Watching the fireworks for 4th of July is an annual tradition that only gets bigger and better each year in the major cities. Theme parks and city events planners across America spare no expense when it comes to celebrating Independence Day with a fireworks spectacular. Some fireworks events are choreographed to music and feature live entertainment and festivities during the hours leading up to the main event. From the Charles River in Boston to the Navy Pier in Chicago, here are just seven great destinations where you can enjoy an unforgettable patriotic celebration:

#1: East River, New York

It’s the biggest Independence Day fireworks display in the country, and a great reason to spend a hot July day in the city. The Macy’s Fireworks spectacular lights up the entire city and is choreographed to music on WINS radio. You’ll be able to see hundreds of boats making their way down the East River and docked at the Brooklyn bank during the spectacle, but you don’t have to be right on the water to join the fun. The New York Fire Department even joins in with fire boats shooting red, blue and clear water over the river. This magnificent event can be enjoyed from bridges and parks throughout the city, so head outdoors as early as 7 p.m. to secure your viewing spot. The event is televised nationally on NBC.

#2: Mississippi River, New Orleans
Celebrate the 4th of July New Orleans Style with the dueling barges fireworks extravaganza on the New Orleans Riverfront. Local vendors near the Riverwalk Marketplace showcase a variety of family-friendly activities leading up to the fireworks display, so you can pay a patriotic tribute and countdown to the event the entire day. The event is simulcast on Magic 101.9 and WWL AM and FM so it can be heard in 28 states, and is co-sponsored by the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Hard Rock Café amongst others.

#3: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Salute America with the largest synchronized display west of the Mississippi in South Lake Tahoe, California’s South Shore. The fireworks are synchronized to music, and you can take part in free events including dance performances and live music along the waterfront throughout the day. You can also join the fun in the North Shore with the Tahoe City Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration. The fireworks take place on Commons Beach in downtown Tahoe City, but you’ll need to get to the North Shore as early in the day as possible to get the best seats; take your pick from Kings Beach, West Shore Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, Donner Lake or downtown Tahoe City for the best views of the fireworks display.

#4: Charles River, Boston
Enjoy a night of jazz, dancing and great food along the banks of the Charles River before the fireworks celebration begins over the water. This fireworks display changes every year, and is also choreographed to music. The Charles River fireworks spectacular boasts over 17,500 pounds of pyrotechnics, and you can enjoy Boston Pops Orchestra music as part of the event. The celebration along the Charles River is one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the country, and attracts thousands of visitors and locals to the water every year. Concerts start on the evening of July 3rd, and the fireworks show typically starts at 8 p.m. on July 4th. This event is produced by Boston 4 Productions, and has been running for over 35 years.

#5: Addison Kaboom Town, Texas
It’s considered to be the best Fourth of July party in the entire Dallas and Fort Worth area, and typically takes place on the night before Independence Day. You’ll need to get to Addison Circle as early in the day as possible to secure your spot for the show, but you can watch the event from several restaurants around Kaboom Town if you don’t make it to the park. More than 100,000 people attend this event every year, and the fireworks are synchronized to music and a simulcast that is visible for miles around North Texas. You and the family can also enjoy a number of patriotic activities, events and celebrations taking place at area restaurants and community centers throughout Fourth of July weekend.

#6: U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
What better way to celebrate Independence Day than on the lawns of the U.S. Capitol building? The Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol attract thousands of patriotic revelers each year for a grand fireworks display. The fireworks are launched promptly at 9 pm, but there’s more than just the display to look forward to. Head to the U.S. Capitol building as early as 5 p.m. to watch the Independence Day parade making its way up Constitution Avenue, listen to the National Symphony Orchestra perform on the West Lawn, and catch local marching bands in action as the countdown to the fireworks begins.

#7: Chicago, Illinois
Get to the Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois as early as possible to enjoy one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in the Midwest. The Navy Pier fills up with crowds in the early afternoon on 4th of July to serve hot dogs, apple pie, ice cream, and other American treats that the whole family can enjoy. The Navy Pier also hosts live music performances, dance acts and live entertainment throughout the day as part of the countdown to the fireworks show. You can enjoy the show with a seat on the pier, or book a trip on a dinner cruise to see the Chicago skyline light up from the dazzling display.

Lakes and riverfronts across America are the idyllic destinations for a grand Fourth of July celebration, and almost every city in the United States hosts a patriotic party with a fireworks spectacle. In addition to these seven Independence Day hotspots, you can find grand celebrations in Orlando, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Jersey City and Houston. Plan to spend the entire day enjoying local events and community get-togethers before the fireworks at night so you can make the most of the Independence Day celebration with friends and family!