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10 Amazing Destinations for Van Lifers to Celebrate the Fourth of July

 

Summer is an ideal time to travel in your van. The weather is picture-perfect, and many have time off from school and work. A highlight of the summer travel season is the Fourth of July nationwide celebrations. Whether you like fireworks, parades, barbecue food, or beer, these destinations will be the best places to honor America’s birthday.

Washington DC

It goes without saying that the nation’s capital is one of the top places to visit with your van on July 4th. Along with a spectacular fireworks display, you can visit countless national museums located within the city. Throughout the week surrounding July 4th, you may attend celebratory parades, live concerts, and street fairs. Although DC doesn’t have RV parks, many capital guests stay outside the city in College Park, Maryland.

Newport Beach

What better way for you to spend Independence Day than watching a spectacular fireworks show over Back Bay in Newport Beach, California? Although the highlight is the fireworks show, there’s much more to do, including a full schedule of watersports, beach contests, and food vendors. RV parks are located next to the water with amenities, including boat rentals and heated pools. For some downtime during the day, relax on seven miles of pristine beachfront.

Lake Tahoe

Another popular destination to consider for the Fourth of July is Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is massive, spanning both Nevada and California. The South Shore is home to one of the top fireworks displays in the entire country, Lights on the Lake. You could secure a spot on a paddlewheel boat to see the display directly from the water. You can easily view the fireworks across the area but reserve a spot early on the beach if you want a front row seat. The July 4th weekend will also feature music, craft beers, and vendors at local restaurants. You could also choose to participate in the annual 5k or 10k run at the Tahoe Vista Recreation Center.

Sanibel Island

Bring your camper van  to Florida as a way to enjoy a host of July 4th activities. Choose an RV park in Fort Myers to remain close to all of the area’s top events. Located west of Fort Myers is Sanibel Island, home to a fun and family-friendly annual Independence Day Parade. In Downtown Fort Myers, you can attend the city’s yearly fireworks spectacular. There will be live music and plenty of delicious food from the morning on. For some downtime, relax at the Caloosahatchee River, home to manatees and countless species of birds.

St. Augustine

Florida’s St. Augustine is the oldest city in America—a fact celebrated especially around Independence Day. There are campgrounds throughout the area, which allow you to easily travel into the downtown district for the city’s weekend events. Highlights in the region include live music at the Plaza de la Constitución and a jaw-dropping fireworks display over the historic bay area. The fireworks show lasts an average of 20 minutes and comes choreographed to patriotic tunes. Downtown pubs will have numerous food and drink specials throughout the weekend events.

Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains is one of the best areas to travel in an RV for a good reason. You are permitted to bring your RV into the national park, or you can book one of the private campgrounds in the region. Most July 4th activities will take place in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. One of the best events you won’t find anywhere else is the Gatlinburg Midnight Parade. At exactly midnight on July 4th, the city holds the nation’s first parade of the day. That evening, a fireworks display goes off at 11 pm from the Gatlinburg Space Needle. The town also hosts a river raft regatta and live concert specials throughout the weekend. Pigeon Forge, also in the Smoky Mountains, will host a Patriots Festival and Fireworks Display beginning on July 3rd.

Monument Valley

Monument Valley is located across Utah and Arizona and has breathtaking views of famed sandstone arches. The destination is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy America’s natural beauty. Book a guided tour, horseback riding excursion, or a 4×4 expedition. The area holds an annual fireworks display with visibility from both sides of the border.

Georgia

The state has many fun-filled activities in the weeks leading up to Independence Day. At the end of June, RV parks in the North Georgia Mountains hold a Freedom Festival with food trucks, bounce houses, live music, and a 21-gun salute. Firework displays are scheduled from June through Independence Day. Celebratory events for July 4th include the Savannah River Street Celebration and Thomasville Fireworks Celebration. A popular attraction in the area is also the Blue Ridge Fireworks Train.

Boston

As you can expect, Boston has plenty to offer those traveling in their RV for the Independence Day holiday. People come from all over the globe and nation to participate in the historic city’s weeklong events. One of the largest July 4th celebrations is Harborfest, featuring fireworks, live music, and food trucks. A parade will be held in the downtown area with a starting point at City Hall and ending at the Old State House. Book sunset and daytime cruises to sightsee around the famed Boston Harbor to unwind.

Branson

Branson, Missouri, has an alluring mix of country and city for RV travelers. Rockaway Beach hosts its spectacular fireworks display on July 4th. Also, Branson Landing will have its live concert and fireworks show on July 3rd. On July 4th in Branson Landing, the city will host its annual 5k or 10k road race. Expect delicious food at any barbecue restaurants located in and around the city.

Where will you be celebrating July 4th? Let us know in the comment section below. Happy trails!