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America's Best Fireworks Displays

By: Alex Swanson

Come on: admit it. What you’re really excited about isn’t the four days off of work, the excuse to day-drink, the quality time with friends and family. You want fireworks. We all want fireworks! The crackle and pop, the streaming colors, the oohs and aahs. What could be more American? Here are a few of our favorite spots across the country to enjoy sparks in the sky.

New York City

Recognized as America’s largest Fourth of July celebration, the Macy’s display will be held this year over the East River, so it can be seen from Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan. Last year’s show featured 56,000 pyrotechnic effects.

Where to stay in New York


San Diego

The Big Bay Boom is the largest display on the West Coast, with four barges launching fireworks on San Diego Bay for up to half a million spectators.

Where to stay in San Diego


Seattle

A mix of games, food, music and beer—always a winning combo—the 21-minute display of the Seattle Seafair Summer 4th lights up Lake Union with all manner of sparks and smoke.

Where to stay in Seattle


Nashville

A two-day-long city-wide party, Music City July 4th has food, music by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and a huge fireworks show launched across the Cumberland River.

Where to stay in Nashville


Washington D.C.

An extensive display over Washington’s iconic monuments, the Capitol Fourth fireworks show is perhaps the country’s most patriotic, with music by the National Symphony Orchestra and a full presidential salute by the U.S. Army.

Where to stay in Washington D.C.


Boston

For the 43rd year, the Boston Pops orchestra is performing their annual Fireworks Spectacular with a host of artists (Andy Grammer, Melissa Etheridge and Leslie Odom, Jr. to name a few), kicked off by a fighter jet flyover and followed by booming fireworks over the Charles River.

Where to stay in Boston


San Francisco

In perhaps America’s most picturesque fireworks display, the Golden Gate Bridge provides a dramatic backdrop for fireworks launched from barges in front of Pier 39 and Municipal Pier.

Where to stay in San Francisco