10 Best Road Trip Destinations to Celebrate the 4th of July
Chastity Velasquez
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These places will win your heart on the 4th (or any day for that matter).
From sea to shining sea, there are adorable towns across our great nation to celebrate Independence Day! Fireworks to parades to picnics, below you’ll find 10 great destinations to celebrate the good ‘ole US of A—and they’re not the standard destinations you might think of when you think “Independence Day.” It’s time to shake things up and explore this gorgeous country of ours.
Fun fact, but did you know that the first 4th of July celebration was held in 1777? The event took place in Philadelphia where citizens celebrated with bonfires, bells, and fireworks.
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On our test drive of the 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid we came across this Texas flag, so we had to snap a photo! ?Scotty Reiss
Fredericksburg, Texas
This Texas Hill Country destination is the perfect spot to enjoy an all-American small-town celebration. The day starts with a patriotic parade down Main Street, live music at Luckenbach, and fireworks over Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park.
Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin is a quintessential Southern town, filled with charm and Southern hospitality is located 20 miles outside of Nashville. Independence Day festivities include arts, crafts, food, and plenty of entertainment. End the night watching forewords at Harlinsdale Farm.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Line the sidewalks to watch the parade come down Main Street. Then grab your beach chairs and sunblock to enjoy the ocean waves until the sun sets over the Atlantic. With over 500 miles of beach, you have plenty of space to grab the perfect spot to enjoy the evening fireworks.
Photo: Explore Branson
Branson, Missouri
Head to Branson Landing, a scenic boardwalk along the 1.5-mile Taneycomo Lake for the 13th Annual Liberty Light Up. The Liberty Light Up Concert will feature The Dirty Saints and is followed by an amazing choreographed Fireworks Display that will fill the skies over the lake. It’s an unconventional destination, but one that will have you itching to go back year after year.
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Las Vegas, Nevada
If you want to party like it’s 1776, then head to Sin City! The party never ends in Vegas. But on the 4th, take a break from the slot machines and enjoy the views in front of Caesars Palace for a mega 13-minute fireworks display over the hotel.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Looking for a car-free getaway? Then look no further! This low-key destination is the perfect spot to unplug and enjoy the slower pace. Visitors can enjoy an all-American picnic, a 38-gun salute (honoring the states of the period when Michigan was adopted into the country), and fireworks. It’s the perfect destination for beaches, bike rides, and leisurely strolls.
A minivan is the ideal way to take in the view in Wyoming. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Enjoy fireworks over the purple mountain majesties of the Grand Tetons. Start your day Independence Day with a pancake breakfast, followed by a parade of music, horses, clowns, and cars at the Town Square followed by an outdoor music extravaganza at Teton Village. End the night by watching the mountain sky lit up with fireworks.
Medora, North Dakota
Looking for a fun, outdoor, patriotic town, then look no further than Medora! Get tickets to Medora Musical, which is an ode to patriotism, Theodore Roosevelt, and the Great American West! Have a meal at Pitchfork Fondue, a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experience. Open sky, great food, and sweeping views of the Wind River Mountains. End the night as The Badlands are lit up with a majestic fireworks display.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor knows how to party, and their Seafood Festival is a blast! Don your searsucker pants and get your camera ready for a red, white, and blue celebration and fireworks show over the harbor.
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Park City, Utah
Located only 30 miles from Salt Lake City, this historic ski town has a laid-back atmosphere, gorgeous mountain views, and festive independence celebrations. Events include a parade on Main Street, a 5k run, live music, concerts, rodeo, and of course a grand fireworks display in the evening.
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