As the unofficial start of summer, everyone across the U.S. is excited to start making plans to celebrate the Fourth of July. Many cities have big events like parades and concerts, bringing everyone out in a celebratory mood.

If you are off traveling or planning a road trip during the Fourth of July, consider one of these great places to stop and celebrate!

Chicago, Illinois: If you want a true city feel to your Fourth of July experience, look no further than Chicago. Hosting a day long celebration at Navy Pier, Chicago embraces a true festival feel with live music rocking most of the day. Then, grab a seat on the beach to catch the massive fireworks display over Lake Michigan.

Fireworks Grand Finale

Addison, Texas: If fireworks are your thing, look no further than Addison. Their fireworks display, which lasts 30 minutes and has been going on for over three decades is affectionately called Kaboom Town. The town is so fireworks crazy, that every restaurant in town broadcasts the display on television during the show.

Fourth of July Flag

Newport, Oregon: For those who are interested in taking a laid back approach to the Fourth of July, consider Newport. They offer a free day full of events such as a sand castle competition, and then at dusk grab a spot on the beach and sit back to watch a fireworks display that has over 100,000 rounds of explosives. Yachats and Waldport also have great events for a funky Fourth of July.

Bristol, Rhode Island: For a quintessentially New England style Fourth of July head about an hour south of Boston to Bristol. This is actually the longest continuously running celebration in the United States, running since 1785. The fireworks kick off on the 3rd, and the day of the 4th is filled with parades, bands, pageants and drum corps as well running all day long.

Have you been to Fourth of July celebrations in any of these cities? What are some of your favorite places to watch fireworks? Let us know in the comments!

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