When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day destinations, you generally see the same cities listed over and over again. Places like New York City, Chicago, and Boston are all hot spots for parades and events. It’s easy to see why, since each of those cities have large populations of people who have Irish heritage.

But, that doesn’t mean there are a number of other places where you can have just as much fun, and not have to fight the huge crowds.

Here, we’re going to look at a few places where you can head for an off the beaten path St. Patrick’s Day experience you won’t soon forget.

Savannah

Like Boston, St. Patrick’s Day is actually a holiday in the historic and beautiful Southern city of Savannah, Georgia. So that means you know the already party happy residents are prepared for a great time. Savannah goes all in on celebrating, dying the fountains green, and hosting a parade that winds through the historic district and attracts visitors from all over the South.

New Orleans

By Christopher Angell [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

With the first St. Patrick’s Day parade debuting in 1809, New Orleans, Louisiana has one of the longest running celebrations in the United States. The event also borrows from it’s more famous Mardi Gras parades with carnival floats and a true party atmosphere. Instead of throwing beads, parade participants throw bits of carrot, potato, and cabbage into the crowds, better known as the main ingredients of Irish stew.

Seattle

By Joe Mabel [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Known as the Emerald City, Seattle, Washington lives up to it’s name by hosting a week long festival around St. Patrick’s Day. Activities include soda bread baking contents, Irish step dancing showcases, Guinness tastings and the parade, just to name a few. The day before the parade the Irish Association walks the route while rolling out a gigantic green carpet.

Las Vegas

In Las Vegas, Nevada, St. Patrick’s Day is a three day festival event that any visitor will enjoy during the mild March weather. It not only features the usual parade, but also highlights activities like a classic car show and a carnival, just in case you thought Vegas wasn’t enough fun on it’s own. You can find smaller celebrations going on all over the strip and at various casinos.

Dublin

Nope, not that Dublin. We’re talking about the other Dublin, the one in Ohio. With a name like that you know they have to take part in some St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and they deliver. With a parade route that runs a mile long and typically features over 100 floats, it’s plenty to take in. Plus, they typically start off the day with a big and hearty pancake breakfast.

So you’ll see, there are plenty of other places to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day around the country this March. Be sure to take the day and check out what’s going on in your area, we might just be interested in adding it to the list next year!

What’s the best St. Patrick’s Day parade you’ve ever been to? Let us know!