10 Best Places to Go on the 4th of July If You Actually Want to Have Fun

If you’ve ever tried to plan a 4th of July trip and were overwhelmed by too many options, everyone gets that FOMO. To cut through the noise, we turned to real travel data. Using Kayak’s ongoing travel insights, which analyze millions of flight and hotel searches, we identified the best places to go on the 4th of July based on real interest.

These places are guaranteed to have amazing fireworks and flag-waving. They’re cities and towns where travelers actively plan to participate in parades, beach weekends, music festivals, or the big skyline shows. If you’re wondering where people are heading for the 4th, this list reflects the spots that keep showing up in the data year after year.

1. Chicago, IL

Average airfare: $328

Chicago throws down hard on the 4th, and I was lucky that a friend of mine had skyscraper access to the waterfront front. The Navy Pier fireworks are the big show, launched right over Lake Michigan with synchronized music.

North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach are packed by midday, with volleyball games, portable speakers, and sunburns in progress. For a chill-but-social day, rent bikes and ride the Lakefront Trail, then grab drinks on a patio in River North or Fulton Market.

Pro Tip: The fireworks are visible from multiple rooftops and beaches, but Navy Pier itself gets shoulder-to-shoulder by 7 pm. Plan ahead or book a fireworks boat cruise for more space.

2. Denver, CO

Average airfare: $299

Denver highs rarely crack 90°F, but it’ll probably be sunny, and there’s no humidity dragging you down. The city’s Independence Eve celebration on July 3rd combines a live symphony, a light show on the City and County Building, and full-blown fireworks.

For actual July 4th, hit RiNo or LoHi neighborhoods for patio hopping and day drinking. For an off-the-grid celebration, drive out early and catch the sunrise at Red Rocks, then head back in for fireworks in nearby Golden or Westminster.

3. Las Vegas, NV

Average airfare: $306

Vegas on July 4th is as crazy as you imagine it would be. Pool parties at places like Encore Beach Club, Wet Republic, and Marquee Dayclub bring in A-list DJs and enough champagne showers to make you forget it’s 110°F.

By night, fireworks launch from casinos along the Strip and in Downtown Las Vegas, where Fremont Street Experience hosts live rock bands and wild light shows. The Plaza Hotel does rooftop fireworks, or catch a sunset hike in Red Rock Canyon if you need to escape the chaos.

Pro Tip: Book pool party tickets in advance, as prices jump the day of, and you might not get in without expensive table service.

4. New York, NY

Average airfare: $278

New York owns the 4th of July stage with the Macy’s Fireworks Show, which launches thousands of shells from barges on the East River.

Spend the day on Governor’s Island for lawn games and killer skyline views. Rooftop bars like Harriet’s, Mr. Purple, or 230 Fifth throw ticketed July 4th parties with dress codes, bottle service, and fireworks all over the city.

After-dark fun? Just go to Brooklyn, and it’s guaranteed there will be venues throwing 4th of July bangers with DJs and late-night dancing.

5. Seattle, WA

Average airfare: $387

Seattle’s Seafair Summer Fourth takes over Gas Works Park and Lake Union, with fireworks set to music and views framed by the city skyscrapers and Mt. Rainier.

The best Seattle in the day move? Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or even a party barge and float with the locals until the fireworks start. Later, dance into the Capitol Hill bar scene to places like Unicorn or The Runaway that throw high-energy parties that last late.

6. Orlando, FL

Average airfare: $274

Walt Disney World’s “Celebrate America” fireworks are massive and choreographed to patriotic soundtracks. Lake Eola Park in downtown hosts a big party with food trucks, vendors, live music, and fireworks over the water.

For pool party energy without the Mouse, check out resort bashes at The Grove or Margaritaville Resort Orlando. Bars along Wall Street Plaza throw Independence Day parties packed with locals, neon, and cheap drinks.

7. Los Angeles, CA

Average airfare: $357

There’s everything you could want in Los Angeles. You can watch fireworks from a blanket at Griffith Park, get sprayed with tequila at a WeHo day party, or watch patriotic planes at Santa Monica’s 4th of July Parade. Marina del Rey and Venice Beach bring in massive crowds for fireworks by the water, while Hollywood Bowl’s annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular comes with live music.

In the usual LA style, you will have at least one incredible DJ coming in every genre of music you want, and after hours, that goes until 6 am.

8. Boston, MA

Average airfare: $283

Boston leans into its Revolutionary past with full-blown re-enactments, historical readings, and the legendary Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular over the Charles River. This east coast city displays patriotism with a full orchestra, live national broadcast, and massive fireworks.

Walk the Freedom Trail during the day or get rowdy in Fenway and Allston after dark.

9. Washington, D.C.

Average airfare: $299

Nowhere does July 4th have more patriotic symbolism than D.C. The National Independence Day Parade starts with marching bands and military flyovers rolling down Constitution Avenue. Then comes A Capitol Fourth, a free concert on the West Lawn of the US Capitol with fireworks over the National Mall.

Throughout the day, you’ll find rooftop parties overlooking the skyline and the Smithsonian museums and Mount Vernon offering cool indoor space. Georgetown has chill riverfront bars for post-show drinks, or you can take the party across the river to Clarendon in Arlington where the younger local crowd heads after dark.

10. Miami, FL

Average airfare: $333

Expect hot and sweaty this time of year in gorgeous Florida. Miami’s biggest show happens at Bayfront Park, with music, fireworks, and thousands of people dancing in 90-degree heat all day over Biscayne Bay. In Coral Gables, the historic Biltmore Hotel hosts “A Gables Fourth” celebration that includes a military band concert, followed by a drone show and fireworks.

South Beach is one giant beach bash, and clubs run Independence Week parties with headliners and bottle service. Fireworks cruises and rooftop events round out a lively night with skyline views and drinks.

Cat Xu

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Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.

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