July 4th Military Travel Loans!! Top Destinations for 2014

Like I promised on Monday - here is the 2014 list of top Independence Day destinations :) 

Quite a few of these places are located around Military bases - so ya'll have the advantage over the rest of us!  But if you are not near one, call UMT now at 866-582-9579!  

1.  Pier 39 - San Francisco, California

If you like dancing and live music then get your butt to Pier 39 this July 4th for a celebration you will not forget!  You can hit the pier to hang with the sea lions, browse the street vendors or bring a lawn chair and post up with some tasty beverages.  The live music is from 12pm to 7pm and then at 9:30pm over 10,000 fireworks will be set off.  

2. Navy Pier, Chicago

On the 50 acres of shoreline and promenade that make up Navy Pier, over 50,000 people will come to take part in the July 4th activities.  There is going to be free live music all day, street vendors, sandy beaches, and fireworks over Lake Michigan, oh and a ton of fried dough - Chicago style!  Locals say that the best view of the fireworks in from atop 150ft ferris wheel but get there before the show starts at 9:30 to get a seat.

3.  Honolulu, Hawaii

Why not head to Hawaii for July 4th...you can combine a fantastic holiday in your summer vacation.  United Military Travel can book everything you need to have the perfect vaca in one day!  Once there you can head to the shores of Ala Moana and Waikiki to take in the fireworks either from Ala Moana Beach Park, or Ala Wai Boat Harbor.  You may not even have to move your beach towel from the day to enjoy the night :) This is where I would be!

4.  Seattle, Washington

Seattle offers a fantastic festival called the Seafair Summer Fourth at Gas Works Park and it goes on from 12pm to 11pm.  Check out the link above to get the down low on all the activities!  

5.  Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Head down south to South Cackalacky to enjoy the Fourth this year.  Myrtle Beach offers something for the whole family, whether you want a kid friendly evening, to a balls-to-the wall night this southern town can give you it all.  The show starts at dusk and can be seen from anywhere on the beach!  

6.  Wilmington, North Carolina

Now this trendy college town is one of the most fantastic towns I have ever lived in.  Head downtown that day to take in their fantastic waterfront, amazing shops, boutiques, and plethera of bars and restaurants.   The fireworks will go off just across the river at Battleship Park so stay put or get a $5 cab ride - I would bring a blanket or lawn chair if you go to the park.  Trust me, the party will not end after the fireworks do.  Hit downtown or the beach bars at Wrightsville Beach to keep the celebrations going.  

7.  Jekyll Island, Georgia

Unlike all the other destinations, Jekyll Island is small "family gathering" of sorts where you can cook out and enjoy the rest of the night on the beach.  You can also watch a sea turtle release at Great Dunes Park at 6pm - a great activity for the little ones! 

8.  St. Augustine, Florida

The July 4th show brings more people to the downtown area more than any other event all year long.  That says a lot, so you should book your travel now to be apart of their annual celebration!  Watch the fireworks above the Castillos de San Marcos - the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.    

9.  San Diego, California

Who doesn't love southern California???  I would take any excuse to spend a few days there!  Head to San Diego and spend the day at the beach or shopping before the firework show at 9pm.  You have many places to choose from the enjoy the view: Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, Seaport Village, or Coronado Ferry Landing!  

10.  Charleston, South Carolina

This quaint, low country town was listed by the New York Times as on the "top 5" July 4th celebrations.  So you do not have to take my word for it - the NY Times knows what they are talking about!  Charleston is already a perfect city, but when you add fireworks, beer, food, and music you are in for a real treat!  Take a tour of the U.S.S. Yorktown, shop till you drop, or eat and drink the day away - whatever you choose be sure to be on the shore of Patriots Point at Charleston Harbor to watch the fireworks.  

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I hope everyone has a fun and safe Fourth Of July no matter where you are!  

Don't forget to leave some love in the comment section - I want to know what your plans are!

xoxo Allie