By Ruzwana Bashir
CEO & Founder of Peek, a one-stop shop to discover and book amazing activities.
With the 4th of July just around the corner, Americans across the country are planning BBQ's, beach parties and family outings. Family drama, bad presents and embarrassing Christmas sweaters be gone! The beauty of Independence Day is the low-key and relaxed atmosphere that surrounds the smell of burgers and the exhilaration of fireworks.
So, who in America celebrates this patriotic holiday the best? We unearthed activities on both sides of the country to determine the top four activities that will help establish the winner of this battle royale! Vote in the comments section below to let us know what you think...
Activities in the East
The East coast is full of 4th of July activities; from firework shows to historic tours, to beer tasting and family bike trips, the selection was plentiful! It was a tough decision for us to make but below are the final four.
1. Freedom Trail Walking Tour in Boston
Historically accurate and educational, this two mile guided tour weaves throughout historic landmarks, guiding visitors through the Boston Freedom Trail. What could be a better fit for the 4th of July than learning about the people who shaped our nation? 
2. Monument Bike Tour in Washington DC
It wouldn't be right to exclude Washington DC from our top four list. And the best way to see the capital of our great country? By bike! This four mile bike tour of Washington's most famous monuments includes the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and more. And don't worry about getting lost; you'll be accompanied by a friendly, professional guide the entire time.
3. Moonlight Sail in Philadelphia
One of the best ways to experience the fireworks is on the water! In Philly you can set sail on an authentic, junk-rigged ocean schooner. Bring your favorite bottle of wine and watch as the sun dips below the horizon and stars light up the night sky.
4. Discover Brooklyn's Breweries in New York
Very few things scream 4th of July more than Beer. On this NYC tour, you can celebrate the holiday by taking a behind-the-scenes tour of a Brooklyn brewery, enjoying beer tastings and pizza lunch and learning about the history of brewery from pre-prohibition to present day.
Activities in the West
It seems as though the East would have a leg up on celebrating our Independence, if not entirely due to its historical tours, but we have yet to be convinced. We found activities in the West that rival all of the best activities on the East. Below are the strongest competitors. What do you think?
1. Pearl Harbor & WWII Experience in Hawaii
Think historical, patriotic tours are only for the East? Think again. In Hawaii you can see the sights and hear the stories that surround Oahu's WWII experience, from Pearl Harbor to the military sites around the island. While Independence was earned by the East, it's been kept by the West.
2. Biplane and Warbird Rides in San Diego
Want an activity with a little more excitement? Try the "You-Fly-It" Air Dogfight in San Diego. The best part? No experience necessary. You'll be paired with a military pilot during this aerial combat mission in a WWII-era place. Come on... this one is pretty cool!
3. Kayak Tour in San Francisco
While watching the fireworks from a boat can be incredibly romantic, watching them from a Kayak brings a whole new level of exhilaration. This kayak tour, suitable for all levels, explores the world-class postcard-perfect San Francisco waterfront, as well as the beautiful landmarks of the bay. Oh, and we promise that though they may appear to, the fireworks won't actually rain down on you!
4. Zip Line Tour in Catalina
Whether with your whole family or a group of friends, propelling down five separate zip lines at 45mph through Catalina's hills and canyons is one of the best ways we can think of to celebrate this American holiday. Visitors then have the option to explore the Beach Club and relax by the ocean, enjoying the fireworks over dinner and drinks.
So what do you think? Who celebrates the 4th of July best... the East or the West?