Besides Valentine’s Day, the Fourth of July Fireworks is fast becoming known as the next big romantic event for the warmer months of the year for lovebirds. Long after your box of February 14th chocolates have disappeared, we believe that some summer romance is in order! Coupled-up or unattached, it’s a special time when we’re all guaranteed to experience the Fourth of July fireworks, also making it one of the best nights of the year.
So which are the best US cities to watch the 4th of July fireworks spectacle? Here are a top 10 cities to watch the Fourth of July Fireworks display this Independence day:
1. New York City
New York City takes everything to extremes, and the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display is the perfect example. More than 75,000 pounds of fireworks light up the Manhattan skyline over the course of 30-minutes. While most other Independence Day shows last only 10-minutes, New York opens its display with opening acts from famous artists. This year, Tim McGraw, Mariah Carey and Usher are just three of the big-named stars entertaining New Yorkers. The massive display of fireworks can be seen from 24th to 40th streets along the Hudson River. Show starts at 9pm, but if you plan on getting good seats, get there by 5pm.
2. Washington, DC
The fourth of July is the one night when the attention from politics and the White House are redirected to the sky. The 4th of July fireworks display in DC is powerful to watch as red, white and blue govern the night. This is definitely the place to be if you are feeling patriotic. The evening starts with America’s National Independence Day Parade and ends with the spectacular fireworks display over the Washington Monument. The show start around 9:15pm and the fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
3. Boston
One of the best spots to watch an Independence Day celebration is in the city that started it all. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is supplemented with other activities, like dance performances, food and games for the kids. The Boston Pops, renowned for playing light classical and popular music, will give a free concert in 2013 before the fireworks start.
4. Lake Tahoe, California
The “Lights on the Lake” firework show is continually rated as one of the best in the country by the organization in charge of fireworks – the American Pyrotechnics Association. This show features a series of custom fireworks that you won’t see anywhere else. The entire show is a well-thought out process that revolves around theme songs…and it’s not just fireworks launched in the air. Go early for a picnic to get a great viewing spot.
5. Orange County, California
Los Angeles is so spread out that the Independence Day celebration literally spans an entire county, and residents can pick a fireworks show that is close to them – and expect an elegant show. It’s LA – everything is about image – and the fourth of July fireworks are no different. Regardless of where you see the show, you can expect to see fancy, over-the-top bells and whistles that complement the main attraction.
6. Miami, Florida
It’s hard to get worked up in Miami with their chill atmosphere, but on the 4th of July, it’s easy to get excited when the fireworks light up South Beach. Bring your folding chair, sit on the beach or if you have friends in high places, watch it from their yacht. And unlike other cities that end the night when the fireworks show is over, in Miami, that is when the real party starts. It’s an all-night event on July 4th in South Beach.
7. Las Vegas
The Strip in Vegas is always full of Casino lights, but on the 4th of July, the fireworks take over. There are lots of different places to watch the fireworks in Vegas. A long standing tradition on the fourth of July is the Station Casinos’ Fourth of July Blast which features fireworks displays from 5 of the Stations properties. Or stay closer to the strip and watch each casino compete with the other to see who has the best display. The party starts early in Vegas with hotel bars, casinos and pool parties decked out in patriotic decorations.
8. Dallas
The Independence Day celebration is so big in Dallas that residents rename it – “Kaboom Town.” This year, the city is spending $220,000 on fireworks alone for a 30-minute show that is choreographed to popular music. It also includes air shows and musical acts. The best part is everything is free.
9. New Orleans
The “Go4th on the River” celebration in New Orleans is an unforgettable riverside party. The festivities culminate in a fireworks show dubbed the “Dueling Barges” in which two floating platforms try to out do each another. New Orleans doesn’t have a history of throwing big fourth of July fireworks shows, but it’s quickly getting noticed by the national media:
10. Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz, or more specifically Seabright Beach, takes a more laid back approach to fireworks. The fourth of July fireworks show is actually put on by locals. That’s right, locals bring their own fireworks and under the monitoring of law enforcement and the Coast Guard, they put on their own show. It’s bound to be a show that changes by the year based on what residents deem trendy!
