Hidden Gems to Visit for 4th of July

Everyone loves a great Independence Day celebration with the yearly traditions like barbecuing, lighting fireworks, and wearing fashionable American flag apparel. But why not try something different this year? Jet off to any one of these hidden gems this Fourth of July for a holiday that will go down in (your family’s) history.
Whether you’d like a charming small town with an old-fashioned parade or a scenic getaway with unique local festivities, there’s no way to make your Independence Day unforgettable quite like exploring a new place.
In this guide:
Our Top 10 Places to Visit this July 4
- Bristol, Rhode Island
- Lake Tahoe, California
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Bend, Oregon
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- San Diego, California
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Addison, Texas
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Other 4th of July Vacation Ideas & Honorable Mentions
4th of July Places to Visit: FAQs
What is the 4th of July?
Officially known as Independence Day, the 4th of July commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on the same day in 1776. This momentous occasion saw the thirteen colonies declare their independence from British rule, paving the way for the United States we know and love today. It’s a day marked by patriotism and pride, celebrated with everything from grand fireworks displays to backyard cookouts and concerts.
Many Americans celebrate with a trip away, and we hope our guide will help you find the best 4th of July vacation ideas.
Best Places to Visit for 4th July: Our Top 10
Bristol, Rhode Island
This quaint New England town hosts the oldest (since 1785) and the longest celebration of all, lasting almost three full weeks! Expect free concerts, vintage baseball games, and a Fourth of July Parade complete with fife and drum corps, antique fire trucks, and marching bands in full regalia, all ending with a waterfront fireworks display over Narragansett Bay.
The Herreshoff Marine Museum hosts the Fourth of July Ball, a formal affair with cocktails, dinner and dancing. Lovers of military pride will also enjoy the Visiting Ship tradition, where a U.S Navy ship and crew will come to meet visitors and locals, also allowing people to tour the vessel.
Those seeking a quieter celebration can head to Independence Park, where the Community Picnic offers live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities in the days leading up to the 4th.
Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe is an impressive place, and it becomes even more so on the 4th of July when it hosts “Lights on the Lake,” one of the country’s top-ranked fireworks displays, visible from various vantage points, including Lakeview Commons, Nevada Beach, and Timber Cove Marina.
You can also watch the fireworks from a boat on the lake, where the reflections on the water add to the views. The celebration draws between 75,000 and 100,000 visitors, so it’s best to stake out your spot early in the day.
The Edgewood Tahoe Resort also offers exclusive Independence Day events for guests, including a beach barbecue, music, arts and crafts, and a private viewing area for the fireworks.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Adventure seekers will want to visit the wild west this Independence Day and enjoy a long weekend in beautiful Jackson Hole. There are plenty of activities to get your blood pumping before settling down for the fireworks show. From whitewater rafting on the Snake River to exploring the Tetons on horseback, it’s a choose-your-own-thrill kind of getaway.
On July 4th, the town kicks off celebrations with a classic Fourth of July Parade along Town Square, followed by a free concert at Snow King Mountain and a fireworks show you can watch under a blanket of stars; the perfect cap to a high-altitude holiday.
Bend, Oregon
Travel & Leisure named Bend, Oregon the 2nd best place for 4th of July vacations, thanks to its small-town, old-fashioned vibes, and once you’re there you’ll see why. Visitors can enjoy unique entertainment all day long, including the beloved Pet Parade, where dogs, llamas, goats, and even chickens don their red, white, and blue best to march through downtown.
Later, locals and visitors gather at Pilot Butte State Park for a dazzling fireworks display which lights up the entire city. Add in craft beer from one of Bend’s many local breweries, and you’ve got yourself one of the best 4th of July vacations imaginable.
New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans definitely knows how to party, and that talent is on full display during its Independence Day celebrations. Stroll the markets by day and by night, marvel at some of the most impressive fireworks shows in the nation.
‘Go 4th on the River’ sees a bright variety of fireworks shine above the Mississippi River, best viewed from the French Quarter riverfront and Woldenberg Park. If you can’t make it there, Crescent Park hosts its own highly recommended fireworks display too. The ESSENCE: Festival of Culture also runs from the 3rd to the 6th of July, celebrating Black culture with performances celebrity performances at the Caesars Superdome.
Bar Harbor, Maine
For old-time small-town charm, you’ll find no better festivities than in Bar Harbor. Activities like a community pancake breakfast and delectable seafood festival bring everyone together in the best way possible: through good food.
At 10:00 AM, the Independence Day Parade winds through downtown, featuring local floats, vintage cars, and community groups. Meanwhile, the Island Arts Association hosts a craft fair on Park Street, with all kinds of handmade goods from local artisans and businesses on display.
Live music packs the afternoon and evening at the town pier, and the day will end with a spectacular fireworks display over Frenchman Bay at approximately 9:15 PM, best viewed from Agamont Park or along the Shore Path. With such a variety of activities, it’s no surprise that Maine is so often mentioned amongst the best places to visit on 4th of July.
San Diego, California

San Diego is one of the most family-friendly cities in the country, so it comes as no surprise that they would have one of the most stress-free and inexpensive holiday celebrations. However, don’t confuse that with being lackluster. The Big Bay Boom firework show uses 4 barges and is simply spectacular to behold. As a surprise contender, SeaWorld is also known to participate in the festivities, with a day jam-packed with special shows, concluding with a fireworks finale at 9:30PM.
Lovers of classical music and patriotic spirit can also catch the San Diego Symphony’s ‘4th of July: America in Song’ performance, where all manner of anthems and American classics will be played by some of the country’s finest talent.
Charleston, South Carolina
This great town is oozing with Southern charm and is home to some of the best places to visit for 4th of July, including free entertainment and tours of the USS Yorktown. Charleston has many fireworks displays to choose from, including the North Charleston 4th of July Festival at Riverfront Park, which features the largest fireworks display in the Lowcountry at 9PM with a great selection of food trucks and live performances.
At the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, you’ll also find catering vendors, music shows, and a scenic fireworks display over the harbor. Those seeking a more laid-back experience can head over to Folly Beach for a beachfront display at dusk.
Addison, Texas
Addison, a small town just north of Dallas, hosts one of the most spectacular 4th of July celebrations in the country, ‘Kaboom Town!’. This event draws over half a million visitors every year, where people gather to enjoy the 25-minute firework displays and live music.
Included in this is the Addison Airport Show, which begins with a dramatic display by the Red River Skydivers, who’ll descend through the air while unfurling an American flag, followed by historic war plane flyovers, acrobatic performances and parachute jumpers, all coming together in a show of patriotic nostalgia.
Tickets typically go on sale at the beginning of June, but if you’re in the area, over 200 local businesses and more than 20 hotels will host watch parties and offer festive food and catering, so you can be sure you won’t miss out on the action.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is often nicknamed ‘The Birthplace of America’, and they don’t hold back with their celebrations, making this state one of the best 4th of July places to visit. The celebrations span several days, with a great variety of events to choose from.
Among the most famous is the Independence Day Parade, live performances at ‘Party on the Parkway’, and the grand fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the evening. While you’re there, you can visit historic sites such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Elfreth’s Alley for the most immersive experience possible.
Other 4th of July Vacation Ideas & Honorable Mentions
Flagstaff, Arizona
Downtown Flagstaff is a great low-key way to enjoy the fourth of July. Enjoy parades, free music, shopping and of course, a brilliant fireworks show at dusk.
Stowe, Vermont
Enjoy a laid-back and family-focused holiday in Stowe, where you’ll get the classic New England experience. The town hosts a fair with vendors, face-painting, delicious food, and even a dunking booth.
New York City
If you’ve spent years watching the Macy’s fireworks on TV, you’ll be thrilled to see them live over the East River!
Whitefish, Montana
This ski town is no stranger to 4th of July vacations, and it transforms into the greatest family hangout during the holiday weekend. Families can revel in wholesome family activities culminating in the evening’s fabulous firework show over the water.
Brevard, North Carolina
If you prefer nature over hordes of people, spend the weekend basking in the Blue Ridge Mountains before re-joining civilization for an evening filled with fireworks.
Staff Pick
Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas’ reputation as a place of showmanship and spectacle is well-earned, and this is fully embodied in the way the city celebrates the 4th of July. Places to visit are countless during the weekend, and you’re likely to find something fun no matter what your interests are.
Many of the city’s casinos host fireworks displays, including the Red Rock Casino, The Plaza Hotel, and Caesars Palace. Entertainment and nightlife kick into full swing over the Independence Weekend, and Freemont Street will hold a spectacular light show, street performers, and live music. Venues such as Marquee Dayclub, Omnia Nightclub and Encore Beach club will also have special events, featuring renowned DJs and performers throughout the weekend.
4th of July Places to Visit: FAQs
1. What are the best places to visit for 4th of July in the U.S.?
The best places to visit for 4th of July include Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C., and New York City for bigger celebrations. For coastal charm, consider San Diego or Charleston, while Bar Harbor and Bristol offer historic small-town festivities.
2. Where can I find underrated 4th of July vacation ideas?
Underrated 4th of July vacation ideas include exploring Telluride, Colorado; Camden, Maine; or the serene landscapes of Door County, Wisconsin. These destinations are known for unique celebrations without overwhelming crowds.
3. What are some great 4th of July vacations for couples or solo travelers?
Great 4th of July vacations for couples or solo travelers encompass the vibrant festivities in New Orleans, the scenic beauty of Lake Tahoe, or the cultural experiences in Asheville, North Carolina. These spots offer a mix of relaxation and celebration.
4. Which are the best 4th of July destinations for families?
The best 4th of July destinations for families features Orlando for its theme parks, San Diego’s Mission Bay for beach activities, and Bristol, Rhode Island, known for its historic parade and family-oriented events.
5. Are there any quiet places to visit for the 4th of July?
Some quiet places to visit for 4th of July are Olympic National Park in Washington, Crestone, Colorado, and Drummond Island, Michigan. These locations can be peaceful retreats away from the usual holiday crowds.
6. Is it better to visit big cities or small towns for the 4th of July?
Big cities offer grand fireworks and large-scale events, while small towns provide intimate and community-driven 4th of July destinations. Your best fit will depend on whether you’re seeking vibrant festivities or relaxed atmosphere.
7. How far in advance should I plan my 4th of July trip?
It’s best to plan your 4th of July trip 2 to 3 months in advance to secure accommodation and the best travel deals. Early planning tends to guarantee you better availability and pricing.
8. What are the top 4th of July places to visit that aren’t crowded?
Top 4th of July places to visit that aren’t crowded include Camden, Maine; Forks, Washington; and Marshall, Arkansas. These destinations offer visitors festive experiences without holiday congestion.