I know we’ve just wrapped up Memorial Day, but the 4th of July is just around the corner. In our family, the Fourth of July was always more than just fireworks. It's the smell of sunscreen and sparklers, the sound of a marching band parading through downtown, the feeling of being somewhere that really, truly goes all out for America's birthday. Whether you're planning a family trip or coordinating a group getaway, these destinations know how to celebrate.

Bristol, Rhode Island

If you want the real thing, Bristol is it. This small colonial town has been hosting the same Fourth of July parade since 1785, making it the longest-running Independence Day celebration in the country.

The parade runs more than two miles through a beautifully preserved downtown, and the whole town is painted red, white, and blue for weeks leading up to it. Locals rent out porch space to visitors (yes, literally), so book early. This one fills up fast.

Washington, D.C.

There is simply no more iconic backdrop for the Fourth than Washington, D.C​. Fireworks explode above the Washington Monument and Capitol dome while hundreds of thousands of people spread across the grass with blankets and coolers.

The National Symphony Orchestra performs on the Capitol steps in the afternoon, and the whole day feels like the America you'd want to show someone who'd never been here before. Arrive by mid-morning to stake out your spot. Metro is your best friend.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

​Gatlinburg leans fully into the holiday, and the Smoky Mountains make every firework look twice as good. The town celebrates for days before the Fourth itself, with craft fairs, live music, and street performers filling the main strip.

Nearby Dollywood runs its "Red, White & Boom" show, which is one of the best theme park Fourth of July experiences in the country for families with kids. The mountain air is cooler than most of the South in early July, which is a true blessing.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

​Nantucket goes full New England for the Fourth - think dory races, a harbor full of decorated boats, an old-fashioned parade, and fireworks launched from the beach.

It's a quieter, more refined celebration than the big cities, but the atmosphere is magical. Great for families who want something charming and manageable rather than overwhelming.

Vail, Colorado

Yes, a mountain town for the Fourth. Vail throws one of the best Independence Day parties in the Rockies, with fireworks shot off the mountain at elevation, which means they burst at eye level from the village below. It's genuinely spectacular.

The town fills up with families who've made it an annual tradition, and the combination of cool mountain temperatures and a pedestrian-friendly village makes it incredibly easy to enjoy with kids or a group.

A few tips before you go:

• Arrive early everywhere. The best viewing spots at major celebrations fill up hours before dark.
• Download the local city app or check the city's website for shuttle information - most major displays add extra transit options on the Fourth that can save you a lot of stress.
• If you're traveling with young kids, bring ear protection. Fireworks are pretty loud up close, and having a pair of earplugs in your bag can be the difference between a great night and a meltdown.
• For groups, look into vacation rentals near the celebration. A house with a rooftop or even a good second-floor porch can make for an unforgettable viewing experience without the crowd.

On a personal note, we are well into our UK trip and still enjoying every minute. We've covered London, the Cotswolds, and we are currently exploring Edinburgh. Up next - the Isle of Skye, the Lake District, and then back to London. Be sure to catch up on Instagram at @travelswithkirsten if you missed anything!

I hope your summer trips and planning are off to a great start!

Kirsten