Looking for a beachy Fourth of July getaway that won’t blow your budget? According to Dollar Flight Club’s newly released July 4th 2025 Travel Report, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ranks as the best-value beach destination for Independence Day weekend.
The report analyzed more than 250,000 recent airfare price points to spotlight the most affordable domestic and short-haul international trips for the holiday. And while beach vacations are always in high demand for July 4, that doesn’t mean they have to come with a high price tag.
Topping the list, Fort Lauderdale offers round-trip flights ranging from just $157 to $200, well below the average for summer travel. Known for its golden beaches, boating canals, and world-class nightlife, this southeastern Florida city is both a party hub and a laid-back retreat.
Fort Lauderdale Beach is the go-to spot for volleyball, oceanfront dining, and bars like Lona Cocina Tequileria. For something quieter, nearby Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers coral reef snorkeling and access to historic shipwreck dive sites just offshore.
Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico, followed closely behind in second and third place.
The top 5 affordable beach destinations
- Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL): $157-$200 round-trip
- Miami, FL (MIA): $163-$250 round-trip
- San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU): $192-$275 round-trip
- Nassau, Bahamas (NAS): $210-$325 round-trip
- Cancún, Mexico (CUN): $215-$380 round-trip
Scoring the best July 4 travel deals
If you’re hoping to score a great deal for the July 4 weekend, timing is everything. Dollar Flight Club recommends booking your flights at least three weeks in advance. Prices begin to rise quickly by mid-June, and last-minute travelers often pay 20-40% more than those who book early.
Another money-saving tip is to be flexible with your travel dates. Flying out on Wednesday, July 2, and returning Monday, July 7, could save you $75-$150 compared to the more popular Thursday-Sunday travel window.
Lastly, consider flying into nearby secondary airports. Major hubs tend to spike in price around the holiday, but alternate airports just a short drive away often offer better deals and less crowding.
