If you want to be somewhere special for the 4^th of July, you’ll have to hurry, but we have some ideas – on deals and destinations. First the deals:

Cheap Flights for the 4th of July and Beyond

Here are three good 4th of July-centric airfar sales; there are some restrictions (for example, the American sale has a blackout date for July 6) but these are good deals for this summer. Take a look:

• Virgin America: Flights start at $49+ each way for travel on the 4^th only; otherwise, travel from $59+ each way, from June 28 through July 7 – but note that there is a 7-day advance purchase requirement. Book by June 28.
• Frontier: Prices start at $49+ each way for travel July 2 through July 6. Sale ends July 1.
• American: Airfares start at $69+ to cities across the U.S., good for travel into November. Sale ends June 29.

If you’re not yet familiar with FareCompare’s When-to-Fly Getaway Maps, it’s time you made the acquaintance – because it’s easy, fast, and you see right away what the best prices are, to anywhere you want to go from your home airport. Try it and save.

Where to Go for the 4th of July

Now all you have to figure out is where you want to go.

The traditional spots are grand: fly to Washington, D. C. for the parade on Constitution Avenue and the fireworks on the Mall; fly to Boston for Harborfest and the Boston Pops; or fly to Chicago where they set off their fireworks on July 3.

Traditional Attractions for Summer Visitors

Here are some favorite destination ideas that have stood that fabled test of time, and if you haven’t visited these spots, maybe this is the summer vacation to do just that:

Statue of Liberty: Fly to New York and see Lady Liberty. Afterwards, check out the little island of Manhattan; we hear there’s lots to do there, too.

Grand Canyon: Fly to Flagstaff or fly to Phoenix (the drive is long but dazzling) and take a good long look; even the cynics say, it takes your breath away.

Golden Gate Bridge: Fly to San Francisco and enjoy the sophisticated urban vibe tempered by California dreaminess (and take that anyway you want).

Yellowstone National Park: Fly into Bozeman, fly into Jackson, or fly into Salt Lake (and stop at – or fly to Idaho Falls); you will always remember this amazing place.

And Now – Weird Attractions

Been there, and done all that? Then you need something off-the-beaten-path – a destination with an odd, unusual, or even weird attraction. You’ve come to the right place.

We have some suggestions:

Chicago Eye Ball Art: Fly to Chicago, and see the realistic “Giant Eye” sculpture – the 3-story tall structure opens for viewing (so to speak) on July 7.

Los Angeles’ Lively Cemetery: Fly to Los Angeles to see the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, home of fabled movie stars like Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. and Rudolph Valentino – plus folks like Bugsy Siegel and Bugs Bunny (Mel Blanc, of course) – there’s plenty to do including tours, concerts, and movies in this multi-tasking bone yard.

Dallas Robot-Gumby: Fly to Dallas and see “The Traveling Man” – a piece of art described as a 38-foot tall robotic-like Gumby character – made of stainless steel. There is nothing more to say. Just…admire.