Independence Day is almost upon us, and many Americans will be headed out to catch firework displays throughout the nation. Here are some of the best places in the United States to catch the celebration in the sky on July 4th.
Washington, D.C.
It's no surprise that the nation's capital has some of the best fireworks in the country, and the fireworks on the National Mall can be seen throughout the city.
New York City
The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular airs on television nationwide for those unable to catch the massive fireworks and live music in-person.
Fair St. Louis in St. Louis, Missouri
Known as "America's Biggest Birthday Party", Fair St. Louis offers plenty to do in addition to their firework spectacular. The festival spans from July 2nd through July 4th and features live music, zip-lines, human slingshots, and other games and activities, leading up to the firework display on July 4th.
Big Bay Boom in San Diego, California
Visible along the coastline, these fireworks over the San Diego Bay are breathtaking. If you're interested in a different viewing experience, the Big Bay Boom fireworks are also seen from yachts and Flagship Cruises on the Bay.
Lights on the Lake Fireworks in Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Wawa Welcome America! Party on the Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In Philadelphia, visitors have four opportunities to view the Independence Day fireworks, on July 4th and on June 30th and July 1st, over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the Delaware River Waterfront. Just before the fireworks, patrons can also hear Mary J. Blige and Philly POPS BIG Band perform on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Boston, Massachusetts
The fireworks in Boston are preceded by the Boston Pops Concert; shortly after the conclusion of the concert, the fireworks are launched from seven barges in the middle of the Charles River.
Addison Kaboom Town! in Addison, Texas
Addison, located 16 miles north of Dallas, hosts approximately 400,000 visitors for their Independence Day festivities. Kaboom Town takes place on July 3rd, and features live music and warbird airplane flyovers in addition to the 30-minute fireworks display.
Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois
The fireworks over Lake Michigan are viewable from various sites along the lakefront, but best viewed on Navy Pier. In addition to the Fourth of July fireworks, fireworks are also launched every Wednesday and Saturday in the summer for Chicago's residents and visitors to enjoy.
AMERICAFEST Presented by Honda in Pasadena, California
The Rose Bowl stadium, known for its iconic college football bowl games and UCLA football home games, hosts a live entertainment and a large firework show each Fourth of July, drawing visitors from all over Southern California.
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th in Nashville, Tennessee
This year's festivities feature free musical performances by Chris Young, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and the Nashville Symphony. After the sun sets, the firework show is played to live music by the Nashville Symphony and is sure to impress the whole family.
Atlanta, Georgia
Visitors can enjoy fireworks and activities at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta or view the fireworks at Sun Trust Park after cheering on the Atlanta Braves baseball team.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis offers many Independence Day activities for the whole family. Runners can participate in the TC Half Marathon or 5K Race; baseball fans can enjoy the Minnesota Twins game at Target Field as they take on the LA Angels on military discount day; and families can enjoy live music, outdoor movies, and other activities at the Father Hennepin Bandshell and Mill Ruins Park. The festivities culminate with the massive firework show in the Minneapolis Riverfront District, best viewed on the Stone Arch Bridge.