Visitors crowd the beaches of Ocean City, Maryland, on July 3, 2002. Because Independence Day is a holiday throughout the United States, many Americans choose to vacation at this time of year.

Atlantic beaches are popular destinations. Drawn by the warm waters, white sandy beaches and a broad boardwalk, tourists swell the population of Ocean City to 300,000 over Independence Day. Special holiday events include two fireworks displays and a free concert on the beach.

In the western United States, officials say live music and a spectacular fireworks display will go on as planned at Lake Tahoe, where a wildfire across 10.5 square kilometers destroyed 250 buildings and caused more than 1,000 people to be evacuated in late June. The 35.2-kilometer-wide lake and the surrounding area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains along the California-Nevada border host skiing in winter and boating and water sports in summer. Fourth of July fireworks, accompanied by patriotic music, will be fired from a barge on the lake. (© AP Images)