Best Places to Celebrate the Fourth of July

Had your share of Independence Day barbecues and botched fireworks in the backyard? This year, try something new and head to one of these amazing destinations to celebrate the Fourth. Let freedom ring with amazing fireworks shows, natural American scenery or a little bit of the bizarre – after all, it's what our forefathers would have wanted.

EyeWire

Fireworks and the Boston Pops
Boston has proved its patriotism before -- what with dumping tea into harbors to spite the British and all. But just in case there were any doubts, Beantown pulls out all the stops with its annual Fourth of July Concert. The two-day fireworks affair features spectacular and live performances from the famous Boston Pops and special guests. Bonus: The showcase takes place along the Charles River Esplanade, making the sight of 30,000 firework shells exploding that much more spectacular.


Lisa Poole, AP

Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks
Everyone knows Macy's can throw a holiday bash, but even sans giant balloons, their Fourth of July Fireworks is still worth attending. Macy's first debuted the spectacle in 1958 on the Hudson to commemorate Henry Hudson's voyage in the American river. This year, the celebration will feature six barges placed between 24th and 50th Streets, casting off approximately 40,000 shells at a rate of 1,500 per minute over the shows 26 minute running time. Seems like everything is bigger in the Big Apple!


Mel Evans, AP

Hollywood Bowl's July 4th Fireworks Spectacular
If you're looking for something with a bit of glitz and glamour, consider the Hollywood Bowl. The annual
July 4th Fireworks Spectacular and music event at this L.A. venue consistently brings A-list talent to the usual pyrotechnics display. In its 51st year, the three day concert will feature the Los Angeles Philharmonic playing orchestral classics, along with classic rocker John Fogerty for an Americana twist. The event will end with enough fireworks to outshine all the stars in the City of Angels.


Fred George

Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest
It might not have fireworks or any connection to U.S. history whatsoever, but when it comes down to it, there's really nothing more American than a bunch of folks stuffing themselves to the gills with hot dogs. Since 1916, the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest has encouraged competitive eaters to voraciously consume as many hot dogs as possible -- all in the name of sportsmanship. Held in Brooklyn's Coney Island, the annual hot dog competition has become the Super Bowl of competitive eating. Best of all, for two years straight the gastro-showdown has been swept by an American underdog, Joey Chestnut. After the eats, down a few dogs yourself at the Nathan's around the corner.

Seth Wenig, AP

Ancients & Horribles Parade
Since 1926, the residents of Glocester, Rhode Island have been celebrating this patriotic day with a look back at the year's news, but in a satirical light. With the Ancients & Horribles Parade in its 83rd year, attendees can expect to see everyone from Joe the Plumber to "John & Kate Plus 8" skewered as locals trot down Main Street vying for awards like Most Politically Incorrect, Best Current Affairs, and Funniest Overall. The fairly rural northwestern RI town boasts a history of bizarre events: the Pirates of Ponaganset Pond, the death of "Betty, the Learned Elephant" in 1826, the Dorr Rebellion in 1842, and the great mill fire of 1897 -- seems like this parade is just another part of its strange history.


Essence Music Festival
Surprise, surprise: the Big Easy knows how to throw a pretty rockin' party! And the New Orleans' Essence Music Festival, which always takes place during the holiday weekend, is no exception. Though not technically Independence Day-related, this African American heritage and music festival is a star-packed jam, featuring everyone from Beyoncé, Maxwell, Ne-yo and John Legend, as well as classic R&B acts like Lionel Richie, Al Green, and Anita Baker. Started in 1995 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine, the event -- which also features empowerment seminars and meet-and-greets -- now attracts roughly 270,000 attendees annually.


Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Statue of Liberty
Why not spend the holiday with America's first lady? Nope, not Michelle -- we're talking about a 305 foot-tall copper gal named Lady Liberty. For the first time since September 11, the Statue of Liberty's crown will be open to the public this Independence Day. The National Park Service and the Bush administration had shuttered the top of the statue from the public, due to security fears. But starting July 4, folks will be able to get into Lady Liberty's head. Keep in mind, the crown only accommodates 30 people per hour, so check here for ticket information.

Ron Frehm, AP

4th of July at San Antonio Sea World
It might sound fishy to spend your Independence Day among a bunch of underwater creatures. But San Antonio Sea World proves that it can provide just as much entertainment for land lovers, thanks to a major Fourth of July spectacular that lets visitors get a surprisingly close look at fireworks. The park scales the pyrotechnics back to best highlight their close range to the audience, which can have explosions as near as 15 feet away from your seat.


Bob French, Sea World / AP

Mount Rushmore
Four men that know a little something about patriotism -- George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt -- are primed and ready to party. Annually, Mount Rushmore plays host to South Dakota revelers who want to celebrate America's natural beauty and, of course, man's ability to improve on it. Besides taking in the sights and walking the Presidential Trail that takes you up to the famous carvings of our founding fathers, enjoy the fireworks and commemorative events that take place on July 3.


Seth A. McConnell, AP