The 4th of July is a red letter day in the history of the United States. It is America’s Independence Day. The day is celebrated with gusto and a patriotic fervor throughout the U.S. People wait with bated breath endlessly for this historic day and utilize every opportunity to immerse in unprecedented celebrations. Though the Independence Day is celebrated across the country, there are some key cities where the celebrations have become iconic drawing scores of visitors from the U.S. as well as from different parts of the world. This year you can also plan your visit and book flights to New York City, Atlanta, Washington D.C. or Boston to witness and enjoy this amazing event.
Here is how you can spend your 4th of July holidays in places such as New York City, Atlanta and Boston. Come and be a part of the historic day in the United States!
New York City
The New York City is the most iconic place in the United States. The city is home to the famous Statue of Liberty and holds a unique place in America’s history and its patriotism. New York City is the best place in the United States to enliven your patriotic experience and enjoy all that this city has to offer on this special day. The celebrations here are unparalleled and can’t be found anywhere else in the country.
The best way to witness dazzling 4th of July fireworks display is to go on a cruise. Many cruise operators offer a ride on their vessels. You just need to board one of the vessels at New York Classic Harbor Line, which will take you for some spectacular fireworks display. The amazing views of the Manhattan skyline lighting up will simply overwhelm you and accentuate your enthusiasm further. Most of the cruises keep their customers happy by offering them champagne, wine, soda and local beers. So, don’t miss out a ride on one of these cruises.
The warm summer weather on 4th of July can be fully enjoyed with a plethora of activities during the day that this magnificent New York City offers. Fireworks display apart, you can spend your day by taking part in Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Revolutionary New York Walking Tour or A Stroll in the Central Park.
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is taking place annually on 4th of July in New York City for over 100 years now. This world-famous eating contest draws thousands of visitors from many U.S. cities. Some 40,000 spectators witnessed this contest in Brooklyn in 2013. Try to get a front row seat to witness this unique event.
If you are a history buff and want to experience the ways of patriots first hand, consider going for “Revolutionary New York Walking Tour” which will take you to famous landmarks in the city from the Revolutionary War. Get ready to go down the memory lane as you visit various spots bearing American historical significance. The tour will take you to the graves of General Richard Hamilton and Alexander Hamilton. The tour also offers opportunity to visit important places associated with Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. You will also visit the Fraunces Tavern. It was the place where a British cannonball was fired tearing through the roof in 1775. The Revolutionary New York Walking Tour is quite significant for all those who want to get a glimpse into the historical events related to the 4th of July.
The New York City also offers many daytime activities for people of all ages to enjoy 4th of July in a splendid way. You can always take advantage of some inexpensive sunny options available for you. If the sun is not scorching and weather permits you, think of taking a stroll in Central Park or enjoying a picnic here.
In fact, the 4th of July offers immense possibilities for enjoyment to both local and tourists when visiting New York City.
Atlanta
A host of events and activities awaits you in Atlanta on the 4th of July. The tourists and locals alike celebrate America’s birthday with great enthusiasm. Fireworks display at the famous Turner Field and Centennial Olympic Park continue to be prominent attractions as usual. Numerous tourists from various U.S. cities and elsewhere around the world visit Atlanta to see the stunning illuminations in the skies over Downtown Atlanta. The Centennial Olympic Park is a beehive of activities throughout day and night on this day. Take part in umpteen fun activities and enjoy good food here.
Consider visiting Atlanta’s two prominent shopping centers – Mall of Georgia and Lenox Square. You will simply love the glittering fireworks displays at both the shopping centers. Also, get ready to enjoy Salute to the Red, White, & Blue Hometown Celebration at East Point, just south of downtown Atlanta, where carnival like atmosphere will set your heart fluttering and provide immense happiness.
Peachtree Road Race is yet another remarkable event which takes place in Atlanta on the 4th of July every year. This is the second-largest road race in the United States. The race starts from Peachtree Road at Lenox Square Mall and concludes at Piedmont Park covering a total of 10 km route. Some 55,000 people take part in the Peachtree Road Race. A large number of spectators can be seen cheering the participants all along the course. The race attracts nearly 150,000 spectators every year.
Boston
Boston is a key city in the United States, where the memories of America’s War for Independence is deeply engrained. It is the birthplace of American liberty movement. Celebrating the 4th of July in Boston therefore is a momentous occasion. This remarkable special day attracts at least 50,000 people descending along the Charles River at the Esplanade to watch the spectacular fireworks show.
If your prime objective to visit Boston on 4th of July is to watch only fireworks display, there are many fantastic spots available for you along the 3-mile long Boston Esplanade. Many people also visit the Charles River on the Cambridge side to enjoy gorgeous fireworks. The prime locations along the river bank from where you can see fireworks include the lawn in front of MIT on the river’s Cambridge side, Longfellow Bridge, Mass Ave Bridge or Harvard Bridge, as well as in Charlestown on the top of Bunker Hill. To grab a prime spot at these locations, make sure that you arrive several hours in advance. Apart from these, you may also consider visiting Castle Island, a famous viewing spot for Boston fireworks.
The Boston Pops Concert is another prominent feature of Independence Day celebrations in the city. The historic Hatch Shell is a major venue of concerts taking place on both days – July 3rd and July 4th – featuring Conductor Keith Lockhart along with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra. Renowned singers who regaled the audience with their powerful renditions last year included Ayla Brown from Wrentham, Ellis Hall from Roxbury, Howie Day from Brewer, and Grammy-winner Susan Tedeschi from Norwell.
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is undoubtedly among the most patriotic places in the United States for celebrating Independence Day. Being the capital of the country, the city is ready to attract you with its spectacular fireworks displays, amazing musical performances, national parade and more.
The National Independence Day Parade is one of the best events to experience on 4th of July in Washington D.C. Patriotic floats, military and specialty units, and marching bands from across the United States are prominently featured during the parade. Reach the Constitution Avenue and 7th Street NW much ahead of the appointed 11.45 am when the parade officially kicks off.
Attend the “A Capitol Fourth” 90-minute musical extravaganza free of cost organized on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This is yet another best way to spend your time to celebrate this special day. The National Symphony Orchestra is a prominent feature at the concert. The concert concludes with a moving rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”, and finally followed by the United States Army Presidential Salute Battery’s live cannon fire.
Apart from “A Capitol Fourth” concert, you may also visit the Washington National Cathedral to attend the free Annual Independence Day Organ Concert at 11 am. A series of free concerts are also performed by the U.S. Navy Band on 4th of July week, as well as throughout the summer. The “Jazz in the Garden” series is also conducted by the National Gallery of Arts.
Visit the National Mall before taking part in the evening festivities. There are plenty of activities for you to do here. The fortnight-long Smithsonian Folklife Festival taking place around the 4th of July is a must-attend event. The National Mall, with this annual celebration of cultural diversity, is turned into a global bazaar with powerful demonstrations, beautiful crafts, dances and music exploring diverse cultures.
America’s national anthem will mark its 200th birthday in 2014. This year will therefore be special for Washington D.C. The National Museum of American History is worth visiting to see the original manuscript of the national anthem displayed here along with the national flag.
Florida
Orlando and Miami are among the key cities in the State of Florida to see 4th of July being celebrated with great enthusiasm. This year the fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World Theme Park will be held every night from July 1 to July 7. The whole park will look amazing with red, white and blue colors all around. The famous Magic Kingdom characters Pluto, Donald and Goofy will prominently feature in a patriotic pre-parade taking place before the ‘Celebrate a Dream Come True’ parade daily.
If you plan to visit Miami to take part in America’s Independence Day celebrations, consider visiting the Bayfront Park and the Miami Beach. Both of them are the most popular spots in the city to witness dazzling fireworks display. “Fire on the Fourth” will be the theme of Independence Day celebrations at the Miami Beach. Coca-Cola will be sponsoring the beach bash, where jazz songstress Nicole Henry will regale the audience with her live musical performance.
PASSPORT & VISA PROCESSING