EXTRAORDINARY FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZAS

Philadelphia, aka The City of Brotherly Love, adds serious street cred to July 4th celebrations… it’s where Independence Day began, with the signing of Declaration of Independence. They get down here with the largest free concert in the country, all lit up with more than  15,000 fireworks exploding over the Delaware River. But wait, there’s more!

There’s another giant display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. And there are mega parties all over town.

The Dallas suburb of Addison lights up on July 4th… truly earning its nickname at Kaboom Town.  It rocks a major 25-minute-long fireworks display, with 3,500 pounds of explosives. Check out the pre-game airshow put on by the Cavanaugh Flight Museum, featuring awesome aerobatics and pyrotechnics.

Fun fact: Addison boasts the most eateries per capita of any town in the United States (almost 200).

Ground Zero is the DCR Hatch Shell, an outdoor band shell where the Pops perform along the Charles. But the Harvard and Longfellow Bridges are just fine places to view the fireworks too. Other great viewing options are on harbor cruises or at the Top of the Hub restaurant, located on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Tower.

Earlier in the day, check out the Freedom Trail Changing of the Guard and the flag raising ceremony on City Hall Plaza followed by a parade to the Granary Burial Ground, where wreaths are laid on the graves of patriots.

If you are a loyal history buff, you won’t want to miss the Reading of the Declaration of Independence, read from the balcony of the Old State House by the current Captain Commanding of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, just as it was read to the citizens of Boston on July 18, 1776.

You get double your pleasure on July 4th at Lake Tahoe, as the fireworks reflect in its crystal-clear waters, with the Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop. It is one of the most spectacular shows in the country.

Set yourself up to watch from anywhere in town or around the Lake. But some of the best spots include El Dorado Beach, Nevada Beach, and Timber Cove Marina. Or head up to the summit of Mount Tallac. But the best spot is aboard the  paddlewheel boat the M.S. Dixie II.

SAN FRANCISCO -- CALIFORNIA

Sitting on the dock of the Bay, watching the tide roll away in San Francisco Bay on July 4th, will put you in front of 25 minutes worth of fireworks extravaganza, with over 10,000 effects to blow your mind.

Fireworks launch from barges in the water and off the Municipal Pier, north of Pier 39 in the Fisherman’s Wharf district.

Big Bay Boom, San Diego, was named with fireworks in mind.

Four barges spread out and stake their positions on the bay, playing to viewers on Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Marina District, Seaport Village/South Embarcadero and Coronado Ferry Landing.

The best way to see the fireworks is on a boat on the water.

Nashville, aka Music City, celebrates the 4th of July, with a full day of free music and fireworks choreographed to a live set from the Nashville Symphony. Here’s a surprise: this city has been known to set off more fireworks than New York City. It is one of the top (or rather most over-the-top) fireworks displays in the country.

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1. Image: by golfnride. Untitled. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2. Image: by King Taco Untitled. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
3. Image: by Laura Pontiggia. “4th of July fireworks.” Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
4. Image: by Brett Chisum. “Calatrava Celebration.” Addison, Texas.
5. Image: by Irene de la Torre. “July the 4th.” Boston, Massachusetts.
6. Image: by Sayamindu Dasgupta. “4th of July 2012 in Boston.” Boston, Massachusetts.
7. Image: by Dain Sandoval. Untitled. Lake Tahoe, California.
8. Image: by Josh K. “Lake Tahoe Fireworks.” Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
9. Image: by Thomas Hawk. “75th Birthday Golden Gate Bridge.” San Francisco, California.
10. Image: by chibicode. “Fireworks near Bay Bridge, San Francisco.” San Francisco, California.
11. Image: by Port of San Diego. “Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom.” San Diego, California.
12. Image: by Saurabh Thakur. “My first 4th of July.” Nashville, Tennessee.
13. Image: by Ray Ashley. “July 4th.” Nashville, Tennessee.
14. Image: by Port of San Diego. “Big Bay Boom Fireworks.” San Diego, California.
15. Image: by Richard Armstrong. “110704 Trumble St fireworks.” San Diego, California.
16. Image: by Ed Bierman. “Fireworks at Kaboom.” San Francisco, California.