One of the liveliest holidays is nearly upon us, and we’re feeling lucky!

While it's true that several cities across the US love to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, there are a few that stand out from the crowd.

We gathered our top 5 favorite destinations that know how to do it best, from parades to bar crawls + even green rivers! 

Chicago, IL

Chicago is an electrifying destination for St. Paddy’s Day festivities, renowned for its thrilling celebrations. The clear highlight is the annual dyeing of the Chicago River to a vibrant green, a must-see during your visit to the Windy City. There are river tours featuring music, cocktails, and all-around good vibes. The Southside Irish Parade showcases the city’s appreciation of its rich Irish heritage, and the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest in the country.

Dining Spotlight: We highly recommend you stop by 2Twenty2 Tavern for a delicious cocktail and pub grub!

Savannah, GA 

Right behind Chicago’s parade in the rankings is Savannah, Georgia’s! This March marks the 200th anniversary of their local St. Patrick’s Day Parade, an accomplishment that has secured Savannah a top spot on many bucket lists for travel enthusiasts. Keeping with the theme of green, the city dyes its Forsyth Park fountain for the festivities and there’s plenty of pub crawls to wet your whistle and grab great food. 

Dining Spotlight: Need a caffeine pick me up? Head over to Foxy Loxy Cafe for a truly elevated coffee experience alongside incredible Tex-Mex!

New Orleans, LA 

Typically famous for its Mardi Gras festivities, NOLA boasts a lengthy St. Patrick’s Day celebration spanning over a week and a half! The Irish Channel neighborhood, a name reminiscent of the city’s Irish heritage, hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Rounding out the merriment are block parties, green beer, and local cuisines. If you’re lucky, you can catch some cabbage, carrots, and more goodies tossed out by those manning the parade floats!

Dining Spotlight: Start your day right with the best brunch in the city at Ruby Slipper. With several locations, you’re sure to find one near you on your visit.

Boston, MA

Boston, with its rich Irish heritage, is an iconic destination for celebrating St. Patrick's Day. It hosts one of the oldest St. Patrick's Day parades in the country, dating back to 1737 when it was organized as a show of solidarity with the new Irish immigrants that recently settled in the city. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, enjoy traditional music, indulge in delicious Irish cuisine, and experience the palpable sense of camaraderie and cultural pride that permeates the city during this spirited celebration.

Dining Spotlight: Fuel up at lunchtime at Sweet Cheeks Q. With a full spread of traditional BBQ cuisine to choose from, you are certain to leave satisfied.

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco offers a captivating setting for celebrating St. Patrick's Day, blending its iconic landmarks with lively Irish festivities. Visitors can revel in the city's diverse culture as they join the spirited parade winding through the streets, showcasing elaborate floats. There’s a consistent lineup of several Irish bands, artists, and dancers to keep the party going long after the parade concludes. From the bustling bars of the historic Irish neighborhoods to the breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco promises a St. Patrick's Day experience brimming with excitement and cultural charm.

Dining Spotlight: End your day with a hearty dinner of classic Mexican fare Nopalito. Cap off the evening with one of their incredible craft margaritas.

Take on this year’s St. Patrick’s Day in one of these exciting destinations, or any of the dozens of cities across the country who celebrate. Pack Up + Go can help you plan the perfect St. Paddy’s vacation, either through a Surprise Trip or our handy Destination Guides. Get the absolute most out of this beloved holiday with our travel expertise.

Last chance to book for St. Patrick’s Day Weekend is 3/1/2024!