Looking for a last-minute July 4 vacation? Want to see fireworks, or hang out by the beach, relax by the lake, or visit an iconic city like NYC, Boston, Chicago, or Miami? Look no further, we have your Independence Day vacation options right here. Best of all, those savings go right back into your pocket and not Uncle Sam’s.

According to Hotwire data, big-city hotel rates are actually going down for the July 4 weekend. Look for deals in Portland, Boston, Seattle, and Los Angeles, and especially in Chicago where reduced convention travel on the holiday weekend translates into an 11 percent drop compared to last year. 

Fourth of July Flights!

CheapOair is offering affordable vacation deals that allow you to book a family-friendly hotel and round-trip airfare. Deals are good for travel from July 3 – July 7 and must be booked by June 30. So act now and take advantage of these savings;

  • Known for the fireworks display on a Navy Pier cruise line, Chicago is a fun family destination this July 4 holiday. CheapOair is offering vacation deals from New York to Chicago starting at $784 per person. The package includes round-trip airfare and a 4-night/5-day stay at The Palmer House Hilton.
  • Parades, fireworks and historical tours, the Ti – Treasure Island Hotel and Casino is where all of the action is in Central Las Vegas. CheapOair has vacation deals from Ft. Lauderdale to Las Vegas starting at $941 per person. The package includes roundtrip airfare and a 4 night/5 day stay at the Ti – Treasure Island Hotel and Casino

Sample hotel rates listed for travel from July 3 to July 7, 2013 are based on availability, with additional dates and locations available. Taxes and service fees included. For reservations, click here.

Fireworks Galore!
If you look forward to Fourth of July fireworks every year, then we have some explosive deals for you.

Visit the Big Apple and stay at The Out NYC for the best views of the Macy’s fireworks in Manhattan. The “Declaration of Summer” package includes two tickets to the private, rooftop fireworks viewing party on Pier 83 hosted by Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and World Yacht. The party puts viewers directly underneath the legendary fireworks display, giving you the best and brightest seats to watch more than 40,000 shells exploding at a rate of more than 1,500 per minute! The package starts at $299 (a 44 percent savings) and includes 2 glasses of champagne at check-in, a complimentary room upgrade, and late check-out. For more information or to make reservations, call (212) 947-2999.

Visit Boston, Massachusetts and celebrate Independence Day in the city where it all started. Just minutes from downtown Boston, The Charles Hotel in Cambridge is ideal for a historic stroll along the Freedom Trail, watching the fireworks on the esplanade, riding the hotel’s complimentary bikes, dining outdoors at Henrietta’s Table, or simply relaxing in one of the luxurious guestrooms. This year, the hotel is offering special rates start at $199 a night (including parking) between June 30 and July 7. For more information or to make reservations, call (800)-348-6888 or book online with rate code JULY13.

Miami Heat!

The legendary Turnberry Isle in Miami aims to be the hottest place in South Florida this Independence Day. Starting on July 4 and going through July 7, the resort has planned fireworks, live entertainment from Miami’s famous DJ Smiley, patriotic kids’ activities, spa and dinning specials, and delicious barbecues. For a complete list of events, click here.

Plus, you can take advantage of the “Miami Spa Month” special and indulge in a 60-minute massage, facial, body scrub or 90-minute manicure and pedicure at the Forbes four-star Spa at Turnberry Isle for only $99 each (gratuity not included). You can still secure rooms starting at $259 per night. Reservations can be made at the Turnberry Isle Miami Website.

Lakeside Luxury!
To celebrate Independence Day, the 104-year-old lakeside Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, NY is offering a family discount that includes accommodations, daily breakfast, and a cocktail reception for only $399 per night with double occupancy (room rates alone are typically $495). Rates are good from July 4 to July 7 and also include activities such as swimming in the heated outdoor pool, canoeing on beautiful Lake Otsego, playing golf on the award-winning Leatherstocking Golf Course, and viewing a spectacular fireworks display. And for the kids, there are fun activities from Coco the Clown all weekend long! You can also participate in lawn games for young & old, classic movies, a historic tour of The Otesaga, cocktail-making demonstrations, live music & dancing nightly, and more! Two-night minimum required. To make reservations, call (800) 348-6222 or (607) 544-2502.

AbacoBahamas Bound!
Want to spend your Fourth of July in the Bahamas? Yeah, we thought so.

Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina invites guests to celebrate Fourth of July in the Out Islands of The Bahamas with the Star Spangled Holiday Getaway. This air-inclusive offer is a special opportunity for couples, families and friends to come together for a weekend filled with fun both on and off the water. With activities ranging from island-hopping, world-class sport fishing, dining, shopping, diving and more, this weekend getaway provides an ideal balance of relaxation and recreation.

The package includes airfare from your choice of Fort Lauderdale (FLL), West Palm Beach (PBI) or Orlando (MCO), Oceanfront accommodations for three nights, a holiday beach barbeque with dinner, a bonfire and fireworks display, two round-trip ferry transfers to your choice of Elbow Cay, Guana Cay or Man-O-War Cay and all taxes & service charges. Rates start from $827 per person based on double occupancy with a travel window of July 4 – 7, 2013.
Call 877-533-4799 to book this package or visit www.abacobeachresort.com.

For additional discounts, visit our Daily DealTravel Deals Archive.

By Ashleigh Whelan for PeterGreenberg.com