Since the Fourth of July lands on a Thursday this year, a long, four-day weekend is practically a given! That makes it the perfect time to plan a fun getaway to celebrate America’s Independence Day. We all know that rising travel and accommodation costs can quickly sour the fun. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you find truly affordable options that promise priceless memories without emptying your wallet.
Despite rising travel costs, a fantastic Fourth of July experience without overspending is still totally possible. If you’re still deciding where to go, a few pretty cool, last-minute deals are still available. From classic patriotic destinations to time-honored summer retreats, our list of cheap July Fourth weekend getaways offers a variety of enjoyable, relaxing, and exciting ways to celebrate our country.
Best Affordable Fourth of July Getaways
1. Crystal Mountain, Michigan
With Michigan’s only alpine slide, a 32-foot climbing wall, family golf, a kid’s activity program, a beach house, and an adventure zone where tubing, kayaking, and available bike rentals, this family-owned ski resort transforms into a summertime adventure playground for a fourth of July getaway. A carnival featuring face painting, games, and bike decorating opens on July 3 for the extended holiday weekend.
A nighttime fireworks display and a bike parade follow this. The Old-Fashioned Fourth package comes with 20 carnival tickets, free ice cream cones, free family passes for the chairlift ride, rock wall, and alpine slide, as well as savings on golf lessons, tubing excursions, and the kids’ adventure camp. With a water slide, cargo nets, splash zone, and lily pad walk, this one-acre outdoor water playground can keep kids occupied for hours.
2. Baltimore, Maryland
Despite what many people think about Baltimore, it is a great destination for July 4th. The annual Fourth of July celebration, the Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival, can entice you to visit the city of Baltimore. The recently introduced Live Wild with Hilton Carter Suite Experience at the Four-Star hotel will entice you to stay longer.
The hotel’s Harbor Suite has been turned into a verdant greenhouse with views of the harbor and skyline because of a partnership with renowned interior and botanical stylist Hilton Carter, a native of Baltimore. A signature copy of Carter’s exquisite book, a lavender bath soak that complements the in-room plants, and a botanically inspired welcome cocktail guarantee that your stay is as vibrant as the lush flora that fills your suite.
3. Encinitas, California
San Diego is a beach town in and of itself, perfect for a holiday. But if you’re lucky enough to live year-round in this sun-kissed SoCal city, you should change it up on the Fourth of July. Travel 25 miles up Highway 101 along the coast, and you’ll arrive in Encinitas, a laid-back coastal town that has earned a reputation as a surfer’s paradise.
These days, it draws an even wider range of tourists who come to eat amazing burritos, peruse record stores, and ride the waves. Encinitas is a blend of charming small-town America and a warm subtropical beach town featuring magnificent gardens, strollable beaches, and sophisticated eateries. There’s beauty everywhere you turn your gaze, and you can almost feel the stress melting away like beach waves.
4. Salt Lake City, Utah
A long weekend in Salt Lake City offers family-friendly entertainment. Make sure to block off time on your calendar for The Gateway’s Fourth of July celebration, which offers lots of traditional American cuisine at the bars and restaurants, yard games, face painting, karaoke, and photo opportunities. The Sons of the American Revolution organizes a flag ceremony to kick off Liberty Days.
Don’t miss the watermelon eating contest and the candy cannon among the attractions. You can also visit some of the other well-known locations in the city, such as Red Butte Garden, Historic Temple Square, and Ensign Peak, while you’re in town.
5. Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa, New Hampshire
With a prime position for families who like the great outdoors and an abundance of stunning hiking paths, this eco-friendly resort has two mountain ranges. Visitors can enjoy golf, carriage rides, horseback riding, and a quick trip to the operational farmhouse home to llamas, goats, hens, and horses. Old-fashioned staples like tug-of-war, potato sack races, pie-eating competitions, and water balloon relay events are all part of the holiday weekend lineup.
Kids can have their faces painted before going to their party for dinner, ice cream sundaes, and s’more roasts over the campfire. The Family Bluegrass Barbecue will conclude the weekend with live music and pyrotechnics. Most activities are included in the Independence Weekend Celebration’s $189 per night rates.
6. West Palm Beach, Florida
West Palm Beach, an exclusive resort town near Miami and Fort Lauderdale, boasts an amazing waterfront, a thriving retail area, an active arts scene, and a wealth of outdoor, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Flights on Independence Day are often available for about $266. Even though you’ll want to spend the long weekend at the beach, don’t forget to arrive early for the fireworks display.
Live performances occur at the Meyer Amphitheater from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., right before the 9 p.m. fireworks show over the Intercoastal Waterway. For kid-friendly entertainment, take your family to the post-park stage. Before you leave, get some hearty, southern-style food or enjoy margaritas and chips at Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar.
7. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina, is a haven for creative and artsy activities. On July 4, downtown Asheville hosts many free parties in Pack Square Park with dog jumping contests, fireworks, food trucks, and craft beverages. There are over 20 art galleries downtown, and Asheville is a prominent beer town with free brewery tours. In the heart of it all is the Renaissance Asheville Downtown, where views include rooms looking out to mountains and city, a pool, and easy access to restaurants and breweries. The city also offers free hikes, art galleries, and beer tours.
8. Nassau, Bahamas
Traveling abroad for the Fourth of July may seem unusual, but you can still enjoy a great party. You’ll always have a great view wherever you are on Nassau’s hilly terrain island. Preferred for its beaches and offshore coral reefs, this location is well-liked for scuba diving and snorkeling. So, head to West Beach for the Royal Deck’s 4th July event, which runs from 6 to 10:30 p.m., or catch the fireworks over Atlantis Paradise Island at the Royal Deck fair location. You should also visit Lukka Kairi on the water to try some authentic Bahamian food while you are in the Bahamas. Get a seat at Cocoplum Bistro for a more sophisticated take on pan-Mediterranean cuisine.
Conclusion
Whatever your destination, you can take several affordable measures to maximize your Fourth of July vacation. July is a great time for a getaway, with affordable accommodations and attractions available in various locations. Ultimately, the best tip is to remain flexible when finding deals. Be ready to tweak your travel dates (as much as possible for a weekend break) and remember that points and miles can be quite valuable in high-demand periods like this.
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