Where to celebrate the holiday when you want to get away
If you cannot make it to Ireland, the next best thing might be a U.S. city that fully commits to St. Patrick’s Day.
From rivers dyed green to historic parades and Irish neighborhoods that feel authentic year-round, some American cities take this holiday seriously.
Whether you are planning a girls weekend, a festive friend getaway or a confident solo trip, these cities offer energy, culture and built-in celebration.
Important planning note: Many major cities hold their St. Patrick’s Day parades on the Saturday before March 17 if the holiday falls midweek. Always confirm official parade dates before booking travel.
1. Chicago, Illinois
Vibe: Big city spectacle with Irish roots
What It’s Known For
Chicago dyes the Chicago River bright green each year, a tradition dating back to 1962. The downtown parade draws massive crowds and the River North area becomes a sea of green.
Fun Things to Do
• Watch the Chicago River dyeing ceremony
• Attend the downtown parade
• Bar hop in River North or Wrigleyville
• Visit classic Irish pubs across the city
Suggested Places to Stay
• The Langham Chicago for river views
• LondonHouse Chicago for rooftop energy
• Boutique hotels in River North for walkability
Closest Airports
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Midway International Airport (MDW)
Why Chicago?
Chicago handles large-scale events well. Streets are organized, public transportation is strong and there are clear parade viewing zones. Solo travelers can comfortably attend public festivities, while girls trips can build full weekend itineraries around brunch, parades and nightlife.
2. Savannah, Georgia
Vibe: Southern charm meets Irish heritage
What It’s Known For
Savannah hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the United States. The city’s deep Irish Catholic roots make this celebration feel historic rather than trendy.
Fun Things to Do
• Attend the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade
• Celebrate along River Street
• Explore historic squares decorated for the holiday
• Take a guided walking tour focused on Irish history
Suggested Places to Stay
• Perry Lane Hotel for rooftop views
• The Alida Hotel near River Street
• Boutique hotels in the Historic District
Closest Airport
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
Why Savannah?
Savannah is compact and walkable. The parade winds directly through the historic district, making it easy to plan around. It is especially strong for a girls weekend with brunch reservations and evening celebrations.
3. Boston, Massachusetts
Vibe: Historic and deeply Irish
What It’s Known For
Boston’s Irish heritage runs deep. The South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the most established in the country and draws major crowds.
Fun Things to Do
• Attend the South Boston Parade
• Visit historic Irish pubs
• Walk the Freedom Trail
• Enjoy live Irish music
Suggested Places to Stay
• The Liberty Hotel
• Back Bay boutique hotels
• Seaport district hotels
Closest Airport
Logan International Airport (BOS)
Why Boston?
Boston appeals to travelers who want celebration paired with cultural context. It is ideal for travelers who want authenticity and history alongside festive energy.
4. New York City, New York
Vibe: Iconic, high energy and historic
What It’s Known For
New York City hosts the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world, marching up Fifth Avenue.
Fun Things to Do
• Watch the Fifth Avenue Parade
• Visit Midtown Irish pubs
• Explore Hell’s Kitchen
• Pair the weekend with Broadway or rooftop dining
Suggested Places to Stay
• The Plaza Hotel for iconic positioning
• Midtown boutique hotels for parade access
• West Village stays for charm and walkability
Closest Airports
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Why New York City?
New York is built for large events. You can blend into the crowd comfortably as a solo traveler or build a packed social itinerary for a celebratory weekend.
5. Nashville, Tennessee
Vibe: Music driven, high energy Southern celebration
What It’s Known For
Nashville hosts themed St. Patrick’s Day events and pub crawls across downtown, especially along Broadway. The city’s live music scene adds a uniquely Southern twist.
Fun Things to Do
• Broadway bar crawl
• Live music venues throughout the weekend
• Irish themed pop-up events
• Rooftop brunch and cocktail spots
Suggested Places to Stay
• The Joseph Nashville
• Thompson Nashville
• Downtown boutique hotels near Broadway
Closest Airport
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Why Nashville?
Nashville is already one of the top girls trip destinations in the U.S. Adding St. Patrick’s Day to the mix gives you music, nightlife and easy planning in one compact area.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
Vibe: Mardi Gras meets Irish celebration
What It’s Known For
The Irish Channel Parade blends St. Patrick’s Day with New Orleans parade culture. Expect festive throws, decorated floats and a lively crowd.
Fun Things to Do
• Attend the Irish Channel Parade
• Bar hop in the French Quarter
• Enjoy live jazz
• Explore Garden District architecture
Suggested Places to Stay
• The Roosevelt New Orleans
• Boutique hotels in the French Quarter
• Garden District inns
Closest Airport
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Why New Orleans?
New Orleans delivers personality and spectacle. It is ideal for social travel and travelers who love bold celebrations.
7. Tampa, Florida
Vibe: Warm weather celebration
What It’s Known For
Tampa’s River O’ Green Fest dyes part of the Hillsborough River green and features live entertainment and waterfront celebrations.
Fun Things to Do
• Attend River O’ Green Fest
• Explore Ybor City
• Add a Clearwater beach day
• Enjoy waterfront dining
Suggested Places to Stay
• The Tampa Edition
• Downtown Tampa hotels
• Clearwater Beach resorts
Closest Airport
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Why Tampa?
Tampa gives you sunshine plus celebration. It is ideal if you want to pair St. Patrick’s Day festivities with warm weather and beach time.
Whether you are chasing a river dyed green, a historic parade or a weekend filled with live music and Irish pubs, St. Patrick’s Day is a fun and festive time to plan a quick getaway. Pick the city that matches your energy go capture the luck of the Irish.
As the Irish blessing goes:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Sláinte to a weekend well celebrated. 🍀
