journeyPod Celebrates 4th of July in Style!

By: Kim Michele

Wondering what your options are for 4th of July? Well you need not look far. Join journeyPod.com as we check out how top cities around the US & Caribbean plan on celebrating. Read on and learn where the best parties are being held, the best places to view the fireworks and of course where to be seen…

Miami: Only a 30 minute drive from Fort Lauderdale, South Beach’s best kept secrets for celebrating 4^th of July are the rooftop havens scattered around town. Intimate, cozy, trendy and stylish, these bars and lounges are a great place to view the best of the 4th of July celebrations. We suggest the Townhouse Hotel’s Rooftop Lounge!

New York City: Sticking to the Eastern Standard Time, New Yorkers love to celebrate and don’t need much of an excuse to host a party. Their most famous fireworks display is Macy’s annual gift to the city and will take place in three different locations – along the East River, at South Street Seaport and next to the Statue of Liberty. Now unless you are lucky enough to own an apartment with a view of the East River (or know someone who does), then I would suggest a few alternatives other than the regular, crowded viewing points.

Jersey Shore: Less than an hour away from Newark Airport, Jersey Shore, or Red Bank to be exact, is always a happening place on July 3rd & 4th. Kaboom is putting on a huge fireworks display on the Navesink River on the night of July 3rd. As the sun sets, the skies will in turn light up with over 10,000 shells of fireworks, perfectly choreographed to an eclectic mix of music. It promises to be the best show in town and Red Bank is the place to be.

St. Augustine: Discover America’s “Oldest City” on 4^th of July by heading 30 minutes south of Jacksonville. A spectacular fireworks show high above the ancient Castillo de San Marcos and reflected in the waters of Matanzas Bay is just one of many memorable July 4th weekend events set for St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches. Some of the activities scheduled include a sunset tour of the Lighthouse, cruise on the Black Raven or wine tasting at the San Sebastian Winery.

San Diego: Let’s not forget the West coast! They too enjoy their celebrations and have a ton of fun things planned for July 4th. San Diego for instance has come up with an interesting alternative to the basic family outing. Compliments of the US Navy, they are allowing the general public to view the fireworks from the deck of the USS Midway. They are planning quite the party onboard with live entertainment and an exclusive broadcast by MAJIC 92.5 from the flight deck.

Los Angeles: As expected, Californians celebrate Independence Day in true Hollywood style, starting with the Hollywood Bowl’s annual 4th of July Birthday Bash. Pack a picnic basket with your favorite 4th of July food and drinks before heading on to the Bowl for an entertaining show followed by a spectacular fireworks display. It is one of the best ways to celebrate our county’s birthday while in the city of Angels.

Chicago: If you are spending 4th of July in Chicago, a very popular and traditional venue to view the fireworks is the historic Navy Pier on Lake Michigan. An annual event that grows bigger every year, the Navy Pier boasts the best fireworks in town! And if you are looking for the best view, try the Navy Pier Beer Garden.

San Juan, Puerto Rico: If crowds and fireworks are not your idea of a holiday, then we suggest taking the time to celebrate the ‘independent you’ on one of Puerto Rico’s breathtaking beaches. Discover the historic forts in Old San Juan, take a private airplane ride to the beautiful Vieques Island, send your tastebuds on a journey by indulging in traditional Puerto Rican cuisine or kayak on a bioluminescent bay. San Juan is one of our favorite Caribbean getaways! Check out our podcasts from San Juan!

No matter what city you are in, there are always plenty of exciting things to do. Browse through journeyPod’s Destination Guides and gain VIP access to the hippest cities around the world as you discover what to do while in town.