When it comes to the Fourth of July, some people have tradition: lighting off fireworks with neighbors, having a barbecue, or simply spending the day at the beach. But others want to travel to the best Fourth of July destinations America has to offer, and Marriott International has the answers thanks to its Inaugural Summer Travel Trends report.
1. New Orleans
This is the No. 1 city on the list for cross-country red, white and blue celebrations. Travelers can stay at the Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette French Quarter Area Hotel, later heading to the free, annual fireworks celebration, Go 4th on the River. Hosted on the historic downtown New Orleans Riverfront, the light show is accompanied by patriotic music to top it all off.
2. New York City
With the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge as visitors’ homes for Fourth of July weekend, a red, white and blue light show are mere steps away at the Brooklyn waterfront. Macy’s will be hosting its 41st annual fireworks show along the East River, presenting performances in a location to be announced by Brad Paisley, Hailee Steinfeld, Craig Campbell, the West Point Band and other American bands and artists.
3. Chicago
Overlooking Lake Michigan and Navy Pier, the W Chicago-Lakeshore offers views the Windy City’s annual fireworks. Other fun events going on in town include the Grant Park Music Festival: Independence Day Salute at Millennium Park as well as Freedom Fest 2017 at Navy Pier.
4. Orlando
Spend some time at The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, where Highball & Harvest restaurant will be serving up its version of an American classic: Chocolate S’mores Pot Pie, made with warm chocolate cake topped with toasted marshmallows, graham crackers and two scoops of smoked buttermilk ice cream. Many of the parks in Orlando will be hosting Fourth of July-themed events, such as LEGOLAND Florida’s Knight Lights, SeaWorld’s Fourth of July Reflections show, “Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” at Magic Kingdom, and more.
5. San Diego
Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa is hosting its annual BBQ dinner on the pier, where guests can see the Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show above the San Diego Bay. The west coast’s SeaWorld will also be hosting 4th of July festivities of its own, along with Ocean Beach’s July 4th Celebration at Ocean Beach Pier and Old Town State Historic Park’s parade and day of crafts and activities to recreate an “old-fashioned” Independence Day.
Some other fun places to go for the national holiday are:
Washington, D.C.
In the beating heart of the nation – the nation’s capital – guests can spend the weekend at the JW Marriott Washington, D.C. Special events are all within walking distance: the National Independence Day Parade, a concert on the West Lawn, free admission to 11 Smithsonian museums and a fireworks show on the National Mall.
Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Dodgers will be hosting a special fireworks show at Dodgers Stadium – the largest ballpark by capacity in the United States. Less than 15 minutes from the stadium, guests can take a load off at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE hotel.
Boston
The Envoy Hotel will be creating signature holiday-themed desserts like the Campfire Torte, a “playful twist on the summer campfire staple.” On City Hall Plaza, the city will host its Official Independence Day Commemoration with a flag raising ceremony and parade.