The 4th of July is a red-letter day in the history of the United States. It was, after all, on this day that the country won its independence from Great Britain. It is no surprise, then, that it celebrates the event on a grand scale, marked by parades, fireworks, picnics, barbecues, community events, patriotic displays, family reunions, and more.
Here, we have compiled a list of the top 5 US cities that celebrate the occasion most lavishly, complete with exciting fireworks, colorful parades, patriotic displays, and more. Read on!
Washington DC
It should not come as a surprise to anyone that the capital of the United States, Washington DC, features number one on the list. Each year, the city celebrates the Fourth of July with a bang, and watching the nearly 20-minute fireworks show that launches from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Independence Day celebrations in the capital city.
The city is also punctuated with scores of scenic viewing options that serve as the perfect vantage points to catch the spectacle. National Mall, East Potomac Park (Hains Point), Mount Vernon Trail, Washington National Cathedral, Cardozo High School, and The Wharf are some of the popular points that are crowded by enthusiasts who jostle with each other to catch a glimpse of all the action as it unfolds.
The National Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue, featuring bands, fife and drum corps, drill teams, dignitaries, floats, giant balloons, and celebrities, is another important highlight of Independence Day celebrations in Washington, DC.
New York City
New York City is renowned for its fireworks celebration. Annual Macy's pyrotechnics are launched from the Hudson River, which can be seen from numerous locations in Manhattan and New Jersey. The spectacle lights up the New York City night as scores of fireworks illuminate the city's skyline, marking the country's largest Independence Day celebrations. Those seeking to celebrate the momentous occasion away from the city can head to Long Island and Fire Island, renowned for their beaches, barbecues, and fireworks festivities.
Madison
Madison, the capital city of Wisconsin, organizes enthralling fireworks that symbolize freedom, unity, and national pride to commemorate the grand occasion. The city is in a celebratory mood and hosts several festivities, including parades, picnics, and concerts. The fire display, however, is an age-old tradition of the city and is a stunning spectacle that is made special by the gathering of people from all walks of life who assemble to enjoy the finale of the Independence Day celebration, marked by the captivating fireworks.
Columbus
The Independence Day fireworks celebration in Columbus, Ohio's capital, particularly the Red, White & BOOM event, is hugely popular and draws crowds from far and wide who jostle with each other to catch a glimpse of the spectacle. Ohio's largest fireworks display, a prominent event in the Midwest, attracts over 400,000 people annually. The event itself is an entire-day affair, dotted with a colorful parade, a street festival, and live music throughout the evening, which culminates in a spectacular display of fireworks that serves as the perfect finale.
San Francisco
The "City by the Bay" arranges splendid fireworks on the occasion of the country's Independence Day, which can be best viewed from the Aquatic Park, the hills near the Golden Gate Bridge, or Pier 39. If you want to catch the spectacle from the water, then hop on to San Francisco Bay cruises, which will give you a fabulous view of the mesmerizing fireworks. Several other vantage points in the city also offer a splendid view of the spectacle, which is enhanced by festive live music, including the Golden Gate Park Band's Independence Day Celebration of American Music. Pub Crawl, which includes hot dog and pie-eating contests, is also popular among people.
