Best Vacation Rentals For July 4

Celebrate Independence Day in style

When it comes time to celebrate July 4, you could throw frozen burgers on a dusty Weber and call it a day. Or you could round up your family and friends, and head out of town for an extended weekend escape. From fireworks-friendly skyline views to enough space to accommodate friends of a friend, a holiday at one of these seven vacation rentals is sure to beat out staying home and watching that hot dog-eating contest on TV.

Luxury Hilltop Retreat in the City

(San Diego, CA)

$456 a night

Located minutes from Downtown, this modern home has breathtaking views of the San Diego Harbor waiting to be enjoyed on the sprawling balcony (glass of rosé in hand).

Photo: HomeAway

3 Bedroom Penthouse in Seaport

(Boston, MA)

$520 a night

There's no better place to celebrate America's birthday than in historic Beantown, especially if you're staying in this lavish Seaport condo, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and a massive sky deck on which to watch the annual fireworks show in the distance.

Photo: Airbnb

Family Compound in the Hamptons

(Westhampton, NY)

$2,820 a night

You may not be able to make a flag cake as perfectly as Ina Garten can, but this wood-shingled Hamptons estate, which sleeps 15 and is biking distance to the beach, is perfect for Contessa-approved family summer entertaining.

Photo: Airbnb

Stellar View of the Space Needle

(Seattle, WA)

$499 a night

Clear, unobstructed views of the Seattle cityscape and a fully tricked-out balcony make this upscale townhome perfect for an intimate get-together.

Photo: Airbnb

Waterfront Home with Boat Dock

(South Lake Tahoe, CA)

$471 a night

Having a private dock for your kayaks is nice, but, more importantly, this enormous home has enough space for you to invite your in-laws without actually having to share a room with them.

Photo: HomeAway

Q Street Mansion

(Washington, D.C.)

$1,300 a night

Just a few Metro stops from the Capitol, this extra-swanky, 6,000-square-foot complex includes seven outdoor spaces, a 25-foot indoor waterfall and enough amenities that you might just forget there's a fireworks show happening over the National Mall.

Photo: HomeAway

Downtown Penthouse Loft

(Nashville, TN)

$593 a night

An endless number of activities and one of the country's largest fireworks shows make Music City the July 4 destination you didn't know existed. This lavish loft penthouse is steps from the Country Music Hall of Fame and right by the Cumberland River, where the booming pyrotechnics take place.

Photo: HomeAway