Where to Celebrate 4th July in the USA
By Richard Jones
Americans love nothing better than celebrating the birth of their nation.
On the July 4th weekend, millions of people will be holding and attending picnics, barbecues, outdoor games, firework displays, and meeting up with friends and relatives.
If you fancy joining in the Fourth of July celebrations next year, we look at how six of America’s most popular cities typically mark the big day.
New York, New York
Most carnivals and parades in the Big Apple take place in the morning, before barbecues and picnics later.
A great way to celebrate the Fourth of July is on board a river cruise – the view of an illuminated Manhattan is spectacular, so imagine it with the addition of the fires and fireworks over Brooklyn Bridge, and Hudson Bay with the Statue of Liberty.
Speaking of fireworks, New York City’s is the largest in the country. Organised by famous department store Macy’s, it features shooting platforms on barges located along the East River, and fireworks lighting up the bridges and skyscraper-dominated skyline.
Besides the fireworks, there is an international Fourth of July night market in Queens, and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island.
Virgin Holidays offers four nights in New York City from £1,399 per person. Price is based on two people sharing room-only accommodation at The Westin New York Times Square and Virgin Atlantic economy classic flights from Manchester departing on June 30, 2023. Go to virginholidays.com
Orlando, Florida
It’s easy to see why so many people visit Walt Disney World on or around the Fourth of July.
The House of Mouse’s Celebrate America fireworks display is usually shown at Magic Kingdom on both July 3 and July 4.
This year is extra special for the mega resort as it celebrates its 50th anniversary with the World’s Most Magical Celebration, which runs until April 1, 2023.
Over at Universal Studios Resort, the Music Plaza is decked out with red, white and blue, while parkgoers can also enjoy the night-time Cinematic Celebration.
Finally, at SeaWorld, the Ignite 360 fireworks spectacular can be viewed from all around the central lake, including The Waterfront and Bayside Stadium.
Barrhead Travel offers seven nights in Orlando from £1816 per person, based on two people sharing a standard room at Walt Disney World’s Swan resort and flights with TUI from Manchester departing on June 30, 2023. See: barrheadtravel.co.uk
Las Vegas, Nevada
You might think Sin City has already enough lights, but the way the Entertainment Capital of the World celebrates the Fourth of July makes other cities look like chump change.
If you fancy partying into the night on the Strip, head out to watch the fireworks display deployed from the Julius Tower at Caesars Palace.
July in Vegas also happens to be prime pool season, so the 4th is a great excuse to hit one of the city’s numerous day clubs and cool off under the desert sun.
Wet Republic Ultra Pool at MGM Grand features two new plunge pools and a roster of superstar DJs making it one of the hippest spots to spend the holiday.
This year, the new Circa Resort & Casino in Downtown Las Vegas is inviting guests to celebrate Fourth of July at its chic 60-floors-up Legacy Club with a patriotic party and an open bar serving specialty cocktails.
Virgin Holidays offers five nights in Las Vegas from £1,313 per person. Price is based on two people sharing room-only accommodation at Park MGM and Virgin Atlantic economy classic flights from London Heathrow departing on June 30, 2023. Go to virginholidays.com
Boston, Massachusetts
For nearly a week, Boston Harbourfest pays tribute to the city’s colonial roots and role in the revolution with parades, re-enactments, walking tours and educational programmes.
Thousands spend the day picnicking in front of the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade, assuring themselves a good spot for later when Boston’s symphony orchestra perform a free Boston Pops concert on the banks of the Charles River.
The concert features quintessential American favourites like The Star Spangled Banner and Stars and Stripes Forever, and is followed by a half-hour fireworks show.
During Chowderfest, Boston restaurants and bars compete to determine who makes the best version of the New England fish dish.
Travelbag offers four nights in Boston departing on July 2, 2023, from £877 per person, based on two people sharing a Premium Queen room at Yotel Boston, including return flights from London Heathrow. To book visit travelbag.co.uk
San Francisco, California
The Fourth of July in San Francisco is always a busy holiday, attracting thousands of people to the waterfront area and Fisherman’s Wharf.
You can join one of the SF Public Library’s free walking tours in the morning or afternoon, while other popular activities include biking around the city, wine-tasting tours, a free concert in Stern Grove Park and watching the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics baseball teams.
Every year, San Francisco holds a large fireworks display over the bay, while at the Fillmore Jazz Festival, there are three stages of continuous performances, with more than 300 artists’ booths and international food courts.
British Airways offers four nights in San Francisco departing on June 30, 2023, from £998 per person, based on two people sharing a room on a bed and breakfast basis at Comfort Inn By The Bay, including return flights from London Heathrow. To book, go to: britishairways.com
Washington, DC
Nothing beats seeing the Independence Day fireworks against a backdrop of the capital’s monuments and memorials, and this year, President Biden and Mayor Muriel E Bowser have welcomed visitors back to the District to celebrate the holiday on the National Mall.
Youngsters can complete an Independence Day Junior Ranger booklet full of fun activities to earn a special badge, and as well as the Fourth of July celebrations, June 17 this year marked the 50th anniversary of the political scandal which rocked the city.
Visitors to the US capital can stay in the very room where it unfolded – the Watergate Hotel – as well as visiting other iconic locations across the city, including Martin’s Tavern, where Richard Nixon dined on meatloaf and John F Kennedy proposed to Jackie.
Travel Republic offers four nights in Washington DC departing on July 1, 2023, from £796 per person, based on two people sharing a room on a room-only basis at The Liaison Capitol Hill, including return flights from Glasgow to Washington via Dublin with Aer Lingus. To book, go to: travelrepublic.co.uk