Fourth of July is right around the corner…have you made your travel plans yet? America’s birthday sure provides the perfect opportunity to hit the road for some family fun in the US. Whether you’re looking for a classic beach celebration or are eager to beat the heat, there are plenty of great spots to choose from this year. Fireworks, great food, classic Americana — here are five of the best family-friendly July Fourth destinations to have a blast with your pack!

Monterey Bay, California

If you are looking to combine the beauty of a beach getaway without all of the heat and humidity, consider a trip to Monterey Bay, located on the state’s central coast. The focal point of the fun in this picturesque beach town is its Fourth of July annual parade, a spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

After watching the parade, head out to the free family festival typically held on Colton Hall Lawn. Monterey’s Old Fisherman Wharf is all decked out for the holiday, providing lovely photo backdrops with the waters of the Pacific glistening in the background. Be sure to leave time during your trip to visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, home to over 80,000 types of marine life and plants.

Scottsdale, Arizona

While it may seem like an unconventional place to celebrate the Fourth of July because of the heat, Scottsdale offers plenty of amenities to keep you cool and content. As a bonus, you will also enjoy offseason prices and lower crowds this time of the year.

Scottsdale’s primary holiday celebration takes place at WestWorld. Here you will find a festive parade, musical performances, games for the kids, and fireworks that explode with the majestic McDowell Mountains serving as the backdrop. You’ll want to return to the desert every year to celebrate the holiday once you discover how much fun and beauty Scottsdale offers.

Sandestin, Florida

Miramar Beach in Destin, Florida.

It does not get any better than the Fourth of July on the beach in Sandestin. Located along the famed Emerald Coast in the Florida Panhandle, this stretch of land is known for white sugar sand and stunning green ocean water. The town of Sandestin is located just outside the larger community of Destin.

In addition to visiting the beautiful beaches, you can also take the family to the Emerald Coast Zoo, head out for a fishing expedition, and more. The annual Red, White, and Baytowne celebration is great fun for kids of all ages. Here you will find face painting, arts and crafts, live musical performances, and tasty food and drink offerings. The culmination of the celebration is the spectacular fireworks display that lights up over Baytowne Wharf.

Philadelphia

What better place to celebrate the country’s independence than in its birthplace? The City of Brotherly Love is brimming with history, boasting the famously cracked Liberty Bell, the home of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution at Independence Hall, and many of the most notable sites of the American Revolution.

A city this historic boasts a number of great festivities surrounding the big holiday. While in here, be sure to visit the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which also serves as the backdrop for the city’s grand fireworks display.

Klamath Falls, Oregon

Just a taste of Crater Lake National Park.

Plan a 4th of July getaway to the mountains with a flight to Klamath Falls, Oregon. This scenic town is nestled between the Sierra Nevada and the Cascade Mountains, delivering jaw-dropping views in every direction. The town takes great pride in its annual Fourth of Just festivities, including a traditional parade that winds through Main Street, ending at Veterans Memorial Park. You’ll find the fireworks show at the Klamath County Fairgrounds after the sun goes down. Depending on your travel preferences and budget, you can go rustic with lodging at a cabin or live it up with more luxurious accommodations.

Do you have a favorite Fourth of July destination? Tell us about it in the comments below!