Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
Why go:
Lake Tahoe’s Lights on the Lake is one of the biggest synchronized firework shows in the West — best viewed from Nevada Beach, Edgewood Tahoe Resort, or on a boat tour with Tahoe Cruises. During the day, kayak or paddleboard from Sand Harbor, or hike Eagle Lake Trail for alpine views. South Lake is more lively (and affordable); North Lake skews luxury.
Cost: $$–$$$
The Hamptons, NY
Why go:
Spend the 4th in Montauk or East Hampton for the ultimate bougie beach escape. Book a stay at Gurney’s Montauk Resort or grab a daybed at The Surf Lodge for their summer concert series (usually stacked with buzzy artists). Make reservations early for Duryea’s Lobster Deck and Le Bilboquet Sag Harbor, then catch the Sag Harbor fireworks as the grand finale.
Cost: $$$$
Miami, FL
Why go:
Hit South Beach for rooftop parties at The Goodtime Hotel or 1 Hotel South Beach, then head to Bayfront Park for a massive firework show and live music downtown. Boat rentals via GetMyBoat make for prime firework-watching off the coast. Or go full luxury with a poolside cabana at The Standard Spa or Faena Hotel.
Cost: $$–$$$$
Asheville, NC
Why go:
Start your day with brunch at Sunny Point Café, then explore the Blue Ridge Parkway or float the French Broad River via Asheville Adventure Company. At night, catch fireworks downtown in Pack Square Park or sip craft beer at Wicked Weed Brewing with a view. Bonus: The Grove Park Inn offers mountain luxury if you’re going for the glow-up.
Cost: $–$$
Newport, RI
Why go:
Spend the day walking Thames Street, then take a sunset cruise with Classic Cruises of Newport to see the fireworks from the water. Book dinner at The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn (book now — it’s the spot) or brunch at The Chanler at Cliff Walk. The city’s historic mansions and yacht clubs scream American summer fantasy.
Cost: $$$
Austin, TX
Why go:
Start your day with breakfast tacos from Veracruz All Natural, then paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake. The H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks at Auditorium Shores is the main event, or book a party boat with friends to float and watch from the water. For nightlife, hit Zanzibar Rooftop Bar or dance at Hotel Vegas.
Cost: $–$$
Las Vegas, NV
Why go:
Resorts like Caesars Palace, The STRAT, and Resorts World host firework shows right on the Strip. Day parties at Marquee, Encore Beach Club, and AYU Dayclub run all weekend. Book a suite at The Cosmopolitan for a firework-facing terrace, or go poolside with DJs all day, fireworks all night.
Cost: $–$$$
Park City, UT
Why go:
Enjoy a chill 4th with a scenic gondola ride at Park City Mountain, then watch the annual parade on Main Street. Fireworks light up the sky at Park City Mountain Village post-sunset. Book a spa day at The St. Regis Deer Valley or dine with a view at Riverhorse on Main.
Cost: $$–$$$
Santa Fe, NM
Why go:
Wake up to breakfast burritos at Tia Sophia’s, explore the art on Canyon Road, then catch the Pancakes on the Plaza (an iconic July 4th event). Watch fireworks at Santa Fe Place Mall, or unwind with mezcal and rooftop views at Coyote Café’s Cantina.
Cost: $$
Seattle, WA
Why go:
The Seafair Summer Fourth at Gas Works Park and Lake Union Park is a full-day party with music, food trucks, and fireworks over the lake. Rent kayaks or book a boat tour with Seattle Water Tours. For eats, don’t miss Westward on Lake Union or Canlis for a splurge.
Cost: $$–$$$
