Independence Day in Virgin Atlantic Cities

The Fourth of July - it's the biggest, brightest, most celebrated day of the summer, so if you're in one of Virgin Atlantic's USA destinations today here's a rundown of the best Independence Day festivities to enjoy. If you've not been able to travel to this year's festivities, check out the links below to whet your appetite, watch live stream events, and start making plans to be there in 2024!

New York city

Every year, Macy's puts on the biggest fireworks display in the United States, with some six barges on the Hudson being used as launches. The best viewing spot is probably from a harbour cruise, but if you've left it too late to get a ticket, follow the crowds to Manhattan's West Side between 20th and 59th streets, or get yourself across the other side of the river and watch the action from Hoboken or Weehawken, New Jersey. The extravaganza kicks off at 9.20pm.

San Francisco

San Francisco's fireworks erupt from the end of the Municipal Pier and from barges to the north of Pier 39. This year, for the first time, spectators are being permitted to watch the event from Angel Island with a ferry leaving at 5.40pm and arriving back at 11pm. Other great viewing points include Ghirardelli Square, Coit Tower and various points along Fishermen's Wharf. Earlier celebrations at the pier include a 6pm show by 80's popsters Tainted Love, and the Air Force band Mobility at 2pm.

Boston

The famous Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular takes place on the banks of the Charles River and is attended by a half million souls from across New England. The main event kicks off with a rendition of the 1812 Overture at 9.30pm but the daytime celebrations begin much earlier, so get to the Oval before 2pm if you want to be sure of getting a wristband.

Los Angeles

As you'd expect, a city the size of Los Angeles is hosting a number of full-scale Fourth of July events. One of the most popular firework displays takes place at Marina Del Rey where you can see the fireworks over the ocean. For a more traditional parade, head to Pacific Palisades where the old-fashioned Palisades Parade will march its way down Sunset Boulevard at 2pm. End the day at;Americafest 2012, another huge fireworks bonanza at the giant Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena.

Las Vegas

Every day is a party in Las Vegas, and rather than large scale city-wide Independence Day events, there will be dozens of individual daytime pool parties and special concerts hosted by individual Strip hotels. Check out the Thrillist listing for the latest displays in sin city.

Miami

Key Biscayne will play host to a traditional patriotic parade of floats, baton-twirling majorettes and marching bands, culminating in a beachside barbeque between 7 - 11pm. If you're after a party The City of Hialeah Independence Day Celebration presented by the Historic Hialeah Park might be for you, with live music, drinks, food and fireworks. For a more gentle celebration head to Key Biscayne for their annual parade.

And if you're heading down the keys you'll be spoiled for choice with all of the main islands hosting their own Keys style celebrations.

Orlando

Most of the major theme parks will be pushing the boat out on Independence Day, so you're guaranteed a spectacular show wherever you end up. Outside of the theme parks, the best display is Fireworks at the Fountain in downtown Orlando which kicks off at 4pm in Lake Eola Park.

Washington DC

Set against a backdrop of the U.S Capitol and all the magnificent monuments and memorials along the National Mall, Washington DC's Fourth of July celebrations are always among the most patriotic in the country. Although cancelled for 2021, the morning parade along Constitution Avenue, boasts an extensive lineup of marching bands, military units and floats watched by throngs of cheering red, white and blue flag-waving spectators. Later on at 8pm, the Capitol Fourth Concert takes place on the Capitol grounds, before fireworks over the Washington Monument.