fourth of july

There was plenty of patriotic fun happening on the Fourth of July yesterday. From Independence Day parades and beach bashes to family outings in red, white, and blue and parties with pals, celebrities celebrated in many ways. Zac Efron went overseas for the holiday while model Candice Swanepoel hung in Miami with her boyfriend. Pink dressed up in stars and stripes with daughter Willow, and Cam Gigandet got playful in the sand with his little one. Click through to see all the celebrity Fourth of July fun!

Taylor Swift boarded a boat with a large group at the Hyannis Port Yacht Club today. She wore a retro bikini top and was surrounded by members of the Kennedy family, including Robert Jr., Ethel, and Rory. Taylor apparently has a history with the Kennedys since Rory invited her to the Sundance screening of Ethel in January after finding out how interested Taylor was in her mother, Ethel. There may have been another reason Taylor spent Fourth of July week with the famous family, since Patrick Schwarzenegger was also on hand. Taylor and Patrick were spotted together sharing a sweet walk on the beach as a duo on Independence Day. Patrick even tweeted, "Had such an amazing day. Best 4th of July I could ask for. Hope everyone had a great day!"

Just like you and I, celebrities showed off their patriotic Summer style during the Fourth of July holiday yesterday. Alessandra Ambrosio sported a Wildfox Couture star sweater, Rachel Zoe looked chic in a black maxi and fedora, while Jessica Alba donned blue trousers with colorblock Rebecca Minkoff sandals for the occasion. Check out 5 fabulous celebrity outfits from Fourth of July and mimic them all Summer long.

Yesterday, Americans near and far celebrated our country's birthday with Fourth of July parades, fireworks, and hot dog eating contests. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama were busy honoring military members and their families with a White House BBQ and concert, and Mitt Romney and his clan marched in a parade with VP hopeful Kelly Ayotte. Whether you were attending BBQs with your friends and family, cozying up to your honey under the lit-up sky, or a disappointed spectator of the San Diego fireworks snafu, see how Americans in New York, Washington DC, and more spent their Independence Day!

Tinseltown was filled with quite a few patriotic cuties celebrating the Fourth of July yesterday. With parades to watch, beaches to visit, and backyard barbecues to attend, celeb moms made sure their lil ones were dressed in their best red, white, and blue throughout the day!

Happy Independence Day! If you're going to do a holiday wedding on the Fourth of July, it's gotta have fireworks! But the bursting brights make a wedding extra special no matter what time of year it is. See some of our favorite explosive big days featuring fireworks that light up the night with their patriotic and romantic beauty.

Hoping to take up residence in a cozy seat in the movie theater this Fourth of July? We don't blame you: it's hot, and there are some great flicks out right now. We can't help you find a date, but we can help you figure out which movie to see with whoever you decide to take along. Don't make the mistake of taking your mom to see Ted or dragging your boyfriend to Magic Mike. Here's your handy guide to the latest Summer movies.

If patriotic prints don't appeal to you, then honor the Fourth of July with a narrower focus by displaying art that celebrates your home state. We rounded up graphics that represent all 50 states, ranging from watercolor to chalkboard renditions. Keep reading to see how easy it is to brush up on elementary geography while adding a style statement to your walls. And remember, if you like one design in particular, then inquire with the artist, because she just might have artwork with your home state in her shop as well!

It's time to download all the apps you need for a fun Fourth of July bash today. Whether you want to create your own fireworks show, find the nearest beach, or dive into some new recipes for a backyard BBQ, we've rounded up the best apps to help you celebrate. Hoping to snap some awesome fireworks photos? Worried about your grill skills? Check out these seven apps to guarantee a festive, stress-free day.