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Las Vegas is a great place to celebrate anything from bachelorette parties to the country’s birthday. You can also sit at a blackjack table or dance until the early hours of the morning in a trendy nightclub. This Fourth of July, enjoy fireworks, food and fun at various locations around the city, including the Fremont Street Parade (this year’s theme is “Peace, Love, Fremont”) and Caesars Palace on the Strip.
TripAdvisor ranks Las Vegas as the No. 1 domestic summer destination for American travelers, and the city was recently ranked No. 3 in TripAdvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best U.S. Destinations. “The TripAdvisor Community [loves] “Las Vegas offers a unique mix of high-risk action, low-key relaxation, culture and dining options,” said Duncan Skehens, director of international communications for TripAdvisor. “With museums and art galleries (33%), food and wine tours (33%) and amusement and water parks (32%) ranking high on the list, it’s no wonder so many are considering Las Vegas this summer.”
Can’t-Miss Spots: The best places to watch the Caesars Palace fireworks are outside the property, near the sidewalks on Las Vegas Boulevard, at Caesars’ Venus Pool + Lounge (night swims available!), or at the RE:MATCH Bar at the LINQ Hotel + Experience, where you can enjoy a special drink while watching the fireworks. Plus, Garth Brooks will be headlining concerts at the Coliseum on July 3, 5, and 6.
Where to Stay: The iconic Caesars Palace is the epicenter of Fourth of July celebrations on the Las Vegas Strip. The resort offers 3,980 rooms and suites, including the recently renovated Coliseum Tower and the luxurious Nobu Hotel, a boutique hotel within Caesars Palace. A variety of food and drink options are available at Brasserie B (Bobby Flay’s new French-inspired concept), legendary New York steakhouse Peter Luger, Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, Nobu, and the Vanderpump Cocktail Garden.
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If you’re on the East Coast, consider spending Independence Day at the Jersey Shore. A trip to Atlantic City is the perfect getaway, packed with top-notch entertainment, miles of beautiful beaches, amazing DJ performances, and spectacular fireworks displays. Enjoy the Atlantic City Boardwalk, which comes to life in the summer, and ride the new roller coaster at Steel Pier.
Don’t miss: This year’s Fourth of July in Atlantic City will feature performances from big name artists like Kesha and fireworks at 10pm from the Tropicana Atlantic City. Get a free spot along the boardwalk.
Where to Stay: The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is Atlantic City’s entertainment hub, with waterfront views and great food (with a whopping 15 dining options to choose from!) The hotel will be hosting a spectacular fireworks display over North Beach on June 28th at 9:30pm.
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I may be biased, but my hometown of Scottsdale is the perfect place to experience nature, wellness, and the Valley’s Fourth of July celebrations. The desert is hot, but that’s why every resort in town has pools, mist sprays, and refreshing air conditioning. Plus, the off-season is a surprisingly good time to visit Arizona, with rates heavily discounted. And it’s a fantastic deal: you can get a five-star stay for under $100 a night!
Don’t Miss: Our favorite hotel in town is the sprawling Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, which knows how to party. The hotel will be hosting its annual Freedom Fest from July 3rd to July 6th. There will be fireworks every night (plus 12-minute shows on the 4th and 6th) and non-stop entertainment, including performances by the Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band, Josh Ross, Nate Smith, and Lily Meola. The event is so popular that when you ask your friends where they’re spending the holidays, the answer is always the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Perk: You don’t have to book a stay at the hotel to attend; everyone is welcome.
Where to Stay: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a AAA Four-Diamond property and a destination in itself. With pickleball courts, two championship 18-hole golf courses, Revive Spa, and more, you might never want to leave the hotel. Of course, you have to start with the newly renovated AquaRidge Waterpark, which features an improved lazy river, exhilarating waterslides, the adults-only Sky Island Retreat, and more.
