20 of the Best Places to Watch Fireworks in 2022
Hey Siri, play "Firework" by Katy Perry!
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It never fails. Each year we end up searching "Where to watch fireworks near me" and luckily, you ended up here. Congrats because you're in the right place! From the best towns, cities, valleys, mountains and even back roads, we've rounded up some of the absolute best places in the U.S. to watch this year's Fourth of July fireworks displays. This list is quite literally "from sea to shining sea". So, whether you hail from New England or the expansive Southwest region, there's something for you on this list.
And, it just gets better because our guide doesn't limit your fireworks viewing to the perimeters of your hometown. This year, if you're feeling a bit more adventurous and want to experience a light show beyond a spot that's purely convenient for you and your family, just keep on reading. We have a feeling you'll ditch your current plans in favor of a road trip after reading up on all the cool events happening in our great nation this year. We do ask that you keep in mind that some of these details could change up to the day of the event, so make sure to double check with the organizers before you claim your perfect viewing spot.
Oh, and since we're on the subject of Fourth of July, we can't forget to hook y'all up with some of the best BBQ recipes for an unforgettable summer cookout, refreshing cocktails to help you stay cool and of course, a field guide to outdoor games to pass the time before the fireworks light up the night sky.
New York City
You didn't expect a small fireworks display in the Big Apple, did you? Of course, we had to kick this list off with the annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks celebration that usually features seven large barges, which dock on the East River, and lasts around 25 minutes, with the spectacle beginning around 9:25 p.m. With so many ships, it's no wonder you can see the fireworks nearly anywhere in the city, from Midtown all the way to Brooklyn and Queens.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Everything's a little bit more fun down in New Orleans, and the Fourth is no exception. Set off from steamboats, the fireworks begin at 9 p.m. along the Mississippi Riverfront; we recommend watching them from one of the city's waterside parks.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe may be a small town, but it more than makes up for its size with its annual Fourth of July festivities. For more than 40 years now, participants in the town's Moscow parade promise to adhere to a pretty comical set of rules, spending no more than $10 on their float decorations and not beginning work on them until the morning of the actual parade. The fun concludes with face painting, food, and an out-of-this-world fireworks show.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The fun thing about the fireworks display in Myrtle Beach—besides the fact that it's electrifying levels of gorgeous, expansive, and colorful—is that the entire beachside town is filled with activities leading up to the fireworks show. From a golf cart parade to unforgettable flyovers of F-16s from the National Guard Base in South Carolina, the holiday weekend is jam packed. Specifically on the Fourth, though, you can watch from a number of different locations, including Cheery Grove Pier and Barefoot Landing.
Estes Park, Colorado
What better place to spend a day honoring our great country than in a beautiful mountain town in the Rockies? Sure, Denver and Boulder boast bigger displays, but we've always been impressed with the spectacle Estes Park manages to put on, especially given its smaller size. There's great live music to check out, too.
Cody, Wyoming
It's not so much "Independence Day" as it is "Independence Days," plural, in this small Wyoming town. It takes five days for the town of Cody to celebrate—five days of parades, craft fairs, and festivities. It will leave you seeing stars and stripes for days. The fireworks display is not to be missed, of course, but neither is the Cody Stampede Rodeo, which was launched the same year Buffalo Bill Cody died—all the way back in 1919.
Virginia City, Nevada
Not only does Virginia City host a fantastic, one-of-a-kind fireworks show on the Fourth (the fireworks are shot from below, so they appear at eye-level!), but they've also got a parade, a "cowboy shootout", saloon-style music, delicious barbecue fare, and more.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is known for hosting our country's first Fourth of July parade. This year the Fireworks Finale begins at 11 p.m. and this year, the fireworks will be launched from the Space Needle. Visitors can view the fireworks from any vantage point in Gatlinburg.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park plays host to the largest fireworks display in the Southeast. Before the big show, locals love to celebrate the 4th of July with AJC Peachtree Road Race, one of America's largest road races. In past years, the full celebration has included food trucks, a DJ, and coordinating events at the Children's Museum of Atlanta and National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Who would've thought Colonial Williamsburg would be the place to be on the Fourth of July? The Virginia capital not only hosts some fun Colonial experiences during the day (including a cannon firing!), but they've got an insanely cool fireworks show at night right on Palace Green.
Bristol, Rhode Island
Bristol's first Fourth of July celebrations happened over 200 (!) years ago, which means its big celebration is one of the country's longest-running. It might make sense, then, why the town's residents devoutly begin their celebrations all the way back on June 14 (Flag Day), and why they include pageants, concerts, a ball, a parade, and more. Like in many other small towns around the corner, fireworks take place on Fourth of July Eve in this star-spangled city.
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
There are few things more wonderful than the shores of a New England beach on the Fourth of July. This charming town kicks off its celebrations with a sand sculpture contest, a dog parade, a bike decorating competition, concerts and dancing, and more. But the main event, of course, is the fireworks display that takes place once evening rolls around.
Nashville, Tennessee
It's Music City, after all, so it makes sense that pre-fireworks festivities in Nashville center around free concerts. This year's headliner is Old Dominion along with Gramps Morgan, Levi Hummon and more. After a full day of music, visitors can see the largest fireworks show in Nashville history this year with the show synchronized to a live performance of the GRAMMY-winning Nashville Symphony.
St. Augustine, Florida
Shops and bars offer extended hours in St. Augustine in honor of the Fourth, so you'll have plenty to do while you wait for the fireworks to explode over the famous Castillo de San Marcos. "Fireworks Over the Matanzas" begins at 9:30 p.m. with a free two-hour concert preceding the show.
Bend, Oregon
Like seeing dogs, cats, and, yes, llamas in costume? Then you'll probably want to head to Bend, Oregon for the Fourth of July—their Pet Parade will give you all that and more. Hula hoop contests, three-legged races, and delicious food will keep you entertained all the way until nighttime, when you'll be dazzled by fireworks launched off Pilot Butte at 10 p.m.
Las Vegas, Nevada
What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas—except the unbelievably huge Caesars Palace Fireworks Show, which you'll definitely want to post on Instagram.
Lake Tahoe, California
If a Fourth of July fireworks viewing in Lake Tahoe isn't already on your bucket list, it should be: With 100,000+ spectators, it's one of the country's most popular Independence Day spectacles. Beautiful during the day and night, we think you won't have trouble finding things to do with your family before the show begins.
Boston, Massachusetts
This year, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular takes place along the beautiful Charles River. The fireworks over the Boston Common will be accompanied by a concert before. Performers have not yet been confirmed, but to get an idea of what's to come, previous performers have included Jon Batiste and Mavis Staples.
St. Louis, Missouri
You can head to St. Louis' Gateway Arch Park for performances by some of your favorite singers and bands. Billed as "America's biggest birthday party," the spectacle typically includes an air show, too.
Washington, D.C.
Last, but certainly not least, is the annual Fourth of July celebration in Washington, D.C. From the National Mall to the Potomac River and Lincoln Memorial, there's several different shows to choose from. So no matter where you end up, you shouldn't have a hard time finding a prime viewing spot.
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