5 Most Affordable US Cities for Fourth of July Travel
Looking to get away for the Fourth of July but don’t want to max out your credit card on soaring airfares?
Dollar Flight Club ran the numbers for last-minute flights for Fourth of July weekend and found the following destinations still offer the lowest fares and best deals.
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Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Lowest Round-Trip Fare: $71
Sure, Fort Lauderdale is hot in the summer and it’s technically the “offseason.” But it’s hot everywhere in July, and Fort Lauderdale features plenty to do for budget-minded travelers.
It costs nothing to lounge on the beach with a book and swim, and renting a kayak or windsurfer won’t break the bank. You can enjoy the 165-mile canal system with a cheap water taxi ride, or visit the Everglades to spot alligators, herons and other wildlife.
Los Angeles
Lowest Round-Trip Fare: $76
Flights to and from LAX tend to be cheaper than most as it’s a travel hub. From many cities, you can still get there for under $100.
Once there, enjoy the sun and surf on the beach for free. Then stroll The Broad, a free contemporary art museum. Or if you’re traveling with kids who couldn’t care less about art, hit the California Science Center, which also features free admission.
For budget-friendly grub, try Grand Central Market or Olvera Street, which both feature affordable “street food” stalls.
Nashville, Tennessee
Lowest Round-Trip Fare: $82
Nashville’s music scene retains its well-deserved reputation, even if it’s grown more commercial in recent years. Walk down “Honky Tonk Highway,” a famous stretch on Lower Broadway where iconic bars like Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and Robert's Western World don’t charge for cover despite the outstanding live music.
The Tennessee State Museum is free, as is Centennial Park with its full-scale replica of the Parthenon. You can also go on a self-guided mural hunt, seeking out the city’s many famous murals.
When you start feeling peckish, satisfy your inner 5-year-old at Five Daughters Donuts, renowned for its 100-layer doughnut. Or if you love beer, do a 45-minute tour (with tastings) at Jackalope Brewing Company on Saturdays for $10.
Denver
Lowest Round-Trip Fare: $82
Denver too offers plenty of free activities, such as hiking among the Rockies or just strolling the paved Cherry Creek Trail. Take the kids to Dinosaur Ridge to see real dinosaur bones and Cretaceous footprints embedded in the rock.
History-minded visitors can enjoy a visit to the US Mint, while those with a sweet tooth can take a free tour of Hammond’s Candy Factory. The RiNo Art District features endless murals for a self-guided tour, and on specific days you can even score free entry into the Denver Art Museum or Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Las Vegas
Lowest Round-Trip Fare: $83
There’s a lot more to do in Vegas than gamble or see pricey shows.
The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat along the Strip remains completely free, or pop into the Pinball Hall of Fame for hundreds of vintage pinball machines. Most cost just 50 cents to play. And of course, no trip to the Strip would be complete without seeing the (free) Bellagio fountain light show.
For a little culture, walk the indie galleries in the Las Vegas Arts District. Or check out the free light show at the Fremont Street Experience, along the five-block pedestrian mall.
Last-minute travel does cost more this year, with flights up 27%, according to The Points Guy. But savvy travelers can still score deals — and still entertain themselves on a tight budget once they arrive.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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