Best 4th of July Vacations That Aren’t the Beach

Summer is in the air, and the Fourth of July is just around the corner. If you’re trying to get ahead of the crowd and the basic beach getaway just isn’t cutting it, you’ll need some July holiday inspiration. Luckily, we have some unforgettable Independence Day event destinations in mind. From New England to Texas, to the New York mountainscape, and more, there’s an exciting Fourth of July vacation in this blog for you. Continue reading, and start planning your celebration!

Fourth of July Celebrations

What do you imagine when you think of Independence Day celebrations? Fireworks, parades, waving flags, live music, and delicious food? Ditch the usual destinations this year, like Myrtle Beach and Disney World, and head to cities with more charm, more enthusiasm, and more American culture. Explore the best 4th of July vacations below and start planning your Independence Day getaway today.

Best 4th of July Vacations in Fredericksburg, TX

The beautiful city of Fredericksburg in Texas Hill Country is known for its breathtaking landscape, charming wineries, and bustling Main Street. Yet, Fredericksburg truly comes alive on the Fourth of July. Since 1991, the community has come together to present the Fredericksburg, Texas, 4th of July Parade. This patriotic celebration begins on Main Street at 10 a.m. and heads east toward the National Museum of the Pacific War, then turns west toward Bowie Street. The parade features live music, festive floats, and plenty of fun. So, grab a chair and an ice-cold drink and enjoy the parade!

Those in Fredericksburg looking for fireworks displays will find plenty to choose from. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park hosts a fireworks show on the fourth at 9:30 p.m., as do Oakcrest Park and Gillespie County Fairgrounds. Since the Fourth of July falls on a Friday this year, enjoy a long weekend with a stay at one of the most unique hotels in town.

Stay in the Wine Barrel Cabins

The best 4th of July vacations include great hotels, and this one-of-a-kind lodging in Fredericksburg doesn’t disappoint. The Wine Barrel Cabins are just moments from Fredericksburg restaurants, attractions, and holiday festivities, making them the perfect place to call home during the celebrations. Each cabin features a unique wine flavor on the interior, ranging from Rosé to Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Tempranillo. These elegant cabins sleep two and feature a king bed, as well as luxurious amenities such as a barrel vanity sink, intricately tiled showers, kitchenettes, and peaceful porches overlooking the countryside.

Best 4th of July Vacations in River Ranch, Florida

Celebrate Independence Day in River Ranch, Florida, at the Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo. As one of the best 4th of July vacations, this Western-themed resort is the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi, featuring a weekend packed with Fourth of July fun for the whole family. Guests enjoy fireworks, field day games, patriot-themed cocktails, a holiday crafts fair, and plenty of barbecues for family cookouts.

Moreover, guests can book specialty holiday deals and spend the weekend engaging in activities such as square dancing, cheering at the Saturday night rodeo, horseback riding, and other exciting outdoor pursuits at River Ranch. So, pack your cowboy boots and red, white, and blue and head to Westgate River Ranch this July 4, 2025.

Stay at Westgate River Ranch

Nothing says Independence Day like authentic Western accommodations. Here at Westgate River Ranch, choose from one-of-a-kind Florida glamping accommodations like luxe cabins, teepees, and wagons, as well as cozy lodge suites with homelike comforts, though you’ll rarely be in your room. This expansive property offers a range of outdoor activities to make the best 4th of July vacation, including a rodeo, ziplining, fishing, airboat rides, and more. You don’t have to go far for good eats and drinks either. Stop by the saloon for line dancing and an adult refreshment, or enjoy a family dinner at the riverfront Smokehouse on the River.

Best 4th of July Vacations in the Catskills

How does an unforgettable July Fourth celebration with breathtaking views sound? Outside of the stunning mountainscape, offering a wealth of outdoor activities, New York State’s Catskills features one of the region’s best 4th of July vacations, especially within Sullivan County. On July 3rd, head to Main Street, Narrowsburgh, for the best fireworks in town. But be sure to arrive early for a good view!

The following day, head to the Annual Liberty Festival, featuring a classic car show, free concerts, a parade, bouncy houses, and another fantastic fireworks show. Other July Fourth events in the county include the Town of Fallsburg Independence Day Celebration and Spectacular Fireworks at the Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon. Then once the holiday is over, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, the Hudson River, quaint towns, and other things to do in the summer that the Catskills are known for.

Stay at Callicoon Hills

The stunning Callicoon Hills is nestled among 23 acres in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. This boutique outdoor hotel features an endless number of outdoor experiences in the Appalachian countryside. From a yoga deck with sweeping views of the mountains to a sparkling oversized pool, to a luxurious Finnish sauna and indoor-outdoor gym, Callicoon Hills is your own little piece of heaven in the mountains. Moreover, you’ll find fresh farm-to-table restaurants and delicious cocktails on-site at the Conover Club, as well as coffee and bites at Rise & Shine Coffee Shop. Guests can choose from A-Frame cabins for two, the family-sized Creekside Cabin, or a cozy suite within the Boarding House, Pool House, or Ridge Rooms.

Best 4th of July Vacations in Stowe, Vermont

Of course, New England features many of the best 4th of July vacations. With a rich history and innate patriotism, spending July 4th in New England is definitely a bucket-list getaway. However, Stowe, Vermont, offers an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration that you won’t soon forget. In fact, Stowe was featured in the Fodor Travel “America’s 15 Best Small-Town Fourth of July Celebrations.”

The Village of Stowe features a vibrant 4th of July parade, along with a full day of festivities and food. Start the day with the Old-Fashioned Village Festival, featuring art vendors and food, then watch the pie-eating contest and “World’s Shortest Marathon.” Then, head to the Annual Village Parade to enjoy live entertainment and festivities, and end the night with a fireworks show at the Mayo Events Field with Mount Mansfield as the backdrop. Now, where to stay during your vacation in Stowe?

Stay at Outbound Stowe

Outbound Stowe is just a few miles from town, making it a great place for friends and family to stay during one of the best 4th of July vacations in New England. Their motto “Nature on Tap” comes alive here, with hotel amenities like the region’s largest pool, a hot tub, fire pits, seating along the burbling West Branch Little River, and direct access to the Stowe Recreation Path, which is the starting point for the “World’s Shortest Marathon”! What’s not to love? Not to mention, this boutique hotel is home to Eastside Bar + Bites, a local favorite serving craft cocktails, brews, and seasonal bites both indoors and al fresco. Book a spacious suite, cottage, or cabin that sleeps two to six guests, featuring plush beds and cozy decor. Learn what else to do in Stowe in the summertime!

Make July 4th Spectacular with Nook Outdoors

Ready to experience the best 4th of July vacations? Nook Outdoors makes holiday adventure simple. Unlike typical resorts, our collection of boutique hotels, cabins, and glamping resorts puts nature at the forefront of vacations. Nook brings travelers to some of the U.S.’ most spectacular landscapes, all while maintaining the comfort, luxury, and modern amenities you know and love. So, if you’re ready to start planning your Independence Day getaway, start with Nook. Book a July or June vacation at one of these hotels, or browse our entire portfolio below!