Best July 4th Fireworks

Lake Tahoe: Lights on the Lake

The alpine lake straddling Nevada and California is known for its rich ecosystem, pristine water, extraordinary beauty—and unbeatable July 4 fireworks. “It’s not so much how many you get but what you get,” says Ian Gilfillan, vice president of Pyro Spectaculars. This show, he says, has a special line of products. Round, symmetrical, and floral fireworks are interspersed with farfalles (spinning butterflies) and other whistling, spinning, pistil-like devices.

Where to View: South Lake Tahoe’s paddle wheelers the Tahoe Queen and M.S. Dixie II get you out on the lake for front-row seats over dinner. You can also head to Baldwin Beach, with fire pits and picnic tables, or Nevada Beach State Park, whose sandy shoreline has on-site barbecues.