7 Exciting Spots to Celebrate a July 4th Weekend Getaway

No holiday captures the essence of summer like the Fourth of July, when folks indulge in outdoor barbecues and festive parades (and in New York City’s Coney Island, devour hot dogs at lightning speed). Cap off the celebrations with a dazzling fireworks display, creating an Independence Day experience worthy of the Founding Fathers.

This year, July 4 falls on a Thursday, providing even more reason to celebrate. If you’re fortunate—or plan well—and manage to take Friday off, enjoy an extended four-day weekend getaway.

Craving a red, white, and blue summer adventure? Here are the top places in the United States to be on July 4, which also serve as fantastic weekend getaway destinations.

1. New York City, New York

With all the fireworks, sleep will be hard to come by, so why not enjoy them in the city that never sleeps? Macy’s hosts the nation’s largest fireworks display, launching from barges on the East or Hudson River in New York City (check their website for the latest viewing location updates). With over 3 million spectators flocking to see the show, the best way to avoid the crowds is to secure a spot at a restaurant or a friend’s rooftop. Alternatively, you can catch smaller displays like the one at Coney Island, where you can stroll down a nearly three-mile boardwalk and enjoy a day at the beach before the fireworks start.

Independence Day also brings a host of daytime festivities, including Nathan’s famous hot dog-eating contest in Coney Island every July 4. Although star competitor Joey Chestnut won’t be participating this year, it will be thrilling to see who steps up to take his place after his eight-year winning streak.

2. Bristol, Rhode Island

While major cities compete for the most extravagant July 4 celebrations, this quaint Rhode Island town has been honoring Independence Day the longest. With a population of around 22,000, it began its celebrations back in 1785 with a parade, making it the longest-running Independence Day event in the United States.

Embracing this title wholeheartedly, the town hosts festivities that turn Independence Day into a weeks-long celebration. Kicking off on June 14 with a Flag Day Ceremony featuring a town crier, the festivities culminate in the beloved July 4 parade. In between, enjoy a summer concert series and the Fourth of July Ball. After the celebrations, take advantage of the beautiful weather to explore Ocean State’s stunning beaches.

3. San Francisco, California

San Francisco’s Pier 39 hosts numerous citywide events throughout the year, including a spectacular fireworks display every Independence Day. (Tip: To avoid traffic at Fisherman’s Wharf, opt for public transportation.) For daytime festivities, smaller areas like Sonoma feature parades with a charming, local vibe. Alternatively, cross the Oakland Bay Bridge to visit the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum, which hosts a Fourth of July BBQ on its flight deck each year.

If you can spend a weekend in San Francisco, there’s plenty to explore, starting with Golden Gate Park and the Saturday farmers’ market at the Ferry Building. The city was named one of the World’s Best Cities of 2024, thanks in part to the car-free street movement that gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic—so be sure to rent a bike and wear your best walking shoes.

4. Washington, D.C.

It’s a no-brainer when choosing a spot to celebrate Independence Day. If you're visiting this city during the first week of July, be sure to mark your calendar for several exciting events. Don’t miss the annual National Independence Day Parade along Constitution Avenue, where drum corps and bands parade alongside floats before a crowd of hundreds of thousands. You can also join the festivities at the National Mall, where top artists perform at A Capitol Fourth, the national Independence Day celebration; in 2023, Chicago and Boyz II Men were among the featured performers.

The grand fireworks display, organized by the National Parks Service, attracts hundreds of thousands to downtown. For a more tranquil viewing experience, grab a blanket and head to Gravelly Point Park, just a few miles north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Here, you'll enjoy the fireworks from across the river, plus the excitement of watching planes take off from DCA. Afterwards, check out local tips and discover what you can explore over four days in Washington, D.C.

5. Nashville, Tennessee

Music plays a central role in Nashville’s July 4 festivities, particularly during the Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th event. Last year's celebration featured headliner Brad Paisley, along with performances by Ben Rector, The War and Treaty, Langhorne Slim, and Tiera Kennedy. The annual event wraps up with a spectacular fireworks display in downtown Nashville. Enjoy the show from the rooftops of venues like Bobby Nashville (where last year's tickets included a BBQ cookout), The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels, and W Nashville.

While the July 4 celebrations are a blast, make sure you don't leave Nashville without tasting its renowned hot chicken or visiting a music museum. Plan for at least 48 hours to explore its vibrant neighborhoods and outdoor attractions—including a replica of Athens' Parthenon—to fully enjoy your time in Tennessee.

6. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston's connection to the nation’s independence dates back to the Boston Tea Party. The city commemorates its rich history with Harborfest, a weeklong celebration recognized as one of the largest Fourth of July festivals in the country.

From July 1 to 7, enjoy live music in Downtown Crossing and sample various clam chowder recipes at Chowderfest. In the evenings, find a spot along the Inner Harbor to watch the Harborfest fireworks launched from a barge at Boston’s Long Wharf. Make a weekend of it to explore exciting new developments in this historic city, including the MGM Music Hall at Fenway, which opened in 2022.

7. St. Louis, Missouri

Head to St. Louis for July 4 and join in the Independence Day festivities at Gateway Arch National Park, the nation’s smallest national park. The city hosts America’s Birthday Parade, a tradition since 1878 inspired by New Orleans’s Mardi Gras (with floats shipped from New Orleans during its early years). Enjoy the 2024 parade along Market Street in Downtown St. Louis and catch the nightly fireworks by the Gateway Arch.

After indulging in classic July 4th burgers and hot dogs, spend the weekend exploring St. Louis’s must-try dishes—how about some gooey butter cake or pork steak?

This article was last updated on June 26, 2024, to provide the latest information.