5 Last-Minute Picks for 4th of July Travel

More than just fireworks and parades, 4th of July travel conjures up red-checkered picnic tables, hot dogs and beach barbecues centered around family fun. And this year, the fortuitous timing of Fourth of July landing on a Thursday makes it easy to stretch that one day off into an extra long weekend to celebrate America’s birthday. 

Whether seeking mountain solace, warm beach vibes or big city adventure, we’ve rounded up a Fourth of July selection of great properties that still have some availability. 

Ready for your holiday travel?  Connect with Fora to plan & book your Independence Day getaway. 

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection, Rhode Island

Image courtesy of The ​​Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection

Once owned by the Vanderbilt family, this stately mansion is a sublime blend of old-world American elegance and updated modern style. Less than two hours south of Boston, Newport is known for its legendary estates owned by some of America’s wealthiest families, including the Vanderbilts. The manor’s sweeping double stairway and elegant fireplaces pay homage to the Gilded Age, while airy rooms and a colorful lounge provide updated flair. Posh rooms and suites are decorated in nautical tones, with some featuring soaking tubs. 

An on-site treasure is the hotel’s wellness area, which touts spa treatment rooms, an indoor pool and outdoor yoga classes. And although Downtown Newport’s restaurants are within walking distance, there’s also a rooftop, garden and sophisticated dining room for upscale plates and creative drinks. Time it right and you may catch of glimpse of Newport’s fireworks display on Independence Day.

“It’s always a pleasure booking clients at The Vanderbilt because its historic charm, modern luxury and welcoming hotel team make for an unforgettable stay every time,” said Fora Advisor Michelle Fuller.    

Insider tip: To celebrate the 4th of July, take a step back in time with billiards and whisky at the hotel’s Reserve Room, which can be reserved for Macallan whisky tastings.

Fora Reserve Perks:

• $100 resort credit, breakfast daily for two, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
  
  

The Ned NoMad, New York City

Image courtesy of The Ned NoMad

If you’ve ever longed for the glamor of 1920s New York City, The Ned NoMad is for you. Dark paneled walls, velvet banquettes and sultry lighting adorn the hotel’s lobby and cocktail bar, while generous rooms and suites opt for natural light, leather headboards and warm wood floors – the ideal place to spend a 4th of July staycation in New York. 

Take time to savor the property’s stellar art collection, inspired by the original woman owner of this 1903 gem, and head to the hotel’s club for live music. Just north of Madison Square Park (hence NoMad: north of Madison), the hotel positions guests close to iconic American landmarks in the big city like the Empire State Building, as well as within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops and the subway. And with Macy’s famous fireworks displays set off from barges on every side of Manhattan, you’ll want to find a rooftop to take in the impressive fireworks show.

Fora Advisor Sheila Nazarian raves about The Ned in NYC, specifically calling out the bar. 

“It is cozy and has great drinks,” she said. “The whole hotel is very hip, and the location is wonderful.”

Insider tip: Head to Cecconi’s in the hotel to cheers Independence Day during Negroni hour, which features a variety of Negroni-inspired cocktails each afternoon from 3 pm to 5 pm.

Fora Reserve Perks:

• Hotel credit, breakfast daily for two, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
  
  

Carneros Resort and Spa, Napa

Image courtesy of Carneros Resort and Spa

Set on 27 acres just 10 minutes from downtown Napa and a short road trip north of San Francisco, Carneros Resort and Spa has plenty of room for both families and couples to enjoy an fourth of July celebration. Giving off a California neighborhood vibe, charming individual cottages feature front porches and backyard fire pits, while residences are outfitted with kitchens for longer stays. 

Three restaurants and in-room dining take care of a variety of appetites, while the on-site activities keep guests busy with everything from pickle ball and spa treatments to two outdoor pools, including the adults-only hilltop pool. Make the most of wine country with the resort's new tasting room, and get local tips for family-friendly vineyards, hiking in nearby national parks and the area’s best July fireworks.

“This is an ideal choice for a girls' weekend,” said Fora Advisor Ashley Emala.  “There are ample areas perfect for gathering, particularly at the Hilltop Pool, and the complimentary resort bikes make it easy and fun to reach nearby wineries.”

Insider tip: Families can opt to turn their cottage yard into a 4th of July camp, complete with a tent, sleeping bag, kid-friendly campfire and s’mores kit – perfect for family fun over the July holiday weekend. Or, if you’re in an adults-only crew, be sure to book a ticket to the summertime Sunday pool parties, an adults-only gathering complete with DJ, local tastings and specialty bites.

Fora Reserve Perks:

• $150 resort credit, breakfast daily for two, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
  
  

Caldera House, Wyoming

Image courtesy of Caldera House

Set in the center of Teton Village, Caldera House offers an exceptional mountain weekend getaway for Independence Day. The resort’s prime mountainside location means guests are steps from the Jackson Hole Aerial Gondola, ideal for reaching those sweeping views and a multitude of hiking trails, as well as the famous mountaintop waffles at Corbet's Cabin.

Stylish suites are decked out with full kitchens and living areas, perfect for family fun, and on-site amenities include a spa with a fitness room, casual Italian and sushi dining options, and curated experiences, such as trout fishing, wooden boat tours and guided climbs. 

“This hotel has truly thought of everything - so you don’t have to,” Fora Advisor Amanda Blakly. “From rentals to fridge and bar stocking to itinerary planning and complimentary balcony moose sightings.”

Don’t miss the July holiday events, like a 10k run, parade and rodeo, making Teton Village a memorable choice for Fourth of July travel. And you won’t have to go far for pyrotechnics – there are fireworks displays two days in a row! For further exploration, extend the long weekend with a visit to Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park.

By the way, when you book a four-bedroom suite with a Fora Advisor, you’ll get 25% off your stay. Book your stay between June 1 and October 9, 2024 to take advantage of this offer.

Insider tip: The four-bedroom suites are more like residences, featuring complimentary snacks and soft drinks, impressively large kitchens and furnished balconies with fireplaces – ideal for your 4th of July getaway.

Fora Perks:

• $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily for two, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
  
  

Option: For another fantastic 4th of July Teton option, check out the Four Seasons Jackson Hole for your weekend getaway. This posh mountain getaway features an all-season pool, gorgeous mountain views and on-site naturalist, offering guided walks for the long weekend. Plus, if you book through a Fora Advisor, you’ll get VIP perks through our Four Seasons Preferred Partner program.

The Shore Club, Turks & Caicos

Image courtesy of The Shore Club

With four pools, a spa and a gorgeous beachfront location, The Shore Club offers a luxurious resort experience just a short plane ride away from the East Coast or Florida. And because it’s 4th of July, off-season airfare deals abound. Bright and airy suites have tranquil outdoor spaces, soaking tubs and minibars, while spacious villas add full kitchens and private concierge service. 

Guests have their choice of multiple bars and restaurants, which feature lovely terraces and a variety of menus. For the ultimate relaxation, guests head to the Dune Spa for a treatment or soak in the sun on beachfront loungers. Other pluses include a kids’ club, tennis courts and on-site water sports. Nearby fun can be found at Bight Park, where there’s a weekly fish fry, live music and a parade.

“The Shore Club is a bit of paradise, just private enough to skip the crowds of Grace Bay but lively enough to feel the Caribbean energy,” Fora Advisor Kim Hannum said. “They've got a world-class gym, lap pool and tennis courts tucked away into the most picturesque corner of the resort, inspiring enough to get you to work out even while on vacation.”

Insider tip: Book a private dinner on the resort’s private yacht, or better yet splurge for an overnight yachting excursion to celebrate America’s birthday.

Fora Perks:

• $100 resort credit, breakfast daily for two, an upgrade and extended check-in/out.
  
  

Ready to plan your holiday travel?  Connect with Fora to book your 4th of July weekend.