By Michael Thompson , Contributing writer

When many people think of the Fourth of July, they think of one thing -- fireworks.

So where can you go to see the best fireworks in the country? Independence Day fireworks are promoted as among the best in a good number of major cities, mid-size metropolitan areas and small towns.

President Barack Obama and his family can choose between Fourth of July fireworks displays in Washington, D.C., or in his hometown of Chicago, which hosts a celebration over multiple days.

These other cities also host notable celebrations: New York: New York's Macy's July Fourth Fireworks will switch to a different venue in 2009. This year marks the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson and his legions exploring what would become the Hudson River. Therefore, the East River will remain quiet while six barges on the Hudson River, positioned between 24th and 50th Streets, will fire more than 40,000 shells over a span of 26 minutes -- or more than 25 shells per second.

Boston: The Boston Pops Orchestra alter the musical scores from year to year in Boston's celebration, but the show always closes with Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture."

New Orleans: Which other American town could actually make Independence Day fireworks jazzy? That's the format for the Big Easy's Go 4th on the River Dueling Fireworks Extravaganza. On a pair of barges, pyrotechnicians strive to match one another's best fireworks displays in a manner similar to a pair of jazz saxophonists who take turns "cutting" on one another with their most creative riffs.

Idaho Falls: In Idaho Falls, the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration bills itself as the nation's largest fireworks displays west of the Mississippi River, but at small-town prices. How about a pre-fireworks luxury buffet dinner for $22 per ticket?

San Francisco: If there's anything better than viewing fireworks on the Fourth of July, it's viewing fireworks and taking a boat ride at the same time. In San Francisco, locations on Fisherman's Wharf, The Cannery, Berkeley Marina, Shoreline Amphitheatre, Pier 23 and Pier 39 offer fireworks cruises.