By Nikki Bayley
It’s the annual celebration of all things American on the 4th of July,
so whether it’s fantastic fireworks, awesome scenery, family picnics or
theme parks you’re looking for, there’s a city that will suit you.
Here are some of the ones we love the best...
Best for Carnivals
Try Chicago!
The folks in Chicago
love a good party and the second city's 4th of July celebrations are second
to none. They host three nights of fireworks, the most extravagant of all is
a huge carnival event which takes place at the Navy Pier alongside Lake Michigan
with free music and all the fun of the fair.
Stay: at the Essex
Inn, opposite Grant Park, where President Obama made his historic election
night address. It's just down from Lake Michigan so you'll not have far to walk
back after the party.
You'll love: the free shuttle to Magnificent Mile for a day of shopping and the amazing rooftop pool and garden where you'll enjoy one of the best views over the city.
Best for shopping and fireworks
Try New York City
Macy's, which sponsors the huge thanksgiving parade every year also hosts the
world's largest firework display! It starts at around 9pm on the 4th July. Over
20,000 special effect fireworks are launched skywards from the East River between
23rd and 42nd street. It's a truly astonishing display; even the New
York Fire Department gets in on the act. The firecrews sail their fire boats
along the river shooting red, white and blue jets of water 300 feet over the
river!
Stay: at the New
York Marriott East. You'll be right in the middle of the action here with
Madison Avenue, Fifth Ave and Broadway all just a walk away - and you're in
pole position to watch the fireworks too.
You'll love: The exciting history of the hotel. How many people can say they've stayed at the hotel where Houdini escaped from a locked box in the swimming pool?!
Best for music and history
Try Boston
The cradle of the American revolution, famed for its tea party, Boston
is now host to a funkier kind of party altogether with more than 200 events
making up the Boston Harborfest week which starts at the end of June, running
straight through to July 4th weekend. Highlights include fireworks, kids' days
and historical events like the reading of the Declaration of Independence from
the balcony of the Old State House. The most popular event is the free Boston
Pops concert which this year stars Neil Diamond and is hosted by Craig Ferguson.
Take a blanket and soak up the atmosphere!
Stay: at The
Royal Sonesta Hotel; right on the banks of the Charles River in leafy Cambridge,
directly opposite downtown Boston and in pole position for all the waterfront
entertainment.
You'll love: The Boston Chowderfest, where around 12,000 participants slurp up the finest chowder that the city's restaurants have to offer.
Best for Family Fun
Try Walt Disney World® Resort, Florida
Spectacular fireworks are the order of the day for the Independence Day celebrations
at Walt
Disney World® Resort. The whole family will love the 'Fourth of July Concert
in the Sky' and it's worth letting little ones stay up to watch the 'spectomagic'
night time parades too.
Stay: at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort in the Disney World Resort. Get back to basics in a rustic log cabin and live like pioneers surrounded by beautiful forest. You'll enjoy privileged access to the theme park and unlimited free transportation around it too. You'll also have exciting activities right on your doorstep, from horseback riding to hay rides.
You'll love: Campfire singalongs at night followed by a classic Disney movie under the stars.
Best for clubs and Pool Parties
Try Las Vegas
The city of fun loves nothing more than a good party and there's no better party than July 4th weekend! America's hottest city will be cooling down with pool parties, picnics and trademark over the top fireworks.
Stay: at Caesar's
Palace, right in the heart of the strip, the most decadent hotel
in Las Vegas will be throwing the wildest party in town. The onsite Pure
nightclub has been voted the USA's number one club by the E! network and is
home to the Pussycat Dolls lounge and the stunning 14,000 square foot terrace
which offers panoramic views over the whole strip.
You'll Love: The extravagance of the hotel's Qua spa, which features a Roman-style ultra-heated Laconium room and an Arctic Ice room with real snow falling from above!
Fancy celebrating July4th in style? Book a last
minute USA holiday now!
Nikki Bayley is a freelance travel writer. She writes regularly for the
Daily Express and Sunday Mirror. Her favourite cities are San Sebastian, Mexico
City and San Francisco.