The Top 5 Places in the U.S. To Celebrate the 4th of July

Most of us celebrate the 4^th of July in the city where we reside, or perhaps in a city where we have relatives or friends we plan to visit. This year, however, consider taking a trip to one of the cities listed below, where the options for celebrating our nation's independence can't be beat.

Celebrate the 4^th of July in Boston

The Boston Harborfest is one of the best places to celebrate the 4^th of July for those who wish to celebrate in true patriotic fashion. It draws more than 2.5 million visitors each year, making it the nation's largest 4^th of July celebration. It begins about a week before the 4^th of July and includes events such as concerts, Revolutionary war reenactments and activities especially for kids.

Midtown Hotel
220 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 262-1000
www.midtownhotel.com

The Midtown Hotel is a great place to stay in Boston and offers a 50% discount on rooms booked for the 4^th of July weekend.

The Quincy Market Colonnade, located in the Faneuilhall Market Place in downtown Boston houses the Quincy Market Colonnade with more than 35 food stalls with a wide variety of cuisines.

Celebrate the 4^th of July in Chicago

The Navy Pier in Chicago is a great place to see a fireworks show on the 4^th of July. There are multiple dates with fireworks shows, so you can go at a time that is less crowded if you so desire.

The Navy Pier also has numerous restaurants so you don't have to go out of your way to find good places to eat.

Affinia Hotel
166 East Superior, Chicago
(312) 787-6000
www.affinia.com

If you want to stay near the Navy Pier in Chicago, the Affinia Hotel is an excellent choice since it is located just minutes away. If you purchase a family package, you'll receive some perks such as four complimentary tickets to the Pier Park, a coupon book for restaurants located on the pier and complimentary overnight parking.

Celebrate the 4^th of July in San Diego

San Diego is a great place to celebrate the 4^th of July if you want a laid back celebration, filled with sun, surf and waterfront restaurants.

At the Big Bay Fireworks show, the fireworks are discharged from barges around the San Diego Bay, so there are numerous places to view them, including but not limited to Seaport Village, Coronado Ferry Landing, and Harbor Island. It attracts 850, 000 people each year, so it's best if you can car pool or take the San Diego Trolley.

The best places to eat in San Diego, particularly on the 4^th of July are located on the waterfront in places such as the Embarcadero, Harbor Island and Coronado.

Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa
2000 Second Street, Coronado, California 92118
619-435-3000
www.coronadoresortmarriott.com

The Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa is a great place to stay for the 4^th of July holiday because it is located right across the bay from downtown San Diego, just minutes away from the beach.

Celebrate the 4^th of July in Washington, D.C.

What better place to celebrate our nation than Washington D.C.? The place to be for the fireworks show is the National Mall. To get there, take the metro and get off at Metro Center, Federal Triangle, Judiciary Square or L'Enfant Plaza. The Smithsonian stop will be closed most of the day for security reasons and will reopen after the show is over.

Since this is a popular event, show up early in the day to claim a spot with your chairs or picnic blanket. Since you won't want to leave once you've claimed your place, plan to either bring a picnic lunch or buy food from one of the many vendors in the mall area.

Georgetown Suites
1000 29th Street NW & 1111 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
Phone: (202) 298-7800
www.georgetownsuites.com

Georgetown Suites serves up an excellent complimentary breakfast to get you all fueled up before heading out for the day. Each room also has a full kitchen.

Celebrate the 4^th of July at Disneyland

Disneyland is called the Magic Kingdom for good reason. It's magical any time of year, but the 4^th of July is especially magical, with a fireworks show above Cinderella's castle.

For convenience sake, if your budget permits, plan to stay at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels and eat all your meals right in Disneyland, since there are numerous restaurants located within Disneyland that range from fast food to sit down restaurants with shows.