a concert called Lights of Freedom, which includes marching music, a sing-along, and music by Handel. At 9:30 p.m., fireworks begin over the town. The best places to watch are Palace Green and Market Square. Just keep in mind that while the event is free, you do need to reserve a ticket in advance.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole offers a traditional Western-style celebration. It begins with a community pancake breakfast in Town Square, followed by a parade with horses, clowns, and local groups. There is also a reenactment of a shootout, adding to the town’s cowboy feel.
In the evening, visitors can head to the Teton County Fairgrounds to watch an old-fashioned rodeo. Fireworks take place at Teton Village and Snow King Mountain on both July 3 and 4. Watching the fireworks with the Grand Tetons in the background makes for a beautiful and unforgettable view.
Aptos, California
Aptos, California, is home to what it calls the world’s shortest Fourth of July parade. The parade route is only 0.6 miles long, but the event usually lasts a couple of hours. It begins at 10 a.m. at Soquel Drive and State Park Drive.
After the parade, people head over to Aptos Village Park, where there’s a community party with live music, food, and activities on the park’s 10 acres of green space. It’s a fun and simple way to enjoy the Fourth in a small-town setting.
Fourth of July Travel Tips & Booking Hacks for 2025
If you’re flying or driving this holiday, you’ll need to outsmart one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Rena Shah, head of Lodging and Experiences for Chase Travel, recommends booking your hotel before your flight. That might feel backward, but hotels often sell out faster, especially if you need adjoining rooms or accessibility accommodations. Brian Kelly from The Points Guy suggests rechecking your hotel reservation closer to your trip, as prices often drop, and many bookings are refundable.
Melanie Fish from Vrbo encourages last-minute planners to use their Last Minute Deals filter. Vrbo has over 300,000 vacation rentals still available within 30 days of check-in.
Airfare is looking favorable. Prices are down 7.3% from last year. According to Kayak, flights for July 4th are 10% cheaper than in 2024, with July 1 being the cheapest day to fly. Affordable destinations this year include Tampa, Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Bozeman.
Rental car rates have dropped 3% in the U.S. and 5% internationally, with the best pickup prices in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, LA, Vegas, San Diego, Salt Lake City, Denver, and D.C. Tools like AutoSlash can automatically rebook your reservation at a better price.
Don’t forget about TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, which is a must-have for frequent flyers. Kids under 18 qualify for free with an adult Global Entry member, and many premium credit cards reimburse the cost.
So wherever you’re heading this Independence Day, plan ahead, stay flexible, and take advantage of these travel tips to make your July 4th trip easy, fun, and affordable.
