Best Places To Spend St. Patrick’s Day In The United States

Image source: Pixabay - tpsdave

St. Patrick's Day, celebrated on March 17th, is arguably the biggest party day in America. It is a holiday where the color green rules the land. Lively parades fill the streets, Irish taverns are packed with friends sharing a pint, and people not wearing green are likely to go home with a few bruises, or at least a few nasty looks.

Americans love St. Patrick's Day, and many cities go over and above to celebrate this holiday. These cities in particular are world-renowned for their St. Patty's Day celebrations.

Chicago, Illinois

The annual celebration in Chicago attracts around 350,000 tourists every year. The Windy City's tradition of celebrating the holiday on such a massive scale started in the 1950's.

The main highlight is the dyeing of the entire Chicago River a shamrock green hue. A glorious parade follows - which turns into an energetic street party. In March, a crisp air hovers over the city and often people warm up the St. Patrick's way - inside a toasty Irish pub.

Boston, Massachusetts

The average crowd in Boston is really impressive; approximately 850,000 people take part in the celebration every year.

It's not just the festivity that makes this a go-to place to enjoy the holiday. The history attached to it is appealing as well. The first celebration to honor St. Patrick's Day happened right here in Boston, two hundred years before Dublin. The parade is enormous. Expect spectacular floats, authentic bagpipers, and impressive marching bands.

New York City, New York

This bustling city of lights has an unprecedented celebration full of pomp and spectacle on a grand scale.

New York's parade dates back to 1762, over a decade before the Declaration of Independence was signed, when Irish soldiers serving in the British Army marched down Broadway on this popular saint's day.

The celebration has continued and today claims two world records. The first one is the large crowd; it is estimated that over two million people swarm into the city each year to take part in the worlds largest parade. It also holds the record for the longest annual parade, consecutively running for 250 years. After all the glitz and glamour, gather your friends and continue the party in one of the famous pubs in the area.

Savannah, Georgia

This Savannah tradition started way back in 1825 and while it was originally a small event, today the entire celebration lasts for days and draws approximately 400,000 people every year.

The historical and majestic Forsyth Park fountain is dyed green to commemorate St. Patrick. Aside from the parade, the authentic Irish music and food, like corned beef and fried pickles, are festival favorites.

New Orleans, Louisiana

The city known for Mardi Gras also boasts an over-the-top St. Patrick's Day bash. The week-long event starts with a traditional Catholic Mass followed by a colorful, fun-filled parade. Not only are beads thrown into the crowd, but also ingredients for homemade Irish stew. Watch out for flying onions, carrots, and cabbages.

San Francisco, California

The West Coast has its own way of honoring the Irish patron. San Francisco has been known to host the most stylish and fashionable St. Patrick's Day parade, a tradition since 1852.

The parade route follows the world-famous trolley tracks throughout the city. To liven the party, a seemingly endless supply of green beer, dancing, music, and free candy fill the city streets.

St Patrick's Day is a quirky and fun-filled holiday in the United States from coast to coast. It is a day to spend with friends and family, even if you aren't Irish! If you are looking to get away this March, each one of these cities will offer you a fun vacation with a festive atmosphere. Better yet, try a different one every year. After all, we are all Irish on St. Patrick's Day.

Where is your favorite place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

Join the conversation and please be sure to follow us on Twitter!

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.