Amidst the festive spirit of Independence Day, finding an affordable escape can be a challenge. However, several destinations across the U.S. offer vibrant celebrations at an affordable cost. You can enjoy parades, local traditions, and fireworks, all while staying within a reasonable budget.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a creative and artsy city nestled in nature. It offers plenty of interesting activities while still affordable around the 4th of July. You can participate in family-friendly celebrations at Park Square Park or explore free hiking trails and art galleries. Although hotel prices are higher during this period, finding rooms for less than $200 per night is still possible.
Lake George, New York
Lake George in the Adirondacks offers a scenic, outdoorsy Fourth of July. You can enjoy spectacular fireworks displays on the lake and free live music in nearby parks. You can participate in endless outdoor activities like swimming and hiking. Prospect Mountain provides stunning views for hikers. For affordable stays, you can choose to camp at Lake George Campsites with tent sites under $50 per night.
Queens, New York
For an affordable holiday in New York City, consider staying in the diverse Flushing neighborhood of Queens on July 4th. You can get hotels from $35 onwards. You can venture into Manhattan for the Macy’s fireworks or East River from Astoria Park. If you are not celebrating, you can visit Queens’ Rockaway Beach or explore farm life for free at the Queens County Farm Museum with its animals and exhibits.
Portland, Oregon
July in Portland means pleasant weather and lively events like the Craft Beer Festival and Waterfront Blues Festival. The city’s waterfront fireworks and the view from Mount Tabor are must-sees. You can enjoy activities like free hiking at Hoyt Arboretum, visiting the International Rose Garden, and browsing the Portland Saturday market. You can find places to stay for less than $200 per night.
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven provides a budget-friendly New England getaway with nearby beaches. Enjoy the city’s fireworks from Wilbur Cross High School. You can visit Lighthouse Point Park for a beach day, explore Yale University’s free museums, and try local “apizza.” It is known for its thin crust and unique toppings. You can get great deals with your stays under $100.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale is ideal for a beachy Fourth of July. You can enjoy live music, hot dog eating contests, and kid-friendly activities at Fort Lauderdale Beach and Las Olas Oceanside Park. Spend your days at the city’s beaches or explore the Anne Kolb Nature Center’s mangrove environment. Here, you can find hotels from $74 and make budget-friendly choices.
Madison, Wisconsin
Celebrate Independence Day this year in Madison, Wisconsin. The Festival Foods Lights the Isthmus offers a weekend of fun with local bands, stunning fireworks, and an array of food and drink options. For a memorable stay, you can book your stay near the historic lakefront hotel or enjoy affordable stays from $55 onwards.
Washington, D.C
The nation’s capital offers a grand Fourth of July celebration. Attend the iconic Independence Day BBQ and Block Party at Willard InterContinental Cafe du Parc terrace. It features various foods including burgers, hot dogs, ice pops, and patriotic cocktails. You can watch the National Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue with bands, floats, and celebrations. You can head to the National Mall for fireworks, or bike the Mount Vernon Trail. Your stays ca
Downtown and Strip, Las Vegas
Las Vegas might seem pricey, but with over 150,000 hotels, there are affordable options. Some older casinos on the Strip offer cheap rooms. For free events, downtown hosts fireworks at the Plaza at 9 pm that are visible throughout the area. You can enjoy the show at Fremont Street Experience or catch free attractions such as Silverton’s aquarium, Bellagio’s conservatory, and circus acts at Circus Circus. Here, you can find rooms under $100 per night.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is perfect in summer, with comfortable temperatures and affordable central accommodations from $100. The Red, White and BOOM! provides an enjoyable fireworks show. You can enjoy free art museums like the Weisman Art Museum or the Minneapolis Institute of Art. You can also explore outdoor attractions like Minnehaha Park.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio embraces July 4th celebrations with free patriotic events at Woodlawn Lake Park. It hosts custom contests, entertainment, and fireworks. The Alamo also hosts kid-friendly activities. You can explore the festive River Walk area lined with shops and restaurants for free. The Historic Market Square is the largest Mexican marketplace which offers arts, crafts, and cuisine.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Visit Philadelphia for a budget-friendly Fourth of July experience. The Wawa Welcome America festival runs for two weeks. It features free events like parades, fireworks, block parties, and museum days. You can enjoy headlining concerts featuring top stays. You can stay in trendy vintage-style studios next to the lively South Street or choose budget-friendly hotels below $50.
San Diego, California
San Diego celebrates Independence Day with the largest fireworks show in California. It is launched from San Diego Bay with ample viewing areas offering free shuttle services. You can enjoy a July 4th Parade, live music, and aerial demonstrations in Coronado. Other free activities include beautiful beaches in La Jolla for spotting sea lions or hiking in Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve. Alternatively, you can explore the historic Gaslamp Quarter and watch boats cruise by at the Embarcadero waterfront.
Hanover, New Hampshire
Hanover offers a charming and traditional Fourth of July experience with its Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration. The event features an apple pie eating contest, classic games, and a hometown parade. It also includes live entertainment and pony rides. You can enjoy summertime treats like ice cream and juicy watermelon. Visitors can also get an up-close look at city vehicles like fire trucks.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta celebrates Independence Day in a big way despite the summer heat. You can participate in numerous activities at the Prelude festival in Lawrenceville. For fireworks, catch the jaw-dropping pyrotechnic shows at Stone Mountain Park. Other affordable attractions include the scenic Atlanta BeltLine trails and free museums like Martin King Jr. National Historical Park. You can stay here from as low as $45 onwards.