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Fourth of July

10 of the nation's Best 4th of July Firework Shows

Samantha Nelson
USA TODAY
Fireworks explode over the U.S. Capitol on the Fourth of July.

As the 240th birthday of the United States of America, cities and households around the country are preparing to celebrate Independence Day with a boom, or two…or several thousands.

Out of all the great firework displays in the nation, here are 10 of the greatest.

New York City — Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

Recognized as the nation’s largest Independence Day celebration, the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display attracts more than 3 million spectators live and over 10 million TV viewers, according to NBC’s website. This year is the celebration’s 40th anniversary and is the largest Macy’s fireworks display in more than a decade with 56,000 pyrotechnic effects.

Washington D.C. — National Mall Fourth of July Celebration

One of the most patriotic fireworks display in the nation right in the nation’s capital. According to The District tourist guide, about 700,000 people travel to the National Mall to watch the fireworks burst and boom in the night sky with the Washington monument and the U.S. Capitol in the background.

This is an all-day event for the city, with celebrations going on in just about every neighborhood and beginning with a parade down Constitution Avenue.

San Diego — Big Bay Boom

The Big Bay Boom is the largest display of fireworks on the West Coast. Up to 500,000 spectators go to San Diego to watch four different barges from the Big Bay launch fireworks into the night sky. This promises to be San Diego’s biggest Fourth of July fireworks show, according to the Big Bay Boom website.

Philadelphia — Wawa Welcome America!

As the birthplace of the United States, Philadelphia provides another patriotic location for a one of the nation’s greatest fireworks show.

An eight-day festival leads up to grand finale fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum provides a dramatic background for a dramatic fireworks show.

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San Francisco — 4th of July Fireworks

The fireworks show on the San Francisco Bay is complimented by some dramatic backdrops, such as the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. The huge bay provides plenty great views of the fireworks, but one of the best views is from the water itself.

The fireworks are launched from a barge in front of Pier 39 and on the end of Municipal Pier.

Boston — Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

This 43-year-old fireworks display provides musical entertainment as well as a grand fireworks display over the Charles River.

The family-owned company that does the city's show holds the Guiness World Records for “Largest Fireworks Display” ever recorded and “Largest Pyrotechnic Image,” according to Boston’s Fourth of July website. The company is Fireworks by Grucci.

Seattle — Seafair Summer Fourth

With plenty of food, music, games and two beer gardens, the Seafair Summer Fourth at Gas Works in Seattle provides a great festival leading up to the 21-minute fireworks display over Lake Union.

Fourth of July: Small town celebrations that bring the bang

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. — Lights on the Lake Fireworks

Off the southern shore of Lake Tahoe, fireworks light up the sky and reflect off of the waters of the enormous lake. According to the website, in addition to views on the waterfronts, spectators have the chance to hop on lake cruises to get a better look at the fireworks.

Addison, Texas — Kaboom Town!

Small town, big show. Kaboom Town! is an Independence Day celebration on the Sunday before July 4. With food vendors, entertainment, an air show and a dazzling fireworks display, Kaboom Town! lives up to its name.

Nashville, Tenn. — Music City July 4th

The name says it all: enjoy fireworks with loads of musical performances in the Music City. The Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony will perform an original medley of songs choreographed to go along with the fireworks, adding to its dramatic effects.

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