Tens of millions of Americans will leave home this Fourth of July, with many flocking to the beach, exploring national parks or touring bucket list cities.
For those with plans to getaway but in search of a destination, there’s still time to set your sights on some stellar holiday settings.
Here are some places flying under the radar that stand out for Fourth of July travel in 2025.
North Carolina’s Cape Fear
Looking for a change of scenery from the famous Outer Banks or Myrtle Beach? Head to the Cape Fear region of eastern North Carolina for laid-back beach days and mesmerizing fireworks in places like Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach.
Fourth of July fireworks in Wilmington, North Carolina. (Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke)
This underrated sliver of land between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean is home to fascinating history, some spectacular dining and nightlife and pristine beach destinations.
The Hamptons, New York
A premier East Coast summer vacation destination, The Hamptons will be extra joyous for the Fourth of July. Be sure to check out Independence Week at The Pridwin Hotel & Cottages on Shelter Island.
Guests can enjoy not one but nine days of festivities, including fireworks, water sports, summer games like cornhole and pickleball, cooking classes and much more.
The Pridwin Hotel & Cottages. (Photo Credit: Cape Resorts)
In Sag Harbor, Baron’s Cove is the perfect place to celebrate America’s birthday in a cabana by the harborside saltwater pool, enjoying cocktails and live music on top of fireworks and seasonal activities like personalized tennis clinics and complimentary kayaks and paddle boards.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Travelers can celebrate Independence Day on the water and under the sun in Lake Havasu.
Located on the Arizona-California border, this often overlooked party paradise is an easy choice for holiday revelers looking to kick back with a cocktail or partake in pulse-pounding water sports.
London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. (Photo Credit: Wayne Stadler Photo/Adobe)
The holiday weekend will reach fever pitch with the Fire on the Water 4th of July Festival taking over Thompson Bay with fireworks, live music, a car and boat show, food trucks and local vendors, a cornhole tournament and flag presentation.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Head to the shores of Lake Michigan for a one-of-a-kind Fourth of July celebration in Milwaukee.
An easy ride from Chicago, this city will be buzzing over the long holiday weekend with a slew of fireworks displays in addition to drone shows, parades, food trucks, live music, carnival rides and so much more.
Visitors can even experience Milwaukee’s world-class breweries and buzzing beer gardens, which are at their best this time of year. Plus, the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest, concludes with a handful of big names July 4th weekend.
Summerfest at Henry Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee. (Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke)
Salt Lake City, Utah
For an ideal mix of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences this Fourth of July, head to Salt Lake City.
In addition to fireworks and festivities, visitors can look forward to hiking and biking in the Wasatch Mountains, paddleboarding on the stunning Great Salt Lake and touring spectacular canyons.
The city’s first luxury lifestyle hotel, the all-new Asher Adams, is the perfect basecamp, blending historic charm and modern amenities in the restored Union Pacific Depot.
Black Hills, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota’s Black Hills. (Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke)
South Dakota’s Black Hills are a unique summer escape where visitors can express their patriotism at sites like the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial and scenic Custer State Park. Travelers can also experience one-of-a-kind history and culture in Historic Deadwood and unparalleled adventure in Spearfish.
Beyond July 4th fireworks and parades, visitors can partake in exciting rodeo events in places like Rapid City and Belle Fourche.
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