Top 10 Fourth of July vacation destinations for 2011

Sizzling in Seattle: The Fourth of July fireworks by the iconic Space Needle. Credit: mr.bmonroe.

By Valerie Moloney

Whether you’re cooing at the fireworks display by the Space Needle or partying on the rooftop of a Sin City hotel, our nation’s birthday is cause to celebrate — and take advantage of a long weekend. It’s time to exercise your patriotic right to roam with a summer vacation.

Orbitz surfaced the top 10 Fourth of July vacation destinations for 2011. From Seattle to New York City, it’s all about the booze, the barbecues and the boom boom pow.

1. New York City
Didn’t make it to Times Square for New Year’s Eve? Did you really want to be corralled behind the barricades anyway? The upside: You’ll be able to admire the light show awesomeness over the Hudson River without the excess baggage of a down coat. (New York hotels – from $189/nt)

2. Orlando
The family summer vacation capital of the U.S.A. is spoiled by parades, picnics and fireworks. Kill two birds by timing the getaway with a trip to Walt Disney World Resorts or Universal Orlando, which all host their own displays. (Orlando hotels – from $91/nt)

3. Chicago
The Windy City canceled its fireworks event in Grant Park this year, but don’t despair, the next best place to catch the fireworks — Navy Pier — is still moving forward with its show. Arrive early, as prime cooing space will be occupied long before the show starts at 9 p.m. (Chicago hotels – from $159/nt)

4. Las Vegas
It’s a given that Las Vegas would be on our list — the temptress won’t be outdone by any other city, starting with Viva Vision’s virtual fireworks extravaganza at the Fremont Street Experience and the simultaneous pyrotechnics orchestrated by five Nine Stations casinos. (Las Vegas hotels – from $95/nt)

5. Denver
Army bands. Parades. Military jet flyovers. Does it get any more red, white and blue than the Mile High City? (Denver hotels – from $109/nt)

6. Los Angeles
Los Angeles Fourth of July celebrations veer toward the traditional — think fireworks shows at the Rose Bowl and Dodger Stadium — to the offbeat — like the Mr. & Mrs. Muscle Beach pageant in Venice Beach. Either way, we’re game. (Los Angeles hotels – from $101/nt)

7. San Francisco ($458*)
Post-card perfect painted ladies, classic cable cars, a cuddly little wharf and iconic bridges serve as a stunning backdrop for Fourth of July revelers. A patriotic visit only whets the appetite for further exploration. (San Francisco hotels – from $150/nt)

8. Boston
Home to the Freedom Trail, the U.S. Constitution and American revolutionaries, Boston takes visitors on a tour of American history. Don’t forget to wander along the waterfront and plot for the best place to sample a bowl of New England chowda. (Boston hotels – from $185/nt)

9. Seattle
Locals are loyal to the fireworks over Lake Union — so much so that when the city threatened to pull the event altogether in 2010, private donors rallied to raise the necessary funds. Ditto for 2011. Now that’s what we call proud to be an American. (Seattle hotels – from $130/nt)

10. Washington, D.C.
All eyes will be on the skies above the National Mall, where perfect star bursts will pop and sizzle by the Washington Monument and Capitol Building. Head to the monument grounds to hear the U.S. Navy Band, and prepare to feel the hairs sticking up on your arms. Next to singing the national anthem, this aww-shucks moment is yours to savor. (Washington, D.C. hotels – from $91/nt)

Orbitz blog editor and writer Valerie Moloney will be brown-nosing friends with a rooftop deck for an invite to a Fourth of July bash in Chicago.

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