Summer is officially in full swing, which means it’s almost time to celebrate the red, white, and blue. The Fourth of July is always a huge highlight of the season because it means the air is warm and burgers are on the grill. What makes or breaks the 4th is how you spend it, so if you are still on the hunt for the perfect getaway, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
Yelp’s data scientists have compiled a list of the top cities across the nation to take advantage of this holiday in, as well as the best things to eat, see, and do within each destination. Using Yelp data on consumer activity, we identified the cities with the highest level of consumer activity during the July 4, 2018, getaway period (June 29-July 4, Friday-Wednesday). Then we ranked the cities by consumer activity increase during that period relative to activity in the Friday-Wednesday periods seven days before and after.
Whether you’re in the mood for fireworks or ocean views, you are guaranteed to find a spot on the list to make your Independence Day dreams come true.
- Monterey, CA
- Eat: Stop by Monterey’s Fish House for some of Monterey’s freshest, tastiest seafood that Yelpers from all over are raving about.
- Do: Pay a quick visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium to check out some sea otters, penguins, and so much more. This is one of the West Coast’s most popular aquariums, so it will not disappoint.
- Stay: If being by the water is your ideal way to spend a holiday, then be sure to stay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. This hotel has the best views and if you book a room with an ocean view, complimentary binoculars are provided so that you can take in all the sights there are to see, as well as catch fireworks right from your room!
- Atlantic City, NJ
- Eat: Grab a bite to eat at The Continental and do not leave without trying the famous French onion soup dumplings that Yelpers come from far and wide to try.
- See: Check out the historic Absecon Lighthouse which is a quick climb that will bring you to stunning views of the boardwalk and the ocean.
- Do: Cool off at Richman’s Ice Cream Company, an Atlantic City classic. Whether you want to try their iconic ice cream or get your 4th of July hot dog and burger fix, this spot has an extensive menu that you won’t want to pass up.
- Ocean City, MD
- Eat: Stop into the city’s hidden gem, Hooked, for dinner and try out some of OC’s quality seafood and a crab dip that Yelpers love.
- Stay: Book a room at the Atlantic House Bed & Breakfast which is recognized for its central location which makes it easier for you to access popular OC attractions such as the boardwalk, beach, and downtown!
- Do: Take a tasting tour at Seacrets Distilling Company, which is loved by vacationers and locals alike for their rums, whiskeys, vodkas, and more.
- Palm Springs, CA
- Eat: Dine at locally-owned Trio Restaurant for a hip brunch or dinner that is sure to be delicious at whichever time you choose to go.
- See: Spend a few hours or a whole day exploring all the levels at the Palm Springs Art Museum which has a powerful collection of modern art on display.
- Do: Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for a scenic ride up to the top of Mount San Jacinto and hike the desert view trail or enjoy a relaxing picnic surrounded by nature.
- Miami Beach, FL
- Eat: A Miami hotspot for burgers is Kush. This quirky spot is sure to satisfy your wildest burger cravings whether you’d like waffles for buns or would like to toss on guava jelly as a topping.
- See: The eclectic Wynwood Walls are a must-see that encompass more than forty unique, ever-changing murals. Stop by these colorful streets for a fun 4th of July activity that is completely free and will undoubtedly provide you with tons of photo ops.
- Do: Spend some time at Zoo Miami where you can make a few new animal friends or cool off with the kids at the waterpark. You don’t want to miss this spot that Yelpers deem to be one of the best Miami attractions.
- Portland, ME
- Eat: Duckfat is a spot that tourists and locals line up for before opening, for it has killer poutine that will make visiting Portland worth the trip.
- See: Checking out the diverse collection of artists featured at Portland’s Museum of Art is one of the best ways to spend your time while you are in the city. Here you will be able to gaze at pieces by Monet, Picasso, and many more art giants!
- Do: A great way to see the city while filling your stomach at the same time is by taking a Maine Foodie Tour. This city has an amazing food scene and what better way to experience it all than being taken to multiple restaurants, bakeries, and bars by a professional!
- Kihei, HI
- Eat: If you are in Kihei, you cannot pass up the opportunity to dine at Nalu’s South Shore Grill. This spot provides some of the most authentic and flavorful Hawaiian food that you can enjoy alongside some relaxing live music. Yelpers love this place so much that they pay multiple visits within their trip!
- Stay: When in Kihei, book your stay at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. This resort has so much to offer such as infinity pools, private ocean access, and the delectable Ka’Ana Kitchen.
- Do: Take advantage of Hawaii’s warm waters by taking a snorkeling tour with Redline Rafting and keep your eyes out for dolphins, sharks, and more!
- Bend, OR
- Eat: It just so happens that Bend is the home of Yelp’s Top Place to Eat in 2019, Bangers & Brews. Stop in to try its bangers and mash or fries that you surely won’t forget.
- See: Learn about Bend’s history by visiting the High Desert Museum where you can browse through exhibits inside or take in the summer weather at its outdoor displays.
- Do: Take a brewery tour at Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room. This beer tour is a huge hit for people who make trips to Bend (and the samples are super generous which is a plus).
- Savannah, GA
- Eat: Enjoy a southern, family-style dining experience at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room and don’t forget to order their famous fried chicken.
- See: Take a relaxing stroll through Forsyth Park and take in all of its beauty. This park is in the historic district of Savannah and takes up 30 acres that you could spend hours admiring!
- Do: Take your pick at the rides around town that Savannah Slow Ride has to offer. This is a 15-person bike ride that can take you on a ghost tour, pub crawl, or show you around Savannah’s Historic District.
- St Louis, MO
- Eat: Stop by Pappy’s Smokehouse for the best barbecue in St. Louis and leave super satisfied after a great meal of ribs, corn, and more!
- See: Check the famed St. Louis Arch off your list with a quick visit to the top and bask in all the views it has to offer! This is the city’s famed landmark, so you won’t want to miss it (you can even have a quick bite to eat inside).
- Do: The Missouri Botanical Garden could very well be the highlight of your trip. Here you could feed koi fish, enjoy reading on a wooden bench, or have a picnic surrounded by colorful blooming flowers.
