The Best Cities for Fourth of July Fireworks

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Fireworks are one of the best parts of the Independence Day celebration, but some cities just give you a little more bang for your buck

From cities steeped in American history to destinations that go all-out for the celebration of the United States, people looking to travel this Independence Day should add the following places to the itinerary for the fireworks displays alone.

Here are the best cities to watch fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday.

New York City, New York

Bigger isn't always better, except when we're talking about fireworks. The City that Never Sleeps will once again present the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show, the largest pyrotechnics display in the United States.

New York City fills multiple barges in the East River with explosives and puts on a display that would put other cities to shame. With live concerts throughout the day and events at many local museums and historical landmarks, New York City is the top destination in 2015 for Fourth of July celebration.

The city released an official list of locations to watch the fireworks this year.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia can lay a real claim to being the birthplace of our nation, and the city goes all-out in its fireworks showcases on the Fourth of July. While there are fireworks displays all over the city, some of the best can be viewed from the area around the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Using the helpful guide provided by VisitPhilly.com, tourists who make their way through the city on Independence Day will be able to see fireworks wherever they are on Saturday. With all of the history in the city, there are few better places to spend the Fourth of July.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

While Atlantic City isn't the gambling Mecca it once was anymore, the city still knows how to put on a fireworks show. Viewable for more than a mile along the city's boardwalk, visitors can enjoy the huge fireworks show while also soaking in the ocean breeze on the beach.

There will be fireworks displays on both July 3 and July 4 in the city, and thanks to Press of Atlantic City, tourists making their way through the city will know exactly where to be in order to enjoy both shows.

Washington D.C.

Where better to go celebrate Independence Day than our nation's capital? Visitors to the city can witness the main show of fireworks being shot from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting pool give people a one-of-a-kind visual experience no other city can provide.

While the National Mall is the top spot to watch the fireworks, Washington.org gives tourists plenty of options to help them avoid the crowds. Whether it's by taking a cruise down the Potomac River or watching from the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, Washington D.C. is a great location for the fireworks.

Pasadena, California

While most travelers don't think of Pasadena, California, when thinking of the best places to see great fireworks, the famous Rose Bowl Stadium has played host to the annual AmericaFest celebration for over 85 years.

The event features a day-long party that includes live entertainment, motorcycle stunts, exhibits and a plethora of local food and drinks. Add in the largest fireworks spectacular in Southern California, and Pasadena should be a destination for anyone on the west coast.

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