By the time Independence Day rolls around, most Americans are itching to book a summer getaway, and the Fourth of July holiday provides a little extra time off to do so. For spontaneous travelers booking their getaways at the last second, here are GoLastMinute.com’s picks for great last-minute Fourth of July trips, whether you’re going solo or taking the whole family.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Why it’s perfect for a last-minute Fourth of July trip:
After the busy winter ski season, this Colorado mountain town eases into the more serene summer season with sunny days, green mountain vistas and fresh breezes. On the Fourth of July, residents and visitors take advantage of the warmer weather with holiday celebrations that include a parade, a 50-mile bike race and a fireworks display. Come a few days before the Fourth to attend the 33rd annual July Arts Festival, featuring the works of more than 100 artists from around the country.
Nonstop service into Denver International Airport, a major domestic hub, is available from dozens of North American cities, including Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco, making it easy to get there in a flash. The airport is served by 22 airlines, including Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, United and Delta, plus budget carriers JetBlue, Southwest and Spirit, known for their rock-bottom fare specials.
Why we love it:
After its winter high season, Breckenridge beckons summer travelers with more than 100 miles of verdant trails ripe for exploring, some located just a short walk from the delightful downtown area. Discover pristine streams and tiny alpine wildflowers as you ascend peaks in search of panoramic views. In town, take a stroll along the family-friendly River Walk or stop in at dozens of stores and cafes along Main Street.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Why it’s perfect for a last-minute Fourth of July trip:
With a wide, three-mile-long boardwalk and daily highs reaching into the 80s, Virginia Beach is a natural choice for beachgoers once July rolls around. Over Independence Day weekend, travelers can look forward to Stars & Stripes Explosion, a collection of free live music performances culminating in a fireworks show near the beachfront.
While not a major air hub, the Norfolk International Airport is served by a few major airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, United and Southwest. Looking to avoid airports over the busy holiday weekend? Consider making it a road trip — Virginia Beach is reachable in less than eight hours from Charleston, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Charlotte and New York.
Why we love it:
A low-key paradise for nature lovers, Virginia Beach is home to a handful of unspoiled state parks. First Landing State Park lies just north of the main tourist area and features 2,700 acres of hiking trails. False Cape State Park occupies a stretch of several miles along the coastline between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and is a beloved spot for hikers, bikers and boaters. History lovers should visit the Cape Henry Lighthouse, the Ferry Plantation House or the Thoroughgood House.
Toronto, Canada
Why it’s perfect for a last-minute Fourth of July trip:
Ideal for those who don’t like noisy fireworks displays (or those who simply want to use their time off to skip town for another country), Toronto is a great choice for a quick city break, with plenty to see and do. In fact, the Fourth of July marks the start of the Toronto Fringe Theater Festival, featuring more than 155 indie shows in venues throughout the city.
The Toronto area is home to nearly 36,000 hotel rooms, and new properties such as Hotel X Toronto and the Marriott Markham add even more variety to the mix. Bargain hunters will likely find a range of cheap flight choices, as more than 60 airlines serve the Toronto Pearson International Airport, including American, Delta, United and WestJet.
Why we love it:
Toronto’s melting pot of languages and cultures makes it one of the most cosmopolitan in Canada, and that diversity is reflected in the city’s cuisine, art and festivals. (Interesting fact: more than 50% of Toronto residents speak a language other than English as their first language.)
Leave time to see the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere, named among the “Seven Wonders of the Modern World” by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Daredevils will love the tower’s new Edge Walk attraction, a circular, open-to-the-sky deck that allows harnessed visitors to walk around and get incredible city views. For more down-to-earth pleasures, head to the Distillery Historic District, a pedestrian-friendly sector full of independent retailers and restaurants.
Austin, Texas
Why it’s perfect for a last-minute Fourth of July trip:
Austin is famous for its vibrant live music scene, so it should come as no surprise that there’s a concert slated for the holiday. Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic, now a yearly festival, will be held at the Austin360 Amphitheater, an open-air venue south of town. Aside from headliner Willie Nelson & Family, the concert lineup includes Sturgill Simpson, The Head and the Heart and Ryan Bingham. Tickets start at $42.50.
To get to Austin last-minute, look for cheap flights into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, served by 16 airlines, including Air Canada, Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest and United. A search for flights on GoLastMinute.com shows round-trip fares to Austin for under $350 from Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Why we love it:
A growing college town that mixes big-city amenities with a small-town feel, Austin is nicknamed “The Live Music Capital of the World.” It offers a wealth of opportunities to hear local musicians, not just at famous festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits, but at smaller venues, eateries and coffeehouses across the city. It’s also a hotspot for barbecue, with dozens of restaurants and food trucks serving up smoked meats, hearty sides, brews and cocktails. And major attractions like the Austin Toy Museum and the Austin Nature & Science Center cater to visitors with kids in tow.
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