13 of the best cities to celebrate Fourth of July this year
Erin McDowell
- WalletHub ranked the top destinations to spend July 4 based on factors like affordability and activities.
- San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC, earned the top three spots overall.
Chicago ranked as the 13th best city overall to spend the Fourth of July but earned a third-place ranking for its attractions and activities.
Total score (out of 100 points): 64.06
Chicago also placed highly for its July 4 celebrations, including the Navy Pier firework show, many parades held around the city, and boat cruises that allow you to take in the iconic skyline from the waters of Lake Michigan.
Houston's ranking as the 12th-best city to spend July 4 proves that everything really is bigger in Texas.
Total score: 64.57
The Texas city ranked highly for both the number and duration of Fourth of July celebrations as well as affordability. From taking in the Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular at CityCentre to grooving out to headliner Clay Walker at the Shell Freedom Over Texas celebration, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate America in this Southwestern city.
Miami, Florida, ranked sixth in the nation for July 4 celebrations and the 11th best city overall to spend the Fourth of July.
Total score: 65.78
While the city ranked lower for its affordability and its weather — it can get pretty hot in Florida this time of year — Miami is nevertheless a great city to celebrate the Fourth of July. From fireworks cruises to performances by the Miami Symphony Orchestra in Peacock Park, there are tons of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.
New Orleans, Louisiana, is a great place to visit any time of year, but especially on America's birthday.
Total score: 66.12
The city ranked fourth in the nation for activities and attractions, which is no surprise given the number of famous food establishments, ghost tours, and architecture that the city is famous for. New Orleans also ranked highly for Fourth of July celebrations like its dazzling fireworks display over the Mississippi River.
Orlando, Florida, isn't just a destination for Disney-goers, although the park does go all out for the Fourth of July.
Total score: 66.77
The city itself ranked fourth in the nation for July 4 celebrations. If you want to celebrate the night at Disney, be sure to learn about the nation's past leaders in The Hall of Presidents and catch "Disney's Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" for festive fireworks over Cinderella's castle.
Seattle, Washington, is the only city in the Pacific Northwest to land a top spot for Fourth of July celebrations.
Total score: 67.86
The city ranked first in the nation for its July 4 weather forecast and fourth for safety and accessibility. From festivals to fireworks, parades, and picnics, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate America in Seattle.
San Diego, California, ranked seventh in the country for Fourth of July events and celebrations but ranked among the lowest cities in terms of affordability.
Total score: 68.28
It's no surprise why San Diego also ranked fifth in the country for attractions, given its number of beautiful beaches, shopping, and foodie destinations. Every year, fireworks are set off from four barges along the San Diego Bay to create Southern California's largest fireworks show.
Whether you want to check out the hot dog-eating contest at Nathan's on Coney Island or catch the fireworks show, New York has no shortage of fun activities on July 4.
Total score: 68.34
The largest-populated city in the country ranked first for attractions and activities and second for Fourth of July celebrations. Whether it's great food, dazzling fireworks, or taking in an outdoor concert you're after, you definitely won't go amiss by spending July 4 in the "Big Apple."
Las Vegas, Nevada, ranked as the fifth-best city to spend July 4.
Total score: 70.02
Las Vegas ranked highly for July 4 celebrations, affordability, and great weather. Whether it's taking in the fireworks over Caesars Palace or enjoying the city's bustling nightlife that you're after, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate the Fourth in the city of sin.
Atlanta, Georgia, is rich in history and ranked as the third-best city for Fourth of July celebrations.
Total score: 70.62
Atlanta earned a third-place ranking for its Fourth of July celebrations, including fun events like its Centennial Olympic Park fireworks display and second annual hot dog eating contest at Red's Beer Garden, which both happen on July 3.
There's no better place to marvel at America's history than in the nation's capital, Washington, DC.
Total score: 72.66
Washington, DC, was named the third-best city to spend the holiday thanks to its high rankings in Fourth of July celebrations, attractions, and safety. There's no shortage of monuments or museums to visit to learn even more about our nation's history, and every year fireworks light up the sky at the National Mall. Be sure to check out A Capitol Fourth, a concert series featuring big names like Vanessa Williams, Jimmy Buffett, and Kermit the Frog.
Los Angeles, California, ranked as the second-best city in the US to spend the Fourth of July.
Total score: 73.19
Los Angeles isn't just known for its boardwalks and beaches — it's also a great place to spend the Fourth of July. The city ranked first in the nation for July 4 celebrations like the Grand Park Fourth of July Block Party, fireworks at Dodger Stadium, and festive activities at Universal Studios Hollywood.
San Francisco ranked as the best American city to celebrate the Fourth of July thanks to its gorgeous weather and fun attractions.
Total score: 73.30
San Francisco ranked second in the nation for attractions and activities and first for its weather forecast. From live music and barbecue offerings at Pier 39 to sparkling fireworks displays, the Bay Area's many ways to celebrate July 4 earned the city the top spot as the best city to spend the Fourth of July.
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