The 4th of July is one of the best holidays to visit Las Vegas. From fireworks to pool parties, there is no shortage of fun things to do! Whether you are visiting with your family, flying solo, or are a local looking for new ideas on where to go, we’ve got you covered.
Need help planning your trip? Keep reading for our list of ridiculously fun things to do in Las Vegas this 4th of July!
Why Americans Celebrate The 4th Of July
While most people love celebrating the 4th of July with fireworks and food, not everyone knows the history behind the holiday. In the USA, July 4th is recognized as the day the colonies declared independence from Britain. It was the first time people were making the statement that they wanted to choose their own government. This came after a few years of fighting between the British and the American colonies.
In June of 1776, the idea of separating from Britain was brought to the Continental Congress. The debate became heated and Congress decided it was best to take a break from the discussion. They decided a committee should take a few weeks and come up with a statement that could justify a break with Britain.
That very statement became what is now known as the Declaration of Independence! With the help of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, Thomas Jefferson drafted and presented the document to Congress. By July 2nd, independence and the break with Britain were voted in.
Fun fact: The Declaration of Independence was dated July 4th but the signing ceremony wasn’t until August 2nd! As a result, some historians disagree on when the document was actually finalized and which day the holiday should be celebrated.
While not all historians agree on when the document was signed, there is one thing we can all agree on: 4th of July celebrations in Las Vegas are some of the best in the country!
4th Of July In Las Vegas During The Day
# 1 Beat The Heat With A Las Vegas Pool Party
Las Vegas on the 4th of July can get pretty hot. If you are looking for a fun daytime activity to help you cool down, try heading to one of the many Las Vegas pools! If you are staying in a resort, you will most likely be able to use theirs for free. If you are staying somewhere else, no worries! You can always go to a pool that has day passes.
A few of our favorites are Wet Republic for exciting DJs or the Marquee Club for a poolside party experience. Stadium Swim is also hosting a Stars, Stripes, & Swim event if you want to watch something on the big screen while you cool off with drinks in the pool.
If you are traveling with kids, make sure to check out The Tank where they can safely swim along the outside of a shark aquarium!
#2 Support Local Las Vegas Businesses
One way to celebrate Independence Day is by supporting the local business owners!
A few of our favorite local spots perfect for celebrating the 4th of July are:
- Freed’s for cakes, cookies, and other delightful desserts
- Honey Salt for flavorful fried chicken sandwiches
- SoulBelly for some down-home American BBQ
- Waffelato for ice cream at the Container Park
- Letty’s for homemade chips and roasted salsa
There are a bunch of great restaurants and shops in Las Vegas to check out. As a locally owned and operated business ourselves, Taste Buzz loves supporting our friends and neighbors. On our Las Vegas food tours, we like to take you off the beaten path and introduce you to the food, people, and places that make our home special!
# 3 Start The 4th Of July Right With Pancakes In Boulder City
While the Vegas Strip can be a bunch of fun during the day, you might want to head to a nearby spot known for its famous 4th of July Damboree Celebration! Boulder City is a small American town nestled just south of the Strip.
On the 4th of July, they get the party started with a pancake breakfast in the park. Afterwards, there is a flyover, parade, and games! This is a great option if you are celebrating the holiday with family.
# 4 Get The 4th Of July Party Going With A Patriotic Movie
The day before the 4th of July in Las Vegas is a great day to start the festivities! We always have fun at the Boulevard Pool’s Dive In Movie Nights during the summer. On the 3rd, they will be showing the new Top Gun: Maverick to kick off the holiday week!
Fans of the original movie will love catching all the references to the 1986 classic. Doors open at 7 pm and there is an admission fee of $15 for non-hotel guests. If you are military or a first responder, make sure to bring your ID for a complimentary ticket!
4th Of July In Las Vegas At Night
# 5 Take In A Panoramic View Of The 4th of July Fireworks
In Vegas, pretty much every block has fireworks or an event going on for the 4th of July. If you want a truly unique experience, consider getting some height for your viewing by heading to a rooftop deck. There is something ridiculously special about seeing the entire valley lit up with thousands of fireworks.
Some Taste Buzz favorites are the Circa’s Legacy Club or the Strat’s 108 Bar for amazing views of the city. Just make sure to get there early or try and make a reservation because they can fill up pretty fast on the 4th of July!
# 6 Check Out The Bellagio’s Patriotic Fountain Show
On the 4th of July, the Bellagio Fountains are known to coordinate their show to patriotic music throughout the day. However, if you time it just right using their schedule, you can get the show plus fireworks!
There is a really cool energy felt while watching the show at night. Crowds have even been known to join in singing while the fountains and music play.
# 7 Keep The 4th Of July Party Going Out On The Lake
If your group enjoys camping or having a party on a lake, then you should consider heading to Lake Mead for the 4th! The whole place turns into one giant 4th of July party complete with flags flying on boats and activities throughout the day.
The only downside is that fireworks out this way are dependent on the weather but if they happen, it is absolutely magical!
# 8 See The 4th Of July “Rockets Over The River” Show
Another great place to watch fireworks by the water is in Laughlin. Their Rockets Over the River show is an awesome choreographed fireworks display set to patriotic tunes. What most people love about this show is that you get to see the sky light up AND the reflection on the water. It makes for really beautiful photographs and a whole bunch of fun for the whole family!
# 9 Stay At The Red Rock Or Green Valley Ranch
If you are looking to get away from the Vegas Strip crowds but still have access to the comforts of a hotel, consider a resort outside of the city. The Red Rock Resort and Green Valley Ranch both host viewings of the fireworks that are unbeatable.
You can make reservations for cabanas on the Red Rock website and Green Valley Ranch’s website.
3 Tips For Celebrating the 4th Of July In Vegas
#1 Wear Sunscreen
During the day, make sure you bring and wear sunscreen to the pool. Even just walking around, tourists often get a sunburn if they aren’t careful. This can be annoying if you want to go out later and enjoy your evening. Wearing a hat is also a great idea if you want to make sure you are comfortable for your whole trip!
#2 Stay Hydrated
Day or night, it is important to stay hydrated in Las Vegas. During the day, it gets ridiculously hot and if you plan on drinking, it can be pretty easy to get dehydrated. You might even risk missing the fireworks at night if you start to feel tired from the heat. So make sure to either bring a water bottle with you or ask your server to keep the water coming!
#3 Bring A Portable Fan
What was once seen as a tacky tourist thing is now making a trendy comeback. All over, people are using personal fans to stay cool. If you want to add some fun 4th of July flair to your fan, consider getting a handmade one from an American company!
Enjoy Your 4th Of July In Las Vegas With Taste Buzz
If you are coming to Las Vegas for the 4th of July, we’d love to take you to some of our favorite restaurants and places. There is no better way to see a city than with the guidance of locals who love it. Check out our Arts District Food Tour at 4 pm on the 4th of July to explore Las Vegas, meet amazing people, and eat at some of the best local restaurants that most tourists don’t know about! If you can’t make it on the 4th, no worries! We have other foodie tours that will run over the week and weekend!
Happy 4th of July from your foodie friends at Taste Buzz and huge thanks to the veterans like our tour guide, Jim, for their service!
