Looking for a fun destination to celebrate July 4th this year? Where you go depends on what kind of celebrating you like to do. If you 
want to include some spectacular fireworks viewing, here are some of the best places to go.
Boston, Massachusetts — where the American Revolution began. The star spangled celebration will include fireworks, the Boston Pops orchestra and some 200 other events over six days.
Washington, D.C.— America’s capital city. Festivities will include a parade, a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra and fireworks.
New York, New York—the Big Apple knows how to celebrate the 4th. Listen to the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center Plaza, visit the Great July 4th Festival with food, crafts and more, then take in the fireworks over the East River from many locations around the city.
Chicago, Illinois—the City of the Big Shoulders throws a big July 4th celebration. Graze through the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park, attend concerts by the Army Band and catch the magnificent fireworks from the Navy Pier.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written. See the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and other historic sites, take in a parade and free concerts, topping it off with fireworks above the Art Museum.
New Orleans, Louisiana—the Big Easy always knows how to throw a party. The Go 4th on the River Festival includes concerts, music, food and more. Cap it off with a fireworks extravaganza over the Mississippi, launched from tugboats and barges.
San Diego, California—a celebration as only you will find in Southern California. Hear concerts by the San Diego Symphony on the Embarcadero, ride the rides at the San Diego County Fair and take in the Big Bay Boom fireworks launched from barges in San Diego Bay.
Miami, Florida—a beach party and USA birthday bash all in one. The Miami Beach Fourth of July Celebration includes a swearing-in ceremony for new U.S. citizens followed by live music and international food booths to tantalize your taste buds. Head south to Key Biscayne for evening fireworks and the Fourth of July Parade.
Williamsburg, Virginia—where history is still alive. Enjoy fireworks aplenty during Boom’n July at Busch Gardens. Get in step with the fife and drum corps in Colonial Williamsburg and don’t miss nearby Historic Yorktown for live music and more fireworks.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota—the face of history, with four American Presidents etched into the side of the mountain. Catch the B-1 Flyover from Ellsworth Air Force Base and watch fireworks light up the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt.
If July 4th is less about celebrations and more about history to you, check out any of our National Parks or locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Information is available by state at http://www.nps.org. For a family get-together complete with a BBQ cookout, head for a nearby state park. Enjoy your freedom to choose how you celebrate America’s Independence Day!
Kim Thurman
You also left out Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho which has a note worthy fireworks show that is shot off from a barge in the lake that can be viewed from a ferry boat or from shore.
Kent Luther
Your listing of Fourth of July celebrations left out one unique celebration in the small town (25,000) of Bristol, Rhode Island which boasts the 227 continuous 4th celebration. The last day of the two weeks of festivities highlights a 3 hour Military, Civic and Firemen’s parade that is watched by in excess of 100,000 people. The parade route is identified by red white and blue center line. I had the honor of marching in this parade a number of times, Bristol being my home town for 70 years. The VFW Post provides, for a fee, parking for RVs in their parking lot right on the parade route.