Awesome 4th of July vacation ideas (& What to Pack)

As the 4th of July holiday weekend is approaching, now is the ideal time to think about getting away, whether it will be a road trip or an escape to one of America's best destinations to celebrate Independence Day. 

4th of July Vacation Ideas

If you're trying to figure out where to travel and what to do, we are here to offer you some amazing 4th of July vacation ideas.

Visit a Historic Monument

The National Park System has dozens of historic sites and monuments that proudly remind us of the political, cultural, social, and military history of the United States. To enjoy an ultimate 4th of July vacation, choose one of the historic landmarks that hold patriotic celebrations in the days leading up to and after the 4th of July.

Embark on a Patriotic Road Trip

Road trips are great all year, but they're especially good if you're planning a last-minute summer getaway. The 4th of July is a perfect time for a road trip that will add a patriotic theme to your adventure. You can drive through the states, stopping at the patriotic sites that are so important to our country's history.

Escape into Remote Environments

Some of the finest long weekends can be spent getting away from the crowds, traveling to rural areas, and paying respect to some of the country's most famous scenery and locations. If you long for a quiet and cozy Independence Day, just stay out of the way instead of aiming to the 'see-and-be-seen' mindset. 

Organize a Patriotic Bike Ride

Community Independence Day activities include parades with marching bands, spectacular floats, and antique vehicles. But there's nothing quite like participating in a parade to make it more enjoyable, and a neighborhood bike parade is a terrific way to get everyone involved. Decorate bicycles and wagons with streamers, pinwheels, and flags, then go for a leisurely spin around the block with friends and family.

See Fireworks or Attend a Concert

Since its inaugural anniversary in 1777, America has lit off fireworks to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Nothing lifts our spirits like the sound of red, white, and blue rockets exploding in the sky along with patriotic music playing in the background.

Enjoy a Sunny Beach

If traveling from site to site with kids doesn't seem a great idea and you still have doubts about what to do on the 4th of July, you can always opt for a sunny beach. The U.S. is home to 12,383 miles of coastline. Some of the world's greatest beaches can be found from coast to coast and they're just waiting for you to discover them.

Have a Picnic

Finally, if you have no time for traveling, a picnic can be a great option. Whether you're having your picnic in the park or in your own garden, an American flag picnic blanket you can paint yourself will display your patriotism from the ground up. An activity that is sure to be a hit with the whole family!

Watch a Patriotic Movie

Set up an outdoor movie theater with comfortable seats on your lawn if the weather permits, then sit back and enjoy some of the best patriotic films, such as Yankee Doodle Dandy, The Patriot, Lincoln, or Miracle. Of course, if it rains, you can easily shift the party into the family room, popcorn and all.

Host a Backyard Competition

To keep everyone entertained and outside all day, host a family soccer or badminton match. You may also include various awards for the winners (and losers, of course), as well as entertaining 4th of July crafts and food.

What to Pack for the Fourth of July Weekend

Once you have examined and discussed all possible 4th of July vacation ideas and decided to travel, the next step is figuring out what to pack. Summer style should be comfortable, easy, and breezy. 

However, the 4th of July weekend is the perfect time to add a patriotic touch to your outfit, so don’t forget to take red, white, and blue T-shirts, tops, and caps. To make packing a little easier, we’ve put together a list of all the necessities you’ll need for an ideal vacation. 

Clothes

The number of clothes will obviously depend on the destination and duration of your holiday but you will surely need a traditional pack that includes:

• Shoes (summer shoes like sandals or flip flops, etc.)
• Shorts (boardshorts, trunks)
• Trousers and leggings
• T-Shirts and longsleeves 
• Dresses and skirts
• Bathing suits
• Pajamas
• Sweaters and cardigans
• Coats or rain jackets
• Socks and underwear

Sun Protection

Whether you are planning a beach vacation or want to visit a historic site, sun protection is a must. To protect yourself from UVB rays, don’t forget about

• Sunglasses

It’s extremely important to block UV rays and keep them from reaching your eyes, especially in summer. Several types of sun lenses have different benefits to meet your specific needs. Just choose the best option.

• Good sunscreen and clothing

Getting too much sun and growing as red as a tomato is by no means pleasant, right? To avoid nasty sunburns, follow three simple rules: apply sunscreen before heading out, make sure to get clothing with a UPF50 rating, keep the sun's schedule in mind.

• Lip balm with SPF 

For protecting lips from the sun's damaging rays, a good lip balm with SPF is a must-have.

• Wide-brimmed hats

A wide-brimmed hat can be your best bet in terms of sun protection. It’ll shield you from direct UV rays and reflected rays from the sand and water.

Don’t Forget Toiletries

Nobody wants to go three or more days without washing their face and brushing their teeth! A good toiletry bag can be a fantastic travel accessory that will include:

• Soaps and creams
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Brush & hair elastics
• Toothbrushes & toothpaste
• A first-aid kit with bandages, medicines, antibiotic cream, etc.

Security 

Security is always a top priority when you're traveling, so you should consider having

• RFID blocking wallet

A dependable, RFID-protected wallet is the finest travel gear you'll need to keep your cash and documents safe on the road.

• Luggage locks

If you need to carry some expensive items, you may think about purchasing high-security locks to protect your luggage.

• Emergency app 

This software, developed by the American Red Cross, acts as a "go-to" reference on what travelers should do in case of 14 various sorts of crises in the U.S.

• Rubber door stop

This could bring an extra layer of protection to your hotel room

Remember the documents (tickets, passport, identification, itinerary) the extras (phones & chargers, camera, electronics) and amusements (books, toys, games). In case you want to take your laptop, you will also need a  reliable backpack that will protect it from damage.

We wish you the greatest vacation ever!

Mariam Simmons

Mariam Simmons is a fashion enthusiast and Content Manager at Alpine Swiss. She loves traveling to the world’s top stylish destinations and gets inspired to create helpful fashion and lifestyle guides. With over a decade of writing experience, her main goal in creating content is to ensure readers learn something useful and provide value instead of noise.