Where to Watch the Fireworks this Fourth of July

 

Whether you were born in the USA or just visiting for the summer, the Fourth of July is an essential holiday to celebrate across the country. From barbecues to pool parties, the day’s festivities involve merrymaking with friends and family and most importantly, ending the night watching a sky full of fireworks. This popular travel day has a variety of ideal destinations with each offering the perfect view of the sparkling night sky. Take your Independence Day trip to new heights with these great places to watch the fireworks this 4th of July summer night.

The East River is the source of NYC’s biggest show known as the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. If you’re lucky enough to have a clear view of the river, you’ll get the full experience with an accompanying music score to put you in the patriotic mood. Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn have the best view with barges also giving Midtown and South Street Seaport a good sightline. Hotels like 1Hotel, The Bowery, The Freehand or The Nomad make for great vantage points, or make the trek to the river to see the 45-minute event up close.

With the sprawling city offering up a range of events from Marina del Rey to Pasadena, you’ll be sure to find an impressive display no matter your neighborhood of choice. The Hollywood Bowl hosts an annual Fourth of July party with The Go-Go’s being this year’s artist to perform during the celebration. Dodger Stadium will be lit up even brighter than usual with an all-American game to round out your evening. One of the biggest LA events is the Rose Bowl’s Americafest which boasts rides, crafts and tailgating outside the stadium in preparation for the eye-catching show.

San Diego makes for a great Fourth of July destination with its perfect weather and beachside locale. Their numerous shows of the night take place in Old Town, Ocean Beach, SeaWorld, and their most popular, the Annual Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show. The largest in the county, this fireworks display lights up the sky from multiple locations along the North Bay. Having four barges placed along the water means you’ll have no problem finding the perfect view with a stay at hotels like Omni, Hotel del Coronado, or Pendry San Diego.

Any Chicago resident knows that Navy Pier is the place to go for a fireworks show during the summer. Their 4th of July Aon Summer Fireworks, presented by Miller Lite, is the biggest of the season with a dazzling display over the lake. This unofficial yet fully embraced Independence Day show allows locals and visitors head to Millennium Park to see the explosive festivities up close. For those searching for a rooftop view, bars like Streeterville Social, Apogee, Upstairs at The Gwen or Cindy’s offer up the perfect perspective for the spectacular event.