Trip Ideas Holiday Travel July 4th Travel The Best Beach Towns for Celebrating the Fourth of July in 2023 Beach towns across the United States host fireworks displays and other happenings for Independence Day. By Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 3, 2023 Trending Videos Photo: Lisa5201/Getty Images The Fourth of July is the day to celebrate the independence of the United States with barbecues, fireworks, and ice-cold beverages — ideally with sun on your skin and sand between your toes. For this quintessentially American summer holiday, many people flock to the nearest coast to indulge in classic Americana: hot dogs or lobster rolls from a food shack, ice cream dripping from a cone, parades, picnics, live music, and pyrotechnic displays over the water. If you don't mind sharing the sand or the boardwalk with a lively crowd, hit one of these beach towns this Fourth of July. 25 Best Beaches in the U.S. 01 of 20 Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, South Carolina John Coletti/Getty Images From amusement parks, restaurants, and shopping to world-class golf, fishing, and swimming, there’s something for everyone along South Carolina's Grand Strand. On Independence Day, patriotic festivities take over this 60-mile stretch of coast centered on Myrtle Beach – from parades of patriotic golf carts in Surfside Beach and boats in Murrells Inlet to fireworks displays over the Cherry Grove Pier, the Second Avenue Pier, and the MarshWalk. Fireworks at Barefoot Landing are a weekly tradition during the summer, but the Independence Day iteration is extra special. More pyrotechnics and other private parties take place all around the region, so you're sure to find an event to suit your taste. 02 of 20 Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts Courtesy of Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce Martha’s Vineyard, a tiny island off the southern coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, is quintessential New England. If you leave without tasting a lobster roll, some clam chowder, or at least an oyster, you might even get fined. The island, accessible via ferry or plane, is about 100 square miles and is divided between down-island (eastern) and up-island (western) towns. Either way you go, you’re bound to have a fantastic stay at any of the ultra-charming inns dotting the island. For Fourth of July, head to Edgartown, which holds an annual parade through downtown followed by fireworks over the harbor. 03 of 20 Virginia Beach, Virginia Courtesy of Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau On the Fourth of July, Virginia Beach transforms into quite the patriotic spot. The city's Stars & Stripes Celebration features concerts at several outdoor venues along the oceanfront and, of course, an epic fireworks display. 04 of 20 Kailua, Hawaii Philip Rosenberg/Getty Images Hawaii may have been the most recent state to gain admittance to the union, but it's certainly no less patriotic than the rest of the country. Kailua-Kona holds one of the biggest and longest-running Fourth of July celebrations on the Big Island, with a parade down Kaukani Highway followed by fireworks over beautiful Kailua Bay. When you're not participating in the local happenings, you can kayak to the offshore islands or rent a bike and explore the town. 05 of 20 Huntington Beach, California Tara Ziemba/Getty Images Known as “Surf City,” Huntington Beach in Southern California has made a name for itself as the birthplace of surfing in the continental U.S. Its famous pier juts out almost 1,850 feet over the beach and into the Pacific Ocean, and it hosts a festival every Fourth of July. In addition to the festival, you'll find a fun run, parade, deals and events at the local restaurants, and more. In the evening, a fireworks display lights up the sky over the water. 06 of 20 Narragansett, Rhode Island Lori Leduc Rhode Island may be small, but it still has 400 miles of coastline, one of the most popular stretches of which belongs to Narragansett. From the stone sea wall curving down Narragansett Town Beach to the historic Coast Guard House still keeping watch over the bay, the beach is the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy a sun-filled afternoon in the smallest state in the union. Come Fourth of July, Narragansett will hold an afternoon of concerts right on the beach, all leading up to evening fireworks over Narragansett Bay. 07 of 20 Ocean City, Maryland rypson/Getty Images Known for its colorful boardwalk featuring the nostalgic Trimper Rides amusement park — and that 1912 carousel, still in operation — Ocean City is a top-tier destination for families. While the beach offers dozens of free events all summer long, its Fourth of July celebration is one of the most fun. Every year, the city puts on live concerts and fireworks displays at two locations: right on the beach at North Division Street and at Northside Park. 08 of 20 Key West, Florida Rob O'Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau/HO Though just 5.6 square miles, Key West has plenty to offer, from bike riding to snorkeling to fine dining to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. And while being landlocked on Duval Street with a key-lime margarita sounds delightful, the best way to experience the Fourth on Key West may be by boat. Fury, an area charter company, offers a fireworks cruise aboard a catamaran. While you're in town, don't miss the sugar-filled Key Lime Festival taking place July Fourth weekend. 09 of 20 Monterey, California Courtesy of City of Monterey Monterey, on the coast of central California, holds an Independence Day parade that attracts 15,000 spectators each year. Grab a seat early to get the best view of patriotic floats and costume-clad performers. Afterward, a free festival — including barbecue and live music — is held on the Colton Hall Lawn. Don't leave Monterey before visiting its world-famous aquarium, showcasing some 80,000 plants and animals across 200-plus exhibits. 10 of 20 Gulf Shores, Alabama Dee Dee Yelverton/Getty Images Gulf Shores' West Beach is one of Alabama's finest, with its white sand and quiet ambiance. The beach goes on for about six miles, and you could explore most of it without seeing a single other beachgoer. It's an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle. After spending a relaxing Independence Day on the sand, hop in the car and drive a few minutes to the Gulf State Park Pier for a free fireworks display. 11 of 20 South Padre Island, Texas Russell Kaye/Sandra-Lee Phipps/Getty Images South Padre Island is home to 34 miles of beaches and dunes near Texas’ southernmost tip. Here, thrill seekers enjoy the excellent windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sand-surfing available up and down the coastline. If wind sports aren’t your thing, you can opt for tamer kayaking or paddleboarding. Every year, the island celebrates July Fourth with a beach parade and fireworks over the Laguna Madre. 12 of 20 Old Orchard Beach, Maine cfwphotography/Getty Images Old Orchard Beach, about 30 minutes south of Portland, has three miles of oceanfront as well as an amusement park and a historic pier that harken back to days gone by. This tiny New England town's annual Independence Day celebration is more than 70 years old. Floats and local performers parade through the village of Ocean Park from the Bell Tower, gathering at the Bandstand for a free concert. This is followed by a fireworks display near the pier later in the night. 13 of 20 Montauk, New York Courtesy of DIscover Long Island Montauk is the best place to visit in the Hamptons without having to deal with the massive crowds. Don’t worry, the area still has plenty of fantastic dining, shopping, sightseeing, and activities to keep you as entertained as you would be anywhere else on Long Island. Montauk's annual fireworks display takes place at Kirk Park Beach (aka Umbrella Beach). Try to get there early and enjoy the sights all day and night. 14 of 20 Miami Beach, Florida Patricia Hamilton/Getty Images The Fourth of July in Miami Beach looks like festive cocktails and yacht parties, but the city has its family-friendly options too. Fire on the Fourth rings in America's birthday with live music, a roller disco, food trucks, kids' activities, and fireworks. The action lasts all day and takes place in and around the Miami Beach Bandshell. 15 of 20 Nantucket, Massachusetts Tim Clayton/Corbis/Getty Images Nantucket is certainly one of the most all-American beach towns out there, which makes it a great July Fourth destination. It offers pristine beaches, delicious seafood, and Independence Day happenings morning, noon, and night. The fun starts on Main Street — including, in the past, pie-eating contests and games — then moves to the waterfront, where fireworks illuminate the sky over Jetties Beach in the evening. 16 of 20 St. Simons Island, Georgia Marc Romanelli/Getty Images Since 1955, St. Simons Island, Georgia, has celebrated the Fourth of July with the Sunshine Festival, a family event that usually involves a craft show and fun run. It all takes place at Pier Village, St. Simons' colorful downtown strip, which is two miles from where everyone will presumably spend the morning sunning on East Beach. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or beach chairs to set up at Neptune Park for the fireworks show later in the night. 17 of 20 Long Branch, New Jersey DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images Oceanfest bills itself as "the biggest seasonal event on the Jersey Shore." Thousands flock to Long Branch come July Fourth for live music, food vendors, street performances, craft stalls, and, of course, fireworks. The all-day festival has something for everyone — from clowns to extreme sandcastle sculptures to gourmet bites — right along the beachfront. 18 of 20 Rockaway Beach, Oregon Michael Interisano/Design Pics/Getty Images Rockaway Beach on Oregon's northern coast, an hour-and-40-minute drive west from Portland, holds an annual Fourth of July celebration that has in the past included a dachshund race, a baked good and plant sale, hot dogs, paintball, a parade, miniature golf, fireworks, and a National Guard flyover. The fun takes place all over town, from the Lions Club to Phyllis Baker City Park to The Ocean’s Edge Wayside, where the fireworks are set off. 19 of 20 Panama City Beach, Florida Big B Photography/Getty Images Panama City claims to put on the largest Fourth of July fireworks display on the Gulf Coast, and there are multiple chances to see it. The town typically offers a few nights of fireworks around the Fourth. Spectators have options in terms of how they watch, so will it be from a snazzy resort while sipping a cocktail or barefoot with toes in the sand? There's certainly enough space for everyone, considering PCB comprises nine miles of beautiful Florida coastline. 20 of 20 Fire Island Pines, New York Portra/Getty Images If you're looking for pure camp on an otherwise tradition-heavy holiday, look no further than Fire Island Pines — a drag queen's utter paradise. Just off the southern shore of Long Island, this little hamlet remains an LGBTQ+-centric destination year-round. However, when the Fourth rolls around, queens and their stans descend on The Pines and parade through town. A word of caution: Fire Island Invasion is a celebration of skin — don't come if you're offended by nipple tassels and jockstraps. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit