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The 4th of July lands on a Friday this year—hello, long weekend! It’s the perfect excuse to stretch your PTO and sneak away for a summer escape. Whether you’re craving a classic fireworks-and-flag-waving weekend or something completely different (like tacos in Mexico City or tapas in Barcelona), I’ve rounded up the best July 4th getaways for every budget.
From beach towns and mountain escapes to city skylines and overseas adventures, this list covers it all.
Pro tip: If you time your flights just right, you might catch several fireworks shows from the air!
Let’s dive in—budget, mid-range, and luxe options included.
Savannah, Georgia – Southern charm + riverfront fireworks
Why go: Cobblestone streets, spooky stories, and a festive River Street celebration. Picture a mint julep in hand and fireworks reflecting off the Savannah River.
- Budget: Thunderbird Inn – Funky retro vibes, free popcorn + lemonade, walkable to historic downtown.
- Mid-Range: The Marshall House – A boutique favorite with Southern hospitality and historic character.
- Luxury: Perry Lane Hotel – Rooftop pool, stylish rooms, and unbeatable fireworks views.
Pro tip: Book a riverboat cruise for a front-row seat to the fireworks.
Mexico City, Mexico – Culture, cuisine, and a quick international escape
Why go: No fireworks, but it’s a foodie paradise with rich history, cool weather, and fewer summer crowds than Europe.
- Budget: Hotel Casa Blanca – Centrally located with a rooftop pool and classic charm.
- Mid-Range: Casa Decu – Art Deco design meets leafy Condesa neighborhood.
- Luxury: Four Seasons Mexico City – 5-star elegance with a courtyard brunch worth planning around.
Flight hack: Use Kiwi.com to find flight deals from major U.S. cities.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada – Fireworks on the water
Why go: Tahoe’s Lights on the Lake is one of the top fireworks shows in the U.S.—and the mountain backdrop is next-level.
- Budget: POSTMARC Hotel and Spa Suites – Affordable, walkable, cozy.
- Mid-Range: Basecamp Tahoe South – Fire pits, rooftop hot tub, and lodge vibes.
- Luxury: Edgewood Tahoe Resort – Private beach, golf course, and lakeside luxury.
Travel tip: Book early—this spot fills fast for the 4th.
Barcelona, Spain – Celebrate U.S. independence in Spanish style
Why go: No 4th of July buzz here—just sun-soaked beaches, tapas, sangria, and stunning architecture.
- Budget: Yeah Barcelona Hostel – Clean, social, and well-connected.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Praktik Bakery – Yes, it’s built into an actual bakery.
- Luxury: W Barcelona – Beachfront with infinity pool and serious “wow” factor.
Pro tip: Use Airalo for an eSIM and skip the roaming fees.
New York City, New York – The classic 4th of July blowout
Why go: Macy’s fireworks. Rooftop bars. Street parades. It’s loud, sparkly, and unforgettable.
- Budget: Pod 39 – Compact but stylish with a killer rooftop.
- Mid-Range: Arlo Midtown – Modern, well-located, and sleek.
- Luxury: The William Vale (Brooklyn) – Stunning skyline views and easy access to East River festivities.
Dinner idea: Book dinner at a rooftop spot or river cruise for a next-level view.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica – Beachy 4th with pura vida vibes
Why go: Surf, sunsets, and expat-friendly celebrations with a tropical twist.
- Budget: Selina Tamarindo – Boho-chic with social energy.
- Mid-Range: Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel – Adults-only and extra chill.
- Luxury: Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel – Beachfront bungalows and palm trees galore.
Don’t forget: Pack bug spray and travel insurance. I use SafetyWing or World Nomads, depending on the trip.
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Chicago, Illinois – Lakefront fun + fireworks
Why go: Rooftop bars, Navy Pier, and perfect lake breezes. It’s like NYC’s calmer, friendlier cousin.
- Budget: HI Chicago Hostel – Affordable, clean, and central.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Lincoln – Hip and historic near Lincoln Park.
- Luxury: The Peninsula Chicago – Iconic hotel with rooftop spa and fine dining.
Lisbon, Portugal – Chill Euro summer without the chaos
Why go: Affordable, scenic, and a great place to avoid crowds and soak in tiled streets + sunsets over the Tagus River.
- Budget: Selina Secret Garden Lisbon – Rooftop pool and a digital nomad vibe.
- Mid-Range: Hotel da Baixa – Beautiful rooms and super walkable.
- Luxury: Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel – Top-rated for a reason. Personalized service + perfect location.
Asheville, North Carolina – Fireworks meets mountain retreat
Why go: Craft beer, cool weather, and fireworks in Pack Square. It’s chill and festive in equal measure.
- Budget: The Beaucatcher – A Boutique Motel – Retro motel with charm.
- Mid-Range: Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville – Right in the heart of things (and my personal fave).
- Luxury: The Omni Grove Park Inn – Historic, grand, and spa-worthy.
Vancouver, Canada – A scenic switch-up
Why go: No 4th of July crowds, but stunning views, great food, and summer-perfect weather.
- Budget: Samesun Vancouver – Reliable, clean hostel downtown
- Mid-Range: Blue Horizon Hotel – Solid views and value.
- Luxury: Fairmont Pacific Rim – Luxe waterfront stay with mountain views.
Final Tips for Planning Your July 4th Getaway
- Need a carry-on that actually fits overhead bins? Here are my favorite roller bags.
- Going international? Stay connected with Airalo eSIMs.
- For flexible flights, I recommend Kiwi.com or Expedia.
- Renting a car? Compare rates on Rentcars.com.
- Don’t skip travel insurance, especially for international trips.
More Travel Inspo
- How to Avoid Tourist Traps and Find Authentic Local Experiences
- Budget Travel Myths That Are Totally Wrong
- The Best Travel Booking Sites for Budget Travelers
Want help picking your perfect July 4th getaway? Drop your questions in the comments or DM me on Instagram @thewandercents!
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