15 Last-Minute 4th of July Getaways You Can Still Book Now

2. FROM LOS ANGELES: MALIBU, CA

Malibu may be 32 miles from DTLA, but it feels like another world. Perched on either side of the Pacific Coast Highway, this laid-back beach town is everything you dream of for a summer weekend escape. First off, we’ve already made the case that it’s easy to get to (yes, even if you factor in Los Angeles traffic). Malibu also has pristine beaches, gorgeous hiking trails, revamped motels that are Instagram gold and wonderful restaurants. Love a casual spot? Hit up Malibu Farm Pier Cafe. For a scene-ier vibe, make a reservation at Nobu Malibu.

Where to stay:

• The Surfrider Hotel (2 guests): $525/night
• Malibu Beach Inn (2 guests): $715/night
• Lovely Casita (8 guests): $495/night

3. FROM CHICAGO: LAKE GENEVA, WI

Chicago enjoys gorgeous weather in summer. But to fully enjoy the sunshine and warmer temps, you’ve got to escape the city and get out on the water. Insert Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Just a 90-minute drive from the Windy City, this beloved summer destination is a magnet for travelers seeking waterfront fun in the form of beaches, booze cruises and the Geneva Lake Shore Path. What more could you possibly need for a fantastic 4th of July getaway?

Where to stay:

• Two Bedroom Condo (6 guests): $208/night
• Lost Oak on Center (6 guests): $244/night
• Beautiful Lake Como Home (8 guests): $375/night

4. FROM SAN DIEGO: ENCINITAS, CA

San Diego is already a totally vacation-worthy locale in its own right. But we suppose if you’re fortunate enough to call this sun-kissed city home all the time, you might want to switch it up for the 4th of July. If that’s the case, look no further than Encinitas. We’re stoked on this laid-back surf town. Perched on Highway 101, it promises world-class waves, beachfront yoga and all the bomb burritos you can eat.

Where to stay:

• Luxury Oceanview Condo (5 guests): $325/night
• Vintage Bungalow (6 guests): $350/night
• SoCal Townhouse (7 guests): $335/night

5. FROM HOUSTON: FREDERICKSBURG, TX

What makes Fredericksburg such a great summer vacation spot for Houstonians? Well, for starters, its location in the heart of Texas wine country means that beautiful scenery and terroir-driven sips are a given. What you might not realize about Fredericksburg is its German heritage. Prepare to chow down on schnitzel and toss back a frosty stein. (Think of it as a fun twist on the usual hot dogs and beer.) Round out Independence Day weekend by hiking Enchanted Rock.

Where to stay:

• Lone Star Cabin No. 4 (4 guests): $206/night
• Quaint Cottage (5 guests): $225/night
• Sweet Tea Guest House (7 guests): $245/night

6. FROM PHILADELPHIA: ATLANTIC CITY, NJ

Las Vegas isn’t the only place to roll the dice. The OG gambling and entertainment mecca, Atlantic City brings a little bit of everything to the table. Whether you’re keen on playing blackjack, zenning out with spa treatments, feasting on culinary delicacies prepared by big-name chefs, soaking up the sun or catching a concert (live music is back, baby!), this buzzing Jersey shore destination delivers. And with a slew of casino-hotels, staying like a high roller doesn’t mean spending all your winnings on a room.

Where to stay:

• Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (2 guests): $119/night
• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City (2 guests): $149/night
• Caesars Atlantic City (2 guests): $127/night

7. FROM SAN FRANCISCO: SONOMA VALLEY, CA

An hour outside of San Francisco lies picture-perfect Sonoma Valley (aka a less crowded and more wallet-friendly alternative to Napa). It’s not your typical fireworks, parades and hot dog eating contest type of Independence Day trip—and we totally dig that. Instead of the traditional 4th of July trappings, travelers can expect to sip award-winning vino at gorgeous vineyards, savor delicious food made by world-class chefs that highlights locally grown ingredients and soak in the wine country ambiance. (Definitely beats warm beer and burnt burgers, no?)

Where to stay:

• Gaige House + Ryokan (2 guests): $286/night
• Olea Hotel (2 guests): $380/night
• Harmon Guest House (2 guests): $389/night

8. FROM AUSTIN: DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX

If you aren’t a local, a trip to Austin sounds like a pretty awesome way to spend the 4th of July weekend. But we totally get that when you take up residence somewhere, it’s nice to get away every now and again. Just 30 minutes outside of Austin (that’s so close you could just go for the afternoon) sits Dripping Springs, a small town that’s packed with natural beauty, lick-your-lips-good BBQ, distilleries, breweries and outdoor activities.

Where to stay:

• Newly Restored Historic Home (6 guests): $198/night
• Hill Country Retreat (6 guests): $312/night
• Monticello Cottage (7 guests): $270/night

9. FROM PHOENIX: FLAGSTAFF, AZ

Need a break from the Phoenix heat? We don't blame you. Pack a bag, hop in the car and hightail it to Flagstaff—quite literally the coolest place in all of Arizona. (Summer temperatures average in the low 80s.) This city in the high country mountains is known as the gateway to Grand Canyon National Park and the San Francisco Peaks. It’s also home to ponderosa pine forests, an extinct volcano, many breweries and even the world’s largest ice cream cone factory.

Where to stay:

• Custom-Built Guest House (6 guests): $197/night
• Comfy Flagstaff House (6 guests): $207/night
• Mountain Retreat (10 guests): $185/night

10. FROM BOSTON: CAPE COD, MA

Cape Cod has long been the *it* summer destination on the East Coast. (The Kennedys famously have a compound in Hyannis Port...that really says it all.) If you want a classic New England escape that feels both posh and totally patriotic, Cape Cod is most certainly the move. Walk along the sandy beaches, admire the coastal cottages, go gallery hopping in Provincetown and stop by Devil's Purse Brewing Company for a Kölsch-style beer.

Where to stay:

• Beach Breeze Inn (2 guests): $229/night
• Lands End Inn (2 guests): $425/night
• Chatham Bars Inn (2 guests): $675/night

11. FROM SEATTLE: LEAVENWORTH, WA

We bet you never thought a trip to a Bavarian-style village was possible this late in the game. That’s just because you didn’t know about Leavenworth. Situated in the Cascade Mountains, this storybook town transports travelers to Germany with its enchanting architecture, sausages, craft beer and Nutcracker Museum. Is it the most patriotic option from Independence Day? Not by a long shot. But we’re into an out-of-the-ordinary locale, and Leavenworth definitely falls into that category.

Where to stay:

• Aventyr Hus (4 guests): $141/night
• Cozy Riverfront Cabin (4 guests): $175/night
• The Pinewood Farmhouse (6 guests): $285/night

12. FROM PORTLAND: WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OR

Drive outside Portland and you’ll arrive upon an idyllic destination called Willamette Valley. For those not familiar with Oregon's premier wine region, it rivals Burgundy (yes, Burgundy as in France) for pinot noir production. Besides incredible vino—and the myriad wineries, verdant vineyards and tasting rooms that come with the territory—it’s loaded with little towns (hello, McMinnville), independently owned shops, cafes serving fresh-roasted coffee, farm-to-fork eateries and hiking trails and spas.

Where to stay:

• Atticus Hotel (2 guests): $329/night
• Downtown McMinnville Cottage (4 guests): $150/night
• Charming Bungalow (4 guests): $195/night

13. FROM CHARLOTTE: ASHEVILLE, NC

We love a mountain town, and Asheville definitely fits the bill (OK, fine it’s a city but you get the idea). Anyway, this offbeat gem in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains has oodles of quirky charm and more activities than you could possibly pack into a long weekend. Choose between hundreds of hiking and biking trails or catch a concert at one of the many live music venues. Don’t forget to hit up the many studios and galleries in the Downtown Art District.

Where to stay:

• Creekside Cottage (4 guests): $217/night
• Modern Downtown Apartment (4 guests): $260/night
• Luxury Riverfront Cabin (4 guests): $483/night

14. FROM COLUMBUS: HOCKING HILLS, OH

You’d be hard-pressed to find natural beauty that rivals Hocking Hills just outside a major city (or anywhere for that matter). That’s a huge reason we’re so smitten with this real-life Eden located 57 miles from Columbus. Beloved by outdoorsy travelers, Hocking Hills boasts a breathtaking mix of caves, gushing waterfalls, rocky gorges and dense forests. It goes without saying that hiking, biking, fishing and camping are popular activities you won’t want to miss.

Where to stay:

• Black Bear Retreat (2 guests): $179/night
• Rockview Cottage (4 guests): $146/night
• Modern Loft (4 guests): $289/night

15. FROM DENVER: STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO

Denver is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring so many picturesque places in Colorado. For an easy and epic 4th of July getaway from the Mile High City, we have our eyes on Steamboat Springs (and you should too). Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, this off-the-beaten-path yet totally accessible destination has lots to eat, drink and do. There are scenic hiking trails, tons of great restaurants, breweries and, of course, the Steamboat Gondola.

Where to stay:

• Ski-In/Out Condo (4 guests): $137/night
• Fully Remodeled Condo (4 guests): $174/night
• Tranquil Log Cabin (10 guests): $336/night

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