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Across the US, people will be celebrating Independence Day soon. While many people choose to enjoy the holiday at home with family and friends by having a BBQ and lighting sparklers, others will celebrate at community events.
With July 4th falling on a Thursday in 2024, making it a long weekend, this is the perfect time to travel. Here are five of the best places to visit for a taste of this quintessential American holiday that celebrates freedom, liberty, and the birth of the nation.
The Birthplace of Freedom: Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is considered the birthplace of the American Revolution and the city really knows how to celebrate Independence Day, reported US News & World Report. The celebration spans several days and includes the Boston Harborfest along with great food and a military band. On July 4th, there will be a public concert by the Boston Pops that concludes with the firing of antique cannons, ringing church bells and a fireworks display above the Charles River.
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Explore the Nation’s Capital: Washington DC
Independence day is celebrated in style in the nation’s capital. There will be a parade on Constitution Avenue that features bands, drill teams, giant balloons, and floats. One of the best places to view the fireworks is in the National Mall.
There’s plenty of other things to do in the nation’s capital that weekend including visiting museums and monuments, enjoying the National Zoo, taking a cruise on the Potomac River, or bicycling on the Mount Vernon Trail (and visiting George Washington’s home when you get there).
Let Liberty Ring: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
When it comes to Independence Day, Philadelphia really celebrates, according to the Visit Philadelphia tourism site. Afterall, this is the birthplace of the nation. There are events for two weeks that began on Juneteenth and culminate on July 4th.
While in Philly, visit the iconic sites in the city’s historic district including Independence hall (tickets are required) and the Liberty Bell. On the fourth, there will be a concert featuring NE-YO and Kesha on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and a huge fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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Step Back in Time: Williamsburg, Virginia
This capital of colonial Virginia was founded in 1699. Visiting colonial Williamsburg will take you back in time to the events leading up to America becoming a nation. According to The Colonial Williamsburg website, there’s no better place to celebrate the birth of the nation then on Duke of Gloucester Street. You can enjoy patriotic festivities that include the reading of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances including the fifes and drum corps, and a fireworks display. You can receive a one-day pass at no charge on the website.
Honoring Freedom: New York, New York
What’s more American than visiting the Big Apple. New York City will be treated to Macy's pyrotechnics launched from the Hudson River, for the first time in more than a decade, reported US News & World Report. This fantastic night show can be viewed from several locations around the city and in New Jersey.
There’s a myriad of things to do in the city that weekend including taking a boat cruise and visiting the Statue of Liberty. If you want to enjoy summer at the shore, you can leave Manhattan and stroll the boardwalk in Coney Island or soak up the sun on the beaches of Long Island or Fire Island. Don’t forget your sunscreen.
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