Tired of overcrowded firework shows and awful traffic every 4th of July weekend? Here are our favorite unconventional destinations for a fun, fresh, and comfortable Independence Day celebration.
Pacific City, OR
Our first pick for a unique 4th of July you’ll never forget is Pacific City, Oregon. Spend this patriotic holiday on the beaches of the Pacific coast – nab one of our vacation homes just a stone’s throw from the ocean and spend your leisure time wading through the waves or roasting marshmallows around a bonfire in the sand.
Enjoy evenings of drink, food, and live music at the Holiday Weekend Fest: Shoot to Thrill in nearby Lincoln City, July 2nd – 4th.
Experience Pacific City’s signature Live Music on the Ocean Deck with an afternoon of Classic Rock covers in the sunshine on July 3rd.
Close out your vacation with a bang at the annual Pacific City Fireworks in Bob Straub State Park on the night of July 4th – wear red, white, and blue, bring your friends and family, and watch the citywide fireworks display light up the sky.
Port Angeles, WA
This 4th of July destination boasts beautiful forests and small town charm, and our vacation homes in Port Angeles, Washington will provide you with that same magic!
Begin with time in the great outdoors in Olympic National Park, hiking, boating, fishing, climbing, wildlife viewing, playing in tidepools, and engaging in audio tours.
The real Independence Day festivities open on the 4th with the Port Angeles Annual Parade in the downtown area, where the small town culture is at its richest.
Follow the parade with the all-day Elwha River Campgrounds 4th of July celebration for BBQ and an evening firework display!
Hot Springs, AR
If you want a ton of options to keep your 4th of July weekend popping, then the village of Hot Springs, Arkansas is the perfect choice for your stay.
Jump-start your vacation with the Stars and Stripes Festival kick-off on July 2nd and enjoy live music, drinks, kayak rentals, prize raffles, and boat rides!
On the 3rd, enter your kiddos (if you have them) into the Hot Springs Village Kids Fishing Derby for free. And for the adults? Enjoy the Rock Porch Live Concert and local food truck catering in the evening – or head on over to the Hot Springs National Park just after sunset for the Independence Day Fireworks over the state’s beautiful Lake Hamilton, available for viewing on boats or on land.
Enjoy all-evening lakeside live concerts, food, and drink with the Xplore Restaurants Concert on the 4th, and finish off with fireworks at Lake Balboa Beach (shuttles provided from several locations).
If you’re sticking around for the 5th, take part in the Stars and Stripes Fishing Tournament for adults, with $20 entry and plenty to gain.
Broken Bow, OK
A charming choice for your 4th of July, Broken Bow, Oklahoma (and the area immediately surrounding it) is chock-full of patriotic fun and Southern spirit.
Start your weekend off with the Broken Bow fireworks over Choctaw Casino on July 1st. Live music concerts will be rocking out at Oak Tree Lounge on July 2nd and 3rd.
Want some more time with nature? Head to the Beaver Bend National Park (just 15 minutes from the comfort of our vacation homes) for some hiking, swimming, campfire-ing, and more!
End your weekend right with the Wright City Rodeo (open July 1 – July 4); rodeo festivities include bareback horses, kid events, barrel racing, bull riding, and another free fireworks display on the night of the 4th!
