The Best Cities In Which To Have A Bang-Up Fourth

A record-breaking 48.9 million Americans will travel for the Independence Day holiday this year, AAA predicts, a jump of 4.1% compared with last year. But where is the best place to celebrate Independence Day?

According to WalletHub, New York City tops the list, even though it is one of the more expensive places to celebrate the holiday. Next come Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas.

WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities in terms of holiday cost and fun, ranking 20 different metrics in five categories: the quality of Fourth of July celebrations, the city’s affordability, other attractions and activities, the city’s safety and accessibility, and how the weather usually is on July 4 in a particular place.

New York topped the list overall, but only came in first for attractions and activities, though its July 4 celebrations ranked second and so did its safety and accessibility. In terms of affordability, New York was 74th out of 100. You might have a fine time on July 4 in New York, but it is going to cost you.

Los Angeles topped the list for July 4 celebrations, followed by New York, Atlanta, Miami and Dallas.

For the most affordable July celebration, go to Phoenix, WalletHub says. Other top affordable places include Las Vegas; Scottsdale, Arizona; Oklahoma City and San Antonio. 

At the bottom of the WalletHub list for July 4 overall — 100 out of 100 — is San Bernardino, California, with its July 4 celebration ranking  74 out of 100, attractions and activities at 100 out of 100, and affordability at 97 out of 100. Safety and accessibility were also 97 out of 100.

Other cities at the bottom overall for the holiday include Memphis; Lubbock, Texas; Hialeah, Florida; and Birmingham, Alabama.