How to Avoid Fourth of July Traffic and Still See World-Class Fireworks

Everyone celebrates the Fourth of July with different traditions. Whether you celebrate by swimming with friends or grilling with family, one thing remains the same: the night finishes with a firework show. While the colors are dazzling, the ride home on a backed-up highway is not. Here are a few quieter places to watch world-class fireworks without the traffic:

1. Laurel, Montana

Laurel starts the celebrations on the third with street dances and other local activities. On the Fourth, the town hosts a giant parade during the day, before finishing the night with the state’s largest display of fireworks. In addition to local festivities, Custer’s Last Stand, Lewis and Clark landmarks and Yellowstone National Park are only a few hours away from Laurel and are great locations to spend a few days touring with the family.

2. Lake Burton, Georgia

This lake-dotted region takes their festivities to the water. At sunset, boats putter out on the lake while locals head to the docks to watch the firework show. These fireworks are shot off Billy Goat Island, a tradition of more than 25 years. Watch in awe as these spectacular colors are reflected in the water.

3. Ouray, Colorado

Nicknamed “Little Switzerland,” Ouray is found in the Colorado mountains. This town starts the holiday with a parade, with locals throwing candy into the crowd. The whole town spends the day together in a festival of food, music, games and competitions before heading down the mountain together at night to watch the fireworks.

4. Union, Washington

Found only a few hours from Seattle, Union attracts a small crowd for its annual “Thunder on the Canal” celebration for the Fourth of July. The festival is an all-day celebration, ending in the evening with a magnificent firework display. Experience awe as these fireworks light up the lake and surrounding picturesque mountains.

Do you already have a favorite place to watch fireworks without the traffic? Tell us in the comments!

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