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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Deadwood, South Dakota

Enjoy a weekend-long celebration of our freedom in the historic and patriotic town of Deadwood where you can take part in pancake breakfasts, parties, poker tournaments, and parades. 

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.

Bend, Oregon

Travel & Leisure named Bend, Oregon the 2nd best place to spend Fourth of July thanks to its small-town, old-fashioned vibes. Visitors can enjoy unique entertainment all day long (such as the annual pet parade) and finish the festivities with a dazzling fireworks display at Pilot Butte State Park.

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. 

Boulder, Colorado

Spend the day at the University of Colorado to partake in foot races, sing-alongs, parades, and fireworks–all for free!

Whitefish, Montana

This ski town transforms into the greatest family hangout for the 4th of July. Families can revel in wholesome family activities culminating in the evening’s fabulous firework show over the water.

Bristol, Rhode Island

This quaint New England town hosts the oldest (since 1785) and the longest celebration of all, lasting almost three full weeks!

Anchorage, Alaska

Take advantage of the longer daylight hours in Anchorage to really pack in all of their varied activities: parades, free entertainment, and festivals, all ending in a grand firework celebration when the sun finally sets.

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. 

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 the 5th most impressive fireworks show in the nation. 

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. But don’t confuse that with being lackluster; the Big Bay Boom firework show utilizes 4 barges and is simply spectacular to behold. 

Charleston, South Carolina

This great town is oozing with Southern charm and hosts plenty of fun events on the 4th of July, including free entertainment and tours of the USS Yorktown. 

Honorable Mentions: 

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!

Washington D.C.

There’s really no better place to celebrate America’s freedom than our capital city.

San Francisco

If you want a magical holiday, grab a seat and watch fireworks explode over the San Francisco Bay.

Mount Rushmore

Be thankful for our freedom by paying a visit to our forefathers this Fourth of July.

Miami

If your vision of a perfect 4th of July involves some of the hottest parties in the nation, head to Miami to live it up all night long.

Chicago

The Windy City puts on a highly awe-inspiring pyrotechnic show every year with the impressive Chicago skyline as its backdrop.

Boston 

History buffs will really enjoy a trip to Boston for re-enactments and plenty of historical tours.

Philadelphia

The city of brotherly love hosts one of the largest 4th of July celebrations countrywide, so it can’t be missed!