July 4 is just around the corner! How are you planning on spending the holiday weekend? It’s a great time to soak in the summer rays and enjoy a new place. As always, there are many 4^th of July sales on vacations out there. Why not celebrate Independence Day where it all started–the East Coast! You can get in touch with America’s heritage at any of the five East Coast locations below for a great vacation!

Visit the Capital, Washington, D.C.

What better place to spend the 4^th of July but our nation’s capital city? You can honor those who have perished in American wars by visiting the Arlington National Cemetery. Tours will take you through the Kennedy Family Gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, and the home of Robert E. Lee, Arlington House.

Be sure to catch the moving Changing of the Guard ceremony. You can also spend some time exploring the monuments that represent past presidents and wars. Be sure to catch a fireworks cemetery in nation’s most patriotic city!

Live it up in the Big Apple

How about the Big Apple for Independence Day? The New York skyline is the perfect canvas for fireworks shows. One of the best places to be on this day is on cruises from New York, where you can see Macy’s 4^th of July fireworks on the Hudson River.

During the day, you can take a trip to Ellis Island to see the Statue of Liberty (reopening on July 4 this year) and see the historic immigration center. New York is a great place to spend your holiday weekend, with ample opportunities to explore America’s past, present and future.

Feel the American Spirit in Boston

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and home to many historical sites. There are many ways to celebrate July 4 in Boston. You can take a trip along the Freedom Trail to see the State House, build between 1795 and 1797 on Beacon Hill overlooking Boston Common. The trail also includes Quincy Market and the John. F. Kennedy Presidential Library.

You can also pay a visit to the U.S.S. Constitution and learn about our nation’s naval history at the Naval Museum.

Hear the Roar of Niagara Falls

A Niagara Falls trip is exactly what your family needs this upcoming holiday weekend! You can take a thrilling ride on the Maid of the Mist boat to see the falls. You can also take pictures from bridge on top of the falls, or go shopping in the plaza nearby.

Visit the oldest state park in the U.S., Niagara Falls Park to marvel at the wonders of nature.  At night, you can view the colorful and spectacular illumination of the waterfall along with fireworks!

Let Freedom Ring in Philadelphia

Philly is the original capital of the United States, and a great place to spend July 4! Learn all about the founding the U.S. with a stroll through the Historic District to see the National Constitution Center, the U.S. Mint, the President’s House Site and, of course,Independence Hall and the famous Liberty Bell. It is also where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed.

There is so much to see on Independence Day in Philadelphia relevant to America’s history

Have any other ideas for great places to visit this 4^th of July? Feel free to share in the comments below!