With this year’s St. Patrick’s Day less than a week away, it’s not too late to plan a road trip to one of the country’s best St. Patric’s Day parades.  Find out which parades will make every hour of the road trip worthwhile.

8 Best St. Patrick’s Day Parades In America

1. Savannah, GA

Fountain Dyed Green in Savannah for the St. Patrick's Day Parade

When you think of cities with a rich Irish tradition, Savannah, Georgia probably isn’t the first American city to come to mind. But Savannah throws one heck of a St. Patrick’s Day party, and Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is legendary.  Over 400,000 people are expected to attend the 2010 parade, which will take place on Wednesday, March 17 in downtown Savannah beginning at 10:15 a.m. If you can get into town early, there will be plenty of green tinged partying on River Street.

2. Boston, MA

Marchers in the Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade

Unlike Savannah, Boston is well known for its kelly green Irish roots.  According to the 2000 censu,s over 23% of Massachusetts residents claimed Irish ancestry, making it officially the most Irish state in the country.  Where better to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?  Boston’s parade takes place in South Boston (or Southie, if you’re a local) and will wind through the city on the afternoon of Sunday, March 14th this year.

3.  New York, NY

At the St. Patrick's Day Parade in NYC, it's hard to tell the marchers from the spectators

New York City did the St. Patrick’s Day parade first – starting in 1762 – and they’ve continued to do it best, or at least, they have the biggest parade in the country.   New York’s 2010 St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on March 17th and it’s estimated that 150,000 will march.  And they will all be marching – no floats or cars are allowed for the St. Patrick’s Day parade.  After the parade, head to one of New York City’s Irish pubs to continue your celebration.

4.  Chicago, IL

Famous Green River During Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade

Chicago actually has TWO St. Patrick’s Day parades.  It’s that big of a deal.

The Chicago parade you are probably most familiar with takes place downtown and it is before this event that the Chicago River is famously dyed green.  The downtown parade attracts about 350,000 spectators and is, to be sure, a first rate event.

But there is something special about the other Chicago parade.  Chicago’s South Side St. Patrick’s Day Parade is basically a neighborhood event and is considered the largest neighborhood St. Patrick’s Day Parade outside of Ireland.  This family-focused event, which runs from 103rd & Western to 115th & Western, draws over 250,000 spectators to watch the 15,000 marchers who participate.

5. Philadelphia, PA

Bagpipers in the endangered Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade

As the second oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the country, this historic city’s parade has actually been around longer than the Declaration of Independence.  This year’s parade will take place on Sunday, March 14, 2010 – but the future of this celebration may be in jeopardy.  The parade’s official website (yes, parades have websites now!) suggests that the event is currently underfunded and may not be able to continue without government intervention.

6. San Francisco, CA

Pretty in Purple at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in San Francisco

San Francisco’s 159th St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival will take place on March 13,2010, starting at the intersection of 2nd and Market Streets. This parade has been called the most fashionable St. Patrick’s Day Parade and is held in the middle of a two-day celebration of Irish heritage that features live performances, arts and crafts, Irish food and beverages, children’s rides and inflatables, cultural displays, a petting zoo, pony rides and nonprofits benefitting the Irish community.

7.  Kansas City, MO

A prize worth entry in the Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade

The St. Patrick’s Day parade in Kansas City draws about 200,000 spectators year.  If you can make this event, you’re guaranteed to see a spectacle.   The parade participants are judged and the grand prize winner of the procession gets an all-expense paid trip to Ireland!  While it’s probably too late for you to compete for the big trip, you’re sure to benefit from a great show.

8. Dublin, OH

You Don't Have To Be Big To Have Bag Pipes - Dublin, Ohio

Dublin, Ohio – the smallest city on the list – throws what is arguably of the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country.  While it may only draw 20,000 spectators as opposed to 200,000 – that’s 20,000 people packed into a town whose entire population is less than 40,000 people.  This year’s party – and parade – will take place on Saturday, March 13th – which pretty much makes it perfect for a last minute weekend road trip if you’re in the area!

Photos by RJones0856, Adam Pieniazek, ajagendorf25, crazbabe21, stevedamron, Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day parade, and Elessar on FlickR.