On the Fourth of July, we Americans pay tribute to our independence with parades, picnics and, of course, awe-inducing fireworks displays! Nearly every community in America (large and small) puts on a fireworks show on Independence Day. And while some are bigger and more expensive than others, they all induce the same feeling of excitement, emotion and pride in our great nation. We’ve researched, studied and analyzed fireworks displays across the US and have narrowed the list down to the 10 most explosive shows in the country for your enjoyment:

10. Fireworks over the Bay in San Francisco, CA
Witness the skies sparkle red, white and blue as the city of San Francisco celebrates Independence Day with a stunning fireworks show over the bay! This display lasts more than 20 minutes and brings in more than 600,000 excited attendees every year. Plus, this show includes an after party with dancing and live music at the Pier 39 Entrance Plaza.

9. Let Freedom Ring in Nashville, TN
Nashville’s 30-minute show includes more than 13,000 pounds of fireworks for 125,000 attendees. Called “the biggest and brightest fireworks show in the South,” this dazzling display is also accompanied by the renowned Nashville Symphony. If you live within driving distance of Nashville, we suggest attending as organizers say “the sky’s the limit” for this year’s show!

8. Philly 4th of July Jam Fireworks in Philadelphia, PA
The Philly 4th of July Jam is a major fireworks spectacular with some major star power as well! The Roots will host the 2012 show which is also called the “Largest Free Concert in America.” Other special guests include Queen Latifah and Joe Jonas. However, it may be the fireworks themselves that shine brightest as organizers plan to create an electrifying fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

7. Fireworks over the River in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans puts on a huge Independence Day celebration every year on the Fourth of July, including a mesmerizing fireworks show! Set off from two large barges in the middle of the Mississippi River, this display can be seen all along the Mississippi River from the Riverwalk to the French Market. Some revelers even take a cruise on the Steamboat Natchez to enjoy the dazzling show from the water!

6. Lights on the Lake in Lake Tahoe, CA
The American Pyrotechnics Association rates Lake Tahoe’s spectacular Fourth of July fireworks celebration as one of the top five displays in the nation! Around 100,000 people are expected to show up for this year’s display which is visible from any boat, dock or sandy beach across the lake!

5. July 4th Fireworks in Atlantic City, NJ
Atlantic City puts on a world-class fireworks display each year, and this year is sure to be just as dynamite! The display is approximately 20 minutes in length and is visible for a one-mile stretch of the Atlantic City Boardwalk and beach. This show is definitely among the “must-see” events of the summer.

4. Kaboom Town Fireworks in Addison, TX
Rated one of the top places to watch fireworks in the country by the American Pyrotechnics Association, Addison, Texas even has a nickname associated with its fireworks show: Kaboom Town! This nationally-recognized fireworks show can be seen from anywhere in Addison and pulls in more than 500,000 viewers each year!

3. Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular in Boston, MA
The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is one of the most well known fireworks displays in the country. It’s also one of the most expensive. In recent years, organizers have spent around $2.5 million on the show which includes 20,000 pounds of fireworks.

2. Fireworks in the Nation’s Capital
Washington DC is a spectacular place to celebrate Independence Day! The National Mall forms a beautiful and patriotic backdrop to America’s Independence Day celebrations. This is all-day event in the nation’s capital, begins with a parade along Constitution Avenue and ends with a spectacular display of fireworks over the Washington Monument.

1. Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks in NYC
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show in New York City has been moving people to scream, “Ohh!” and “Ahh!” for more than 35 years! This year’s extravaganza, “Ignite the Night,” will feature more than 40,000 fireworks expertly synchronized to a dynamic 25-minute score that includes a mix of beloved standards and hot pop favorites!