What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than to hit the road and experience history? Learn about historic events that shaped America, watch vibrant firework shows, or just relax and spend the weekend with your family. This ultimate Fourth of July road trip is located on the east coast and consists of five unforgettable destinations. This road trip can be focused on two or three specific locations for a memorable weekend trip, or it can easily be expanded into a one or two week vacation. All destinations are family-friendly and all feature unique, festive celebrations around the Fourth of July. Check out this fun guide from Sears Imported Autos.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston’s Independence Day Harborfest is an exciting celebration that features over 200 Fourth of July events between July 2^nd and July 6^th. These activities range from historical tours to sunset harbor cruises to Children’s Day and more, all celebrating Boston’s colonial and maritime heritage. Attending The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is a must. On July 3^rd, Boston celebrates with a free, full-length concert at the DCR Hatch Shell State Park. This celebration continues on July 4^th. Concession stands and merchandise tents are easily accessible, and the evening comes to a vibrant close with an outdoor concert and an impressive fireworks show.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, the city where America’s independence was born, celebrates the Fourth of July with more than a dozen days of festivals and events. The Wawa Welcome America! festival features many free concerts and fireworks shows between June 24^th and July 4^th—plus a few surprises afterward. Live entertainment, cultural activities, and an Independence Day Parade are only a few of the exciting, fun-filled events available in this patriotic city!

Baltimore, Maryland

Continue on to Baltimore to follow the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail and view over 100 miles of American history. Visit Fort McHenry or the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House to see the site of the battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our National Anthem. Spend time at one or more of the many museums, monuments, and cemeteries, or relax at the Patuxent River and go fishing, hiking, or paddle boating.

Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville features the original houses of three US presidents: Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson; Ash Lawn-Highland, home of James Monroe; and Montpelier, home of James Madison. On your way there, stop by one of the exceptional wineries in the area along the Monticello Wine Trail.

Richmond, Virginia

A quick 65-minute trip from Charlottesville will take you to Richmond, where 400 years of history are yours to explore. Free tours are available at the Virginia State Capitol, and numerous historical activities are featured in Richmond during the Fourth of July weekend. To switch it up a bit, visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens to see their Butterflies LIVE! exhibit or hit the amusement park Kings Dominion to end the festive weekend in a thrilling, adventurous way!