Charleston, South Carolina

Listed as one of the "Top 5 Independence Day Celebrations" by the The New York Times, the Fourth of July Blast at Patriots Point draws a huge crowd looking for fun activities and a stunning fireworks display.

Celebrate all day: The festival on the landside begins at 4 p.m. and features attractions for the whole family such as live music, and a "Kidz Zone" with an 83-foot inflatable replica of an aircraft carrier. Tour the historic U.S.S. Yorktown ($5 after 5 p.m.) and hear U.S. veterans share their stories of honor and bravery.

Showtime: The spectacular fireworks show, set to patriotic music, kicks off at 10:05 p.m. from the deck of the U.S.S. Yorktown and explodes over the Charleston Harbor.

Best view: On the shore of Patriots Point at Charleston Harbor

After the show: Discover more of the coast at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park; patriotspoint.org.