Marblehead, Massachusetts

This quaint harborfront town is packed on the Fourth with music, art, fresh-food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Expect a crowd, lots of walking, and plenty of traffic. Best bet: Claim a parking spot the night before—or by 3 p.m. the day of—and stay there.

Celebrate all day: Start the fun at the Horribles Parade at 10 a.m. for interpretative floats, music, and other parade favorites. Stick around for charity raffles, lobster roll vendors, and an expansive art exhibit.

Showtime: At 8:45 p.m., the red flares of The Harbor Illumination signal everyone to take their seats. Fireworks are launched from the barge at the mouth of the harbor about 9 p.m.

Best view: Go early and stake out a bench, or bring a blanket and find a spot in Chandler Hovey Park to watch the lights over Marblehead Light Tower. Or settle in on a patch of grass at Fort Sewall or Crocker Park.

After the show: Grab a draft beer or glass of wine and people-watch outside at The Landing Restaurant on the harbor at Front Street; marbleheadfireworks.org