No matter how much you enjoy the warm weather, let’s be honest… by the time July rolls around, the heat in most metropolitan cities is oppressive, hitting triple digits. With our national holiday fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to get a reprieve from the dog days of summer & enjoy some cool nights. And to help with that search, here’s some of the best places in the High Sierra to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Fireworks On THE Lake

Photo by: Brad Scott Visuals – Image Appears Courtesy: Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

Countless newspapers, magazines, and TV shows have voted big blue as one of the most amazing places to see fireworks on the Fourth & we happen to agree. The glassy waters plus a Sierra Nevada backdrop and an explosion of color in the night sky, it’s a MUST DO for all looking to enjoy America’s birthday in a unique way. From the north to the south, there’s an array of options happening across the entire LONG weekend from live music to stunning laser light shows & of course festive fireworks. There’s a TON to do around Lake Tahoe!

Image appears courtesy: North Lake Tahoe Tourism Bureau

Ski Into Summer

Let freedom ring with a day on the slopes – Image appears courtesy: Mammoth Mountain Resort

If you haven’t heard, Mammoth Mountain has pushed their closing date not just to July 4th but all the way to August! This means that the skiing & snowboarding for the Fourth is going to be all time! Get those skis waxed, bring your mountain bikes, and watch not one but TWO colorful firework shows as part of Mammoth’s shredding until July celebration.

Fireworks on Mammoth Mountain – Image appears courtesy: Mammoth Mountain Resort

Party Like It’s 1849

Image appears courtesy: Columbia Chamber Of Commerce

Looking for a more old-fashioned hoot’nanny? Look no further than the historic town of Columbia and their glorious 4th of July celebration. Festivities include the classics such as flag raising, a black powder musket salute, and free live music with the Great Mother Lode Brass & Reed Band. In addition, experience contests that were popular in the “olden” days of Columbia such as “needle in the haystack”, greased pole climbing and even a nail pounding contest, just to name a few.  

Instead of sitting inside in the air conditioning, get outta dodge & venture into the High Sierra! These events will keep you entertained & make sure you celebrate the Fourth of July the right way.

Author: Alex Silgalis

Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.





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