12 Cities | Jaw-Dropping Fireworks

Fourth of July travel is booming and pyrotechnicians are getting ready to light up the sky with their fireworks displays. Get ready to say “ooh” and “aah” at these 12 fireworks shows around America.

 1. Atlanta, Georgia

Considered the largest pyrotechnic display in the Southeast, Atlanta’s Downtown Fireworks Spectacular is a must-see. Head to the city around 6 p.m. to see a variety of musical performers on stage before the show officially begins at 10 p.m.

2. Atlantic City, New Jersey

Start the holiday with a day in the sun at this New Jersey beach. If you decide to rest at the hotel before the display, have a friend save your spot on the beach as this is the best spot to watch the sky light up. If you miss the display on the Fourth, not to worry. The city hosts a fireworks show every Saturday night over the beach and boardwalk.

3. Boston, Massachusetts

One of the country’s oldest and largest Fourth of July celebrations, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular lights up the harbor to the tune of a live performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. This free event is known as one of the best in the country and regularly features celebrity performances.

4. Dallas, Texas

The Dallas-Fort Worth area hosts 20 separate firework displays in honor of the Fourth, with events occurring the night before and day-of.  If you don’t want to wait all day staking out your spot to see the show, head to a Texas Rangers game at Globe Life Park to watch a ballgame and catch a fireworks show right after.

5. Denver, Colorado

Food trucks, wine and beer gardens line the edges of Denver’s annual Independence Eve celebration on July 3, with free performances by local artists. Head to the event early and bring a blanket, as the event only has first-come, first-served lawn seating.

6. Hartford, Connecticut

This city in Connecticut hosts not only an amazing fireworks show, but also a delicious festival before the show begins. Head to Great River Park in Hartford for the city’s annual Riverfront Food Truck Festival where you’ll find food, fun, music and more.

7. Key West, Florida

If you’re looking for a unique Fourth of July festival, drive down south to Key West. The celebration begins in late June with events like a key lime cocktail competition, pie-eating contest and 5K along the beach. After the festival, fireworks are launched from White Street Pier. For the best viewing options, sit along Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach or opt to watch the show from the water via sailboat.

8. Las Vegas, Nevada

Watch the Las Vegas Valley light up with the city’s large variety of fireworks displays on the Fourth. For the best view, grab a cocktail and head to Sin City’s Stratosphere Hotel, Casino & Tower, BW Premier Collection, to have some fun while watching the sky erupt into hundreds of colors.

9. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis hosts a spectacular fireworks display, Red, White and Boom, over the Mississippi River that can be seen throughout the city. For the best view, watch the show from Stone Arch Bridge, Gold Medal Park, Guthrie Endless Bridge or Nicollet Island. However, if you don’t want to stake out your spot hours before the show begins, the Mill City Museum offers VIP seating on their observation deck.

10. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Watch the boardwalk light up at Myrtle Beach’s Fourth of July fireworks and festivities. The city offers four main displays: Broadway at the Beach, Cherry Grove Pier, Murrells Inlet Marshwalk and Barefoot Landing. Wherever you choose to watch, be sure to pack a towel to sit on and bug spray.

11. San Diego, California

This Southern California city hosts dozens of fireworks displays all across the San Diego Bay, including one of the largest displays in the nation – the Annual Big Bay Boom. Beginning at 9 p.m., fireworks are launched from four barges in the San Diego Bay to the tune of local radio station 1090AM and 105.7FM.

12. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis prides itself as hosting America’s Biggest Birthday Party year after year. This free event stretches across three days of festivities, including musical performances by popular artists and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, educational activities for kids, great food and a magnificent fireworks display.

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