10 Places to See Fourth of July Fireworks
Brittany Jones Cooper
Editor, Yahoo Travel
Brittany Jones-Cooper is a reporter, producer, and writer who has contributed to CBS News, The Daily Beast, Nike, and Today. She also spent an exciting two years as an associate producer for Katie Couric’s daytime talk show. Brittany hails from Nebraska (Go Huskers!) and loves blogging, jaywalking, yoga, and binge watching mediocre television.
On the Fourth of July, Americans celebrate their independence from England. They also celebrate fireworks — and the bigger, the better. On this day, there’s nothing better than sitting back with loved ones on warm summer night and gazing up at the sky to see a spectacular pyrotechnics show.
If you’re looking for a spot to watch fireworks, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here are the most searched cities on Yahoo for Fourth of July fireworks and where you can catch the action!
10. San Diego
Fireworks over San Diego. (Photo: Port of San Diego)
There are several fireworks shows to catch in San Diego, but The Big Bay Boom is the one locals and visitors are waiting for. It’s the largest in the county, with fireworks discharged simultaneously from barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Seaport Village, Embarcadero South Marina Park, and Coronado Ferry Landing.
Details: Show begins on July 4 at 9 p.m.
9. New Orleans
Grab a beignet and watch the fireworks in New Orleans. (Photo: NOLA.com)
Mardi Gras is clearly NOLA’s main attraction, but the Fourth of July is also an amazing party. The show takes place on the Mississippi River, showcasing fireworks from two dueling barges. On the French Quarter side of the river, the best views are from Woldenberg Park between the Governor Nicholls Street Wharf and Spanish Plaza.
Details: Show beings on July 4 at 9 p.m.
8. Lake Tahoe
Celebrate Independence Day on Lake Tahoe. (Photo: AP)
What could be sweeter than kicking back on a boat while watching epic fireworks reflect off of the surrounding water? Not much. Which is why thousands flock to Lake Tahoe every year to celebrate Independence day. The show takes place at South Lake Tahoe, but you don’t need a boat to partake in the festivities. On land, Regan Beach, El Dorado Beach or Nevada Beach provide particularly good views.
Details: Show begins on July 4 at 9:45 p.m.
Related: 7 Best Small Towns for the Fourth of July
7. Atlantic City
Don’t gamble with your Fourth of July plans, visit Atlantic City! (Photo: DO/AC)
Atlantic city is known for throwing a good party, and the Fourth of July celebration certainly doesn’t disappoint. More than 250,000 people watch the show, which is widely considered as one the best in the nation. In fact, it’s so big that it takes two ocean barges and one marina platform to contain the fireworks. The best part is that you can lose all of your money in the casino because the show is free!
Details: Show begins on July 3 and July 4 at 9:30 pm..
6. Chicago
Celebrate America in Chicago. (Photo: Corbis)
Chicago will be a popular destination for Independence day this year for one major reason — the Grateful Dead. That’s right, The Grateful Dead is putting on shows from July 3-July 5 at Soldier Field. After the performance, head over to the lakefront at Navy Pier to see the most spectacular fireworks show in the city. Visitors can also watch from Grant Park or aboard one of many fireworks cruises available.
Details: Show begins on July 4 at 9:30pm
5. Nashville
Music and fireworks? What a perfect combination! (Photo: Visit Music City)
If you want some country crooning with your fireworks, then pack up the family and head to Nashville. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, Nashville is home to the 2nd most popular fireworks shows in the nation. After spending the day downtown, gaze up at the sky for the amazing fireworks show that is perfectly choreographed to music performed live by Nashville’s GRAMMy-award-winning symphony. It’s guaranteed to be a night you always remember.
Details: Show begins on July 4 at 9:30pm
4. New York City
Watch the fireworks with the “Freedom Tower” in view. (Photo: AP)
It’s no secret, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show is one of the most watched celebrations of the year. If you’re in the city, you can see the the spectacle from Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens…as long as the East River is visible. The best viewing locations will be between 23rd and 34th streets in Manhattan.
For those of you who’d rather watch the show from the comfort of your home, NBC will show the fireworks in addition to performances from singers like Kelly Clarkson and Flo Rida.
Details: Fireworks will start on July 4 at approximately 10:00 p.m.
3. Philadelphia
Fireworks explode over the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Photo: Corbis)
Rain or shine, the Fourth of July Jam in Philly is always the party of the year. Philadelphia is where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were adopted, so it’s the perfect place to celebrate everything that makes America so great. During the day, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway hosts the “largest free concert” in the world with great food and entertainment. Then at night, brace yourself for the spectacular fireworks at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Details: Fireworks start on July 4 at approximately 10:30 p.m.
Related: Cheers, America! Fourth of July Cocktail Recipes for Wherever You’re Celebrating
2. Addison TX (Kaboom Town)
Fireworks light up the night sky during the Kaboom Town Fourth of July celebration. (Photo: AP)
With a nickname like “Kaboom Town,” you know the fireworks have to be good. Addison, TX is known for having one of the best fireworks shows in the nation, and for years, the city has been wow’ing crowds with its spectacular pyrotechnic performance. With over 400,000 visitors and 1,500 pounds of fireworks, it is the largest fireworks display in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Join the crowds at Addison Circle Park to watch the festivities.
Details: Event starts on July 3 at 5 p.m. The fireworks will take place at dark.
1. Washington DC
Fireworks behind the Washington Monument. (Photo: Thinkstock)
The most searched destination for the Fourth of July is Washington D.C., which makes sense seeing as its the nation’s capital! The National Mall is home to some of the America’s most recognizable monuments (ie, Washington Monument), and it’s also where you can catch one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the United States.
Details: The fireworks will take place on July 4 at 9:09 p.m. EST
