Top Places to Celebrate the 4th of July
Look no further than these Independence Day hot spots for the perfect 4th of July getaway
Look no further than these Independence Day hot spots for the perfect 4th of July getaway
Looking for the best 4th of July destinations is like searching for sand at the beach—you can't go wrong no matter which way you turn. Important attractions that commemorate U.S. history can be found throughout the country. And there’s no better way to have a blast and enjoy summer travel at its best than to visit these patriotic places on our nation's birthday.
Our nation's capitol is a no-brainer when you're celebrating America's most patriotic holiday. Find a hotel in Washington, D.C. and head to the U.S. Capitol to see where the history of a nation has taken shape through its architecture and politics. Taking pictures in front of the Reflecting Pool with a larger-than-life statue of President Lincoln at one end and the Washington Monument at the other is an unforgettable experience. The many statues and memorials that line the National Mall make Washington the place to be when Independence Day rolls around.
Get a dose of the West Coast with a visit to Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf in the heart of San Francisco. Even though fireworks are not scheduled this year, you can still catch street performers and all kinds of family-friendly activities like riding the two-story San Francisco Carousel. Be sure to take in the impressive views looking at the Golden Gate Bridge, one of country’s greatest symbols of progress and expansion. When you find an affordable hotel in San Francisco, be sure to take the short drive over the bay to Golden Gate National Recreation Area and visit the redwoods, our nation's—and indeed, the world's—tallest trees.
Book accommodations in Columbia, South Carolina for what might be one of America's tastiest 4th of July getaways. Known for its peaches, Lexington County is where you can indulge your sweet tooth with some peach cobbler, peach tea or peach ice cream. After you’ve enjoyed your fill, stick around for boutique shopping and art vendors in South Carolina's capital and largest city. If you want to extend your July vacation, take a road trip to Charleston for some beach time.
Just a short drive from most hotels in Rapid City, South Dakota, Mount Rushmore remains one of America's most striking monuments. It should come as no surprise that there's a lot to do here and throughout the surrounding Black Hills region on the 4th of July. Check out the historical reenactments at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which include actors portraying each of the four presidents immortalized on the mountain. You'll also find plenty of fun things to see in nearby communities, including Crazy Horse Memorial and the Minuteman Missile National Historical Site.
Plan your hotel stay in New Orleans where the party never stops, especially when it goes into high gear on the 4th. The eating, drinking and general merriment of the French Quarter is as boisterous as ever. When you’re ready to learn more about the city’s multicultural history that has made the city an important destination in U.S. history, take a self-guided tour at the Historic New Orleans Collection. Steamboat cruises are also available to give you a better view of the city from the deck of a riverboat on the mighty Mississippi.
Traveling during holidays often means fighting traffic and mingling with massive crowds. If you’re willing to put yourself in the center of it all, consider celebrating the 4th of July in one of the country’s oldest and most historic cities. Once you check in at your Boston hotel, you'll see why travelers from all over come to experience the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House. You can walk the 250-year-old Freedom Trail with a self-guided tour of 16 historic sites, including the Boston Common, Paul Revere House and Bunker Hill Monument. Finish your day by crossing the Charles River over one of the bridges to get great views of the city that played a central role in the country’s journey to independence.