7 Creative Getaway Ideas for the 4th of July Holiday

Dreaming of a quick getaway for the 4th of July or another long weekend this summer? The possibilities are endless — whether you're craving a U.S. road trip or a short flight to Europe, there's something for everyone.

While the Memorial Day weekend marked the unofficial start of the summer travel season, AAA reports that many Americans actually hit the road later in the summer. For instance, 41.3 million traveled over Memorial Day, but around 46.9 million are expected to travel for Independence Day.

Though many Americans choose to take a road trip, according to AAA, adventurous travelers shouldn’t overlook destinations in Canada or even Europe.

Dinogo has curated a list of seven exciting options, from lesser-known international getaways to hidden gems within the U.S. — plus a few spots in between. Each destination is perfect for a mini-summer vacation, whether you’re celebrating the 4th of July weekend or planning a later summer escape.

Big Sur, California

After nearly two years of landslides closing off a section of California's iconic Highway 1, Big Sur is once again welcoming travelers eager to experience its breathtaking natural beauty and enchanting coastline.

Nestled between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Big Sur offers a true escape. This remote destination provides a rare sense of isolation — cell phone service is spotty, and the nearest major grocery store is over an hour's drive away.

Disconnected from the hustle and bustle, visitors are treated to sweeping views of rugged cliffs and the mighty Pacific Ocean. Don’t miss the impressive Bixby Creek Bridge, or the hiking trails and serene beaches at Garrapata State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

Big Sur offers a mix of rustic and luxurious accommodations, from eco-friendly stays at the charming Glen Oaks Big Sur to the high-end, celebrity-favorite Post Ranch Inn. A spa treatment nestled in the forest is the perfect way to unwind and take in the surroundings.

Garrapata State Park, 34500 CA-1, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923, +1 831 624 4909

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, 52801 California State Route 1, Big Sur, CA 93920, +1 831 667 1112

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, 58 Riley Ranch Road, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923, +1 831 624 4909

Glen Oaks, 47080 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920, +1 831 667 2105

Post Ranch Inn, 47900 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920, +1 831 667 2200

Buffalo, New York

When summer arrives, this vibrant city on Lake Erie comes alive. With blue skies and outdoor patios at countless restaurants and bars along Elmwood Avenue, just north of downtown, Buffalo truly thrives in the warmer months.

Architecture aficionados will find plenty of fascinating spots to explore throughout the city.

From the grand Tudor mansions around Delaware Park to the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Darwin D. Martin House, and further out to Graycliff, perched above the lake, Buffalo is a treasure trove of architectural wonders. Both Wright properties offer guided tours of their exquisitely restored interiors and expansive grounds. Complete the experience with a visit to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, home to a stunning collection of modern and contemporary art.

For those seeking art in unconventional forms, such as poetry or outdoor installations created by SUNY Buffalo students, Silo City is the place to be. This historic grain elevator complex has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, complete with a food and drink venue.

Foodies will find plenty to indulge in. While Buffalo is known for its world-famous chicken wings (they were invented here, after all), don’t miss newer spots like Black Sheep and Dobutsu, which have quickly become local favorites.

If your long weekend stretches to Tuesday, be sure to visit Larkin Square for its food truck lineup. Grab a bite from Ted’s (famous for their footlongs with onion rings) or Lloyd (offering braised beef tacos) while enjoying free live music.

For a truly unforgettable stay, book a room at Hotel Henry, another of the city’s architectural masterpieces that blends historic charm with modern luxury.

Delaware Park, 83 Parkside Ave., Buffalo, NY 14214, +1 716 838 1249

Darwin D. Martin House, 125 Jewett Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14214, +1 877 377 3858

Graycliff, 6472 Old Lake Shore Road, Derby, NY 14047, +1 716 947 9217

Albright-Knox Art Gallery, 1285 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14222, +1 716 882 8700

Silo City, 105 Silo City Row, Buffalo, NY 14203

Black Sheep, 367 Connecticut St., Buffalo, NY 14213, +1 716 884 1100

Dobutsu, 500 Seneca St., Suite 119, Buffalo, NY 14204, +1 716 322 6004

Larkin Square, 745 Seneca St., Buffalo, NY 14210, +1 716 362 2665

Hotel Henry, 444 Forest Ave., Buffalo, NY 14213, +1 716 882 1970

Champagne, France

The birthplace of the world-famous bubbly and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Champagne region is only a 45-minute train ride from Paris. While it's popular for day trips, there’s much more to discover for those looking to stay longer.

Wine lovers can tour some of the region’s 450 Champagne producers and cooperatives for tastings. Whether it's the renowned Moet & Chandon or the more niche Henriet-Bazin, there’s a variety of options to suit every taste.

Not just for wine enthusiasts, Champagne offers something for everyone. History buffs can explore the majestic Reims Cathedral, a medieval Roman Catholic site dating back to the 13th century. For active travelers, scenic bike rides, runs, hot air balloon rides, boat tours along the Marne River, and horseback rides through the valley are all available.

Then there are the restaurants, which are attractions in their own right. One of the hottest dining spots is the three-Michelin-starred L'Assiette Champenoise in Reims, offering innovative French cuisine made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

For those looking to splurge, the newly opened Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa is the place to be. Designed like a modern amphitheater, the hotel features 49 stylish rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant called Le Royal, a luxurious spa, a Champagne bar with over 200 varieties, and a fleet of electric bikes for guests.

Moet & Chandon, 20 avenue de Champagne, 51200, Epernay, France, +33 3 26 51 20 20

Henriet-Bazin, 9 rue des Mises, 51380 Villers-Marmery, France, +33 03 26 84 07 79

L’Assiette Champenoise, 40 avenue Paul Vaillant-Couturier, 51430 Tinqueux, France, +33 0 3 26 84 64 64

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, 9 rue de la République, 51160 Champillon, France, +33 3 26 52 87 11

Cotswolds, England

Spanning nearly 800 square miles, the Cotswolds is just under a three-hour drive from London. While it’s vast, visitors can easily explore part of it during a short trip. Its beauty, with rolling meadows dotted with daffodils and quaint Jane Austen-inspired villages featuring sunlit stone cottages, is particularly breathtaking in the summer.

Spend your days in the Cotswolds exploring historic landmarks like Berkeley Castle and Blenheim Palace, both 18th-century treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The region also offers outdoor activities such as scenic village-to-village walks, cycling along picturesque country roads, fishing, golf, and horseback riding, all adding to its charm.

Cheltenham, one of the Cotswolds' largest cities, offers plenty to see and do. Known for its Regency-era architecture with elegant white stucco buildings, this vibrant town also boasts a thriving restaurant scene and hosts festivals celebrating science, literature, and more.

The Cotswolds’ accommodation options have evolved, shedding their former stuffy, traditional style. Modern gems like The Wild Rabbit in Chipping Norton, which features a fantastic restaurant, are now available. For a more exclusive experience, Soho Farmhouse, a 100-acre estate in Oxfordshire, is a favorite of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire, 13 9PJ, United Kingdom, +44 01453 810303

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, OX20 1PP, United Kingdom, +44 1993 810530

The Wild Rabbit, Church Street, Kingham, Oxfordshire, OX7 6YA, United Kingdom, +44 01608 658389

Soho Farmhouse, Great Tew, Chipping Norton, OX7 4JS, United Kingdom, +44 01608 691 000

Providence, Rhode Island

Providence’s burgeoning arts and culinary scenes rival those of major cities around the world.

In the last decade, Providence's downtown has been transformed into a vibrant open-air gallery, featuring murals and sculptures. A standout attraction is WaterFire, a captivating art installation with over 80 bonfires floating on the three rivers that run through the city. This breathtaking display will light up on July 20 to mark the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.

Providence’s performance scene is just as exciting. The Providence Fringe Festival, taking place from July 21 to 28, showcases a range of performances by both up-and-coming and established artists, with acts ranging from improv comedy to eclectic variety shows featuring music and drag.

For food lovers, Providence offers the highly anticipated Restaurant Weeks, running from July 7 to 20. During this event, diners can enjoy three-course meals at some of the city’s best (and normally pricey) restaurants, all at affordable prices.

No matter when you visit, the city’s culinary offerings are top-notch. Waterman Grille, set along the Blackstone River, serves French-inspired dishes made with fresh New England ingredients. Known for its creative cocktails and standout wood-fired steaks, it’s one of the toughest reservations in town.

WaterFire, 4 N Main St., Providence, RI 02903, +1 401 273 1155

The Providence Fringe Festival, 40 Sonoma Court, Providence, RI 02909, +1 401 400 7100

Providence Restaurant Weeks, Downtown Providence, RI 02903, +1 401 456 2000

Waterman Grille, 4 Richmond Square, Providence, RI 02906, +1 401 521 9229

St. Michaels, Maryland

St. Michaels, a historic waterfront town just 90 minutes by car or 45 minutes by boat from Washington, D.C., is the perfect destination for those drawn to scenic beauty, rich history, and waterfront activities. Known for outsmarting the British during the War of 1812 with a clever blackout ruse, it's a haven for sailors, golf lovers, history buffs, and seafood enthusiasts.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is one of the region's top attractions. Visitors can delve into the area's history and heritage through its 12 exhibition buildings, a collection of historic vessels, and a narrated boat tour showcasing life on the Eastern Shore.

Spend a leisurely afternoon wandering St. Michaels’ quaint downtown, filled with charming antique shops and waterfront seafood eateries like The Crab Claw, renowned for its mouthwatering crab clusters.

Lyon Distilling Co., a microdistillery known for its exceptional rum selection, is a must-visit for spirits enthusiasts.

For accommodations, there are numerous charming, family-run bed and breakfasts. However, for those in search of luxury, the Inn at Perry Cabin stands out. Featuring a fleet of vintage sailboats, a golf course, a spa, and a restaurant that celebrates local flavors, it's a self-contained oasis that may make it hard to leave.

The Crab Claw, 304 Burns St., St. Michaels, MD 21663, +1 410 745 2900

Lyon Distilling Co., 605 S. Talbot St. #6, St. Michaels, MD 21663, +1 443 333 9181

Inn at Perry Cabin, 308 Watkins Lane, St. Michaels, MD 21663, +1 888 805 8885

Toronto, Canada

Canada’s largest city, Toronto, stands as a global hub for culture and entertainment. Conveniently located between New York City, Chicago, and Montreal, it’s just a 90-minute flight from many parts of the U.S. and Canada. Known for its cultural diversity, with more than half of its residents born outside the country, this diversity is reflected in the city’s vibrant events, restaurants, and shops.

Summer in Toronto is packed with more than 30 festivals, including those celebrating jazz, Caribbean culture, local cuisine, and craft beer, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s rich offerings.

While outdoor activities might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a major city, Toronto offers plenty of options for nature lovers. You can bike or hike in Rouge Park, Canada’s only urban national park, or enjoy a peaceful canoe ride around the Toronto Islands.

Adrenaline junkies won’t want to miss EdgeWalk, a thrilling 30-minute experience that takes you 116 stories above Toronto on a narrow five-foot ledge around the iconic CN Tower.

The city’s vibrant markets, including Kensington Market, Gerrard India Bazaar, and Evergreen Brick Works, are also a highlight. These spots feature everything from handmade local crafts and antiques to fresh spices and local craft beer on tap.

For those seeking luxury accommodations, the newest high-end hotels include the Kimpton Saint George and St. Regis (the only one of its kind in Canada), both located downtown.

EdgeWalk, CN Tower 290 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada, +1 416 86 86937

Kimpton Saint George, 280 Bloor St. W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V8, Canada, +1 888 563 2004

St. Regis, 325 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5H 4G3, Canada, +1 416 306 5800