While most every city and small town has a fireworks show for the 4th of July, some places really go all out. Show your patriotism and American pride at a celebration you’re sure to remember. From the birthplace of independence to a national park to a charming New England town, these destinations have fantastic Independence Day celebration worth traveling for.
1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Where better to celebrate July 4th than the city in which the Declaration of Independence was signed? The declaration was adopted in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776; the city celebrates centuries later with a two weeks of festivities, beginning on Juneteenth and leading up July 4th and a parade of decorated floats, marching bands and more than 5,000 participants through the historic city. The evening includes a huge free concert and a fireworks show over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Philadelphia is one of the nation’s richest cities when it comes to American history. Before—or after—the 4th, plan to visit U.S. landmarks such as Independence Hall, where the declaration was signed; the Liberty Bell Center, now home to the original bell; the Betsy Ross House, birthplace of the American flag; and Valley Forge, where the Continental Army camped in the winter of 1777–1778.
NEA member travel benefits: Fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL); check NEA Travel: Airfare for prices on airline tickets. Then on the hotels page you can find prices like an average of $176/night at the stylish Le Meridien Philadelphia, which is right by City Hall, or an average of $170/night at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Philadelphia Downtown/Center City. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, an IHG Hotel, averages $235/ night on the website and has a fun design, a 24-hour fitness center and complimentary bicycles.
Plan your itinerary: July 4th in Philadelphia | Visit Philadelphia | Pennsylvania Tourism
2. Bristol, Rhode Island
Photo credit: Nat Squatrito
If you’re looking for a traditional 4th of July, head for Bristol, Rhode Island. Bristol is home to the oldest continuous July 4th celebration in the United States. The town’s first “Patriotic Exercises” were conducted in 1785 by Revolutionary War veteran Rev. Henry Wight. Expect a fireworks display and a 2.5-mile Military, Civic and Fireman’s Parade, featuring bands, drum corps and a float competition.
Bristol’s annual festivities officially start on Flag Day, June 14, and include a concert series in Independence Park, the “Spirit of America” golf tournament, the Independence Rhode Race half marathon, the Drum & Bugle Corps Competition and more. Every year since the early 1900s, the U.S. Navy has sent a visiting ship to spend a week in Bristol during the celebration.
NEA member travel benefits: Fly into Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD); search NEA Travel: Flights to earn NEA Travel Dollars. Then on the hotels page you can find accommodations in nearby Providence for an average of $202 per night at the boutique Dean Hotel, or $205 per night at Hilton Providence, which has a pool and fitness center.
Plan your itinerary: Fourth of July Bristol | Explore Bristol Rhode Island | Visit Rhode Island
3. Black Hills, South Dakota
In the Black Hills, you can celebrate Independence Day under the watchful gaze of four of this country’s most revered leaders: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. The annual July 3rd and July 4th events at Mount Rushmore include musical performances, educational and cultural programs and professional presidential re-enactors doing various tasks, including a press conference. Visitors can also enjoy Indigenous hoop dancing, music and storytelling.
The small towns near Mount Rushmore in western South Dakota are a goldmine of regional history dating back to the days of the Wild West and the Black Hills Gold Rush. The entire city of Deadwood is on the National Historic Register, and just outside of town is Mount Moriah Cemetery, where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried. Custer, Belle Fourche, Rapid City and other communities in the Black Hills offer 4th of July parades, Old West shootouts—and some have fireworks.
NEA member travel benefits: The closest airport to Mount Rushmore is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), which is about 30 minutes away. You can book your flight through NEA Travel: Flights. Then head over to NEA Travel: Hotels to find deals at accommodations like Magnuson Grand Rushmore View, which is an average of $164 a night, and the Comfort Inn & Suites Mount Rushmore, which has an indoor pool, for an average of $250 a night.
Plan your itinerary: Independence Day Celebrations | Mount Rushmore | Black Hills & Badlands | Travel South Dakota
4. St. Louis, Missouri
Lewis and Clark began their Louisiana Purchase Expedition in St. Louis in 1803. Nowadays, you can begin your Independence Day celebration here on July 3rd and 4th, when Celebrate Saint Louis kicks off in Gateway Arch National Park. Festivities continue for three days and include family entertainment, air shows, concerts and more—plus fireworks each night.
Complete your star-spangled holiday with some classic American pastimes. Journey to the top of the 630-foot-high Gateway Arch, built as a monument to Thomas Jefferson and St. Louis’s role in the country’s westward expansion. Cruise the mighty Mississippi River on a replica 19th-century paddle wheeler.
NEA member travel benefits: Visit NEA Travel: Flights for pricing on flights to St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). Over on NEA Travel: Hotels you’ll see deals like an average of $263 per night at the art-filled 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis, a boutique hotel with its own art museum with rotating exhibits. Hotel Indigo St. Louis Downtown, which averages $201 per night, features 88 stylish rooms and an excellent central location. Earn or use Marriott Bonvoy points at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott St. Louis Downtown, which averages $160 per night.
Plan your itinerary: Celebrate St. Louis | Explore St. Louis | Visit Missouri
5. Boise, Idaho
An impressive hot air balloon launch begins the festivities in Boise on July 4th. After, there’s a pancake breakfast, followed by the adorable Zamzows Patriotic Pet Parade. The Idaho 4th of July Parade, which includes area musicians and a marching band, goes through downtown Boise and past the Idaho State Capitol. After, head to Ann Morrison Park to sample food and drinks from various vendors until the fireworks begin there at dusk.
While in Boise, walk or bike along the Boise River Greenbelt, check out local wineries, visit the Boise Art Museum and try some of Boise’s authentic Basque cuisine on the Basque Block.
NEA member travel benefits: Search NEA Travel: Flights for pricing on flights to Boise Airport (BOI). Then click on NEA Travel: Hotels to see deals like an average of $130/night at Hampton Inn & Suites Boise-Downtown and $155/night at Hyatt Place Boise/Downtown. For a more unique stay, book a room at the historic boutique Avery Hotel, which averages $209/night and goes back 120 years.
Plan your itinerary: Idaho Fourth of July | Visit Boise | Visit Idaho
