Hanging out in the backyard with friends and watching fireworks is always a great way to spend the Fourth of July. Sometimes, however, you might want to do something a little different and travel somewhere special to celebrate our nation’s big day.

Well, you’re in luck. It shouldn’t come as a big surprise that there are plenty of places that host huge events featuring fireworks, food, live music, parades, and more. If you’ve been thinking about doing something special this year, check out our list of the best fourth of July destinations across the country.

San Diego, California

San Diego is home to one of the biggest Navy bases in the world, so the city takes their patriotic fervor seriously. You can head to one of the many beaches and catch an awesome display of fireworks called the Big Bay Boom. During the day, spots like Coronado Island will have parades, road races, and swimming competitions, and live music to enjoy.

Bend, Oregon

Do you love craft brews and hiking? Well, you’ll find few better places in the country for it than Bend. Now, add in Fourth of July festivities and you’ve got a dream vacation planned. Bend hosts a ‘good old fashioned’ event featuring a parade, pie-eating contest, and sack races. At 10pm fireworks are set off from the top of Pilot Butte.

Bristol, Rhode Island

Speaking of old fashioned, Fourth of July celebrations don’t get older than the one hosted in small-town Bristol, Rhode Island. Its parade started way back in 1785 after a local Revolutionary War veteran decided to celebrate the date. You’ll find plenty of fun partying with the locals here.

New Orleans, Louisiana

You never really need an excuse to find a celebration in New Orleans, but the Fourth of July is a great time to visit the Big Easy. Here, you’ll get you’ll fill of the party atmosphere coupled. If you love fireworks, you won’t want to miss the ‘dueling barges’ that put on a fireworks show set to music on the Mississippi River.

Washington, DC

Of course, you can’t have any discussion of the best Fourth of July destinations without including our nation’s capital on the list. Washington is a great place to visit any time of year because of all the free museums and activities but it has an extra special patriotic feel during this time of year.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Every year, tens of thousands of Minnesotans, and visitors, head to Minneapolis for the Red, White, and Boom celebration on the fourth. This event is hosted on the waterfront and you can find fireworks, an outdoor movie, and a carnival-like atmosphere with games, face painting, and live music.

Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

You might not realize it but the fireworks display that’s put on every year on the island of Oahu is one of the best in the country. A number of local beaches, including Kailua Beach Park, has had firework celebrations for nearly 70 years. However the most popular, with visitors and locals alike, is at Ala Moana Beach and is the largest in the state.

As you can see, you’ll find no shortage of hot spots to spend your Fourth of July in the years to come. So check out some of the destinations!