Top 4th of July Weekend Getaways 2025

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Featured vacation rental: Waterway Fun

With its 60 miles of pristine beaches, family fun attractions, and 4th of July fireworks displays, Myrtle Beach offers the quintessential all-American holiday experience.

Murrells Inlet Boat Parade, where decorated vessels sail through the "Seafood Capital of South Carolina" in red, white, and blue patriotic style.
Salute from the Shore, featuring vintage military aircraft flying over the coastline.
Barefoot Landing's fireworks extravaganza over Barefoot Lake.
Broadway at the Beach's massive fireworks show, visible from multiple vantage points.
MarshWalk's Independence Day celebrations will include live music and waterfront dining.

2. Lake Michigan

Featured vacation rental: Park Place

The charming coastal towns dotting Lake Michigan's eastern shore combine pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and small-town Americana charm for an unforgettable July getaway.

South Haven's Light up the Lake fireworks display, launched from the North Pier.
Traverse City's National Cherry Festival coincides with 4th of July celebrations.
Saugatuck's fireworks display over the Kalamazoo River.
Petoskey's waterfront festival with artisan markets and local food vendors.

3. Aspen, Colorado

Featured vacation rental: Gem of Aspen

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is a lush summer haven, offering a sophisticated mountain retreat with breathtaking scenery and cultural celebrations.

Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade down Main Street with mountain town charm.
Snowmass Village's Free Concert Series with games and local cuisine.
Breathtaking fireworks displays against the backdrop of mountain peaks.
Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard’s annual 4th of July barbecue.
Gondola rides up Ajax Mountain for exclusive fireworks viewing.

4. Charleston, South Carolina

Featured vacation rental: 4 Tully Alley

As one of America's oldest cities, Charleston's cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and coastal location create a historically rich backdrop for Independence Day celebrations.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum's "Fireworks Blast" over Charleston Harbor.
Historic Charleston Foundation's special tours of Revolutionary War sites.
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra's Patriotic Pops performance at Joe Riley Stadium.
North Charleston's Fourth of July Festival at Riverfront Park.
Folly Beach's "Festival of Freedom" with sandcastle competitions and beach games.

5. Orlando, Florida

Featured vacation rental: Blue Heron Beach Resort 2-1407

Beyond its world-famous theme parks, Orlando's Fourth of July celebration features spectacular fireworks displays, family fun events, and the perfect blend of entertainment and patriotic spirit.

Magic Kingdom's "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky."
SeaWorld Orlando's "Ignite" fireworks show and fountains are spectacular.
Universal Orlando's “4th of July Celebration" with special character appearances.
Lake Eola Park's "Fireworks at the Fountain" with the Orlando Concert Band.
Winter Park's "4th of July Celebration" in Central Park with old-fashioned games.
Kissimmee's "Monumental 4th of July" at Lakefront Park.

6. Ocean City, Maryland

Featured vacation rental: Sunset Island - 5 Beachside Mews

This classic Atlantic beach town transforms into the quintessential American summer playground for Independence Day.

Spectacular fireworks displays at both Northside Park and downtown beach location, synchronized to patriotic music broadcast on local radio stations.
"Concerts on the Beach" series with special Fourth of July performances by regional and national acts at the Caroline Street Stage.
Sundaes in the Park at Northside Park with live music, ice cream, and family activities leading up to the evening fireworks.
Annual "Red, White & Splash" beach party at Jolly Roger Amusement Park with special ride packages and patriotic water attractions.

7. Honolulu, Hawaii

Featured vacation rental: Kaiwiki Palace

Experience a uniquely Pacific celebration of Independence Day against the stunning backdrop of volcanic landscapes and azure waters.

Ala Moana Beach Park's "Sparkling Spectacle" fireworks show, considered one of the nation's best, drawing upwards of 50,000 spectators.
Outrigger Canoe Club’s annual Canoe Regatta features outrigger canoe races with canoe paddlers from around Oahu joining thousands of tourists.
The BayFest at Marine Corps Base Hawaii with military displays, local Hawaiian entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
The annual Kailua Independence Day Parade winds through the beach community with decorated floats celebrating both American and Hawaiian heritage.

View from the back of a San Diego vacation rental.

8. San Diego, California

Featured vacation rental: Seaside Beauty

With its perfect Mediterranean climate and 70 miles of pristine beaches, San Diego offers an idyllic coastal setting that blends laid-back California vibes with patriotic fervor.

Big Bay Boom, the largest fireworks display on the West Coast, illuminating San Diego Bay from four barges with a synchronized pyrotechnic show visible from multiple waterfront locations.
Sea to Shining Sea Parade in Coronado featuring military bands, vintage cars, and community floats crossing the city’s nostalgic Orange Avenue.
Independence Day Celebration at the USS Midway Museum with aircraft carrier tours, live entertainment, and prime fireworks viewing from the flight deck.
Old Town State Historic Park's "Fourth in the First State Park" with period costumes, historic crafts, and the Liberty Bell ringing ceremony.

Explore San Diego

Top 4th of July weekend getaways