The 4th of July marks one of the height of summer.
Independence Day is a time for gathering with friends and loved ones. Usually, it also involves barbecue, spending time in or on the water, plenty of cold drinks, and backyard favorites like cornhole and splash slides.
It’s also a big day for fireworks. (And hospitals, but we won’t go there.)
While the massive pyrotechnic displays of today might seem novel and new, fireworks have been a core part of our independence from the start.
Back in 1777, Philadelphians shot off fireworks to celebrate the first anniversary of our independence. The grand exhibition took place in the Philadelphia Commons, lighting up the city streets with a menagerie of colors.
Thus, the obsession with firing off fireworks on the 4th of July was born.
In fact, fireworks shows even helped inspire our National Anthem. During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics for the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ after surviving a harrowing battle. Lyrics like ‘rockets’ red glare’ and ‘bombs bursting in air’ were a callback to the battle he’d witnessed.
But these lyrics were also a reference to the then-well-established American pastime of shooting off fireworks on Independence Day.
Centuries later, we’ve taken this love of fireworks to new heights. Small towns and metropolises alike set off grand fireworks displays each year to ring in the 4th of July.
But which cities do it best?
In honor of Independence Day, I’m counting down major US cities with the best 4th of July fireworks shows. (Sorry, Philadelphia—you didn’t make the cut this time around.)
Boston
The secret ingredient: The symphonic orchestra
Like Philadelphia, Boston was one of the most important cities during America’s fight for independence. What makes its 4th of July show stand out is its musical accompaniment.
During the final stretch of its impressive and massive fireworks display, spectators are treated to a live rendition of “1812 Overture” from the Boston Symphony Orchestra. (Don’t worry, even if you’re not overly familiar with classical music, you’ll recognize this song.)
The cannon blasts and fireworks are perfectly aligned with the composition, which adds a powerful element to the display. Think: visual and audio theatrics.
Nashville
The secret ingredient: Folk music & pyrotechnics
Not only does Nashville regularly host one of the country’s larger fireworks displays, but the city also brings on multiple headliners to delight crowds. Folk and country music are, obviously, the main focus.
To be fair, the Nashville Symphony also delivers a poignant and perfectly timed show as the fireworks take off. And there are plenty of pyrotechnics at play for fans of fire.
But for me, what stands out is the mish-mash of classic American folk music alongside all the classic 4th of July favorites, from beer to barbecue. It’s a classic good ol’ time, framed by a next-level fireworks show.
New York City
The secret ingredient: The skyline
There’s not much to say here—New York City elbows its way onto most lists thanks to its dramatic skyline. That’s certainly the case here.
I’ve watched the New York City 4th of July fireworks show from a few different rooftops in Brooklyn, and it was always a jaw-dropping display. From its scale to its artistry, it’s worth traveling for.
I’m personally not a fan of bright lights or loud noises, but there’s really nothing like seeing Manhattan’s skyscrapers lit up with a seriously dizzying amount of fireworks. I’m not joking, the display lasts an astounding 25 minutes.
San Diego
The secret ingredient: Ocean views
You get a double-show in San Diego thanks to the water. Though many big-city fireworks shows are launched from rivers (St. Louis, Boston, NOLA, etc.), San Diego’s fireworks are launched from barges on the ocean.
You won’t need to fight for a great viewing spot since there are four barges. And they run in sync with each other, creating a truly massive show that takes up the night sky.
I also guarantee you’ll spend a good amount of time gaping at the ocean as the colorful reflections dance off the surface.
New Orleans
The secret ingredient: Parade culture
When you think about parties in the United States, New Orleans should be one of the first places that comes to mind. And while it’s more famous for its second lines and Mardi Gras parades, NOLA also throws an amazing 4th of July party.
Unsurprisingly, there’s a parade that includes plenty of floats, along with a handful of public concerts throughout its most popular neighborhoods.
But when the sun sets, all eyes focus on the river when the city’s infamous General Roy S. Kelley fireboat sails out to shoot red, white, and blue fireworks into the sky.
St. Louis
The secret ingredient: A national backdrop
The St. Louis Arch is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks whose grounds are regularly used to host massive celebrations.
In case you didn’t know, St. Louis shares a French colonial history with both Detroit to the north and New Orleans to the south. That means Mardi Gras is big business in St. Louis—and so are parades.
The 4th of July celebrations kick off with a downtown parade (yes, there are floats) that eventually ends at the St. Louis Arch. There, visitors are treated to a top-tier fireworks show with the Arch as a proud backdrop. There’s also an airshow that’s worth mentioning for fans of fast planes.