Fourth of July fireworks over Washington, D.C. Credit: JoshuaDavisPhotography.

By Derek Brown

Celebrate America the Beautiful this Fourth of July in our nation’s capital.  Wrapped in bunting, flags whipping in the wind and fireworks in the summer sky make it one of the most patriotic, colorful and popular times of the year to visit Washington, D.C.

New exhibits and classic monuments are a draw for every proud American.  “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam,” is an exhibit that just opened at The National Archives about the government’s impact on our diets starting as early as the Revolutionary War.  The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum recently opened “NASA | Art: 50 Years of Exploration.” There’s also the shine of the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial. Finally, celebrate the nation’s independence with A Capitol Fourth on the National Mall and an evening of patriotic music, reflection and fireworks.

Residence Inn by Marriott Washington, D.C. - Vermont Avenue

Cheap Washington, D.C. hotels are available even at this late date; July 4^th is only 18 days away.  Here are three hotel options for an Independence Day getaway.

• Washington Hilton from $107 per night*
• Club Quarters Washington from $134 per night*
• Residence Inn by Marriott Washington D.C. – Vermont Avenue from $149 per night*

Related resources:

• Big cities
• Last minute travel
• Cheap Hawaii vacations

*valid as of posting

Derek Brown, a member of the Orbitz editorial team, is a frequent visitor to Washington, D.C.  The Capitol, National Portrait Gallery and National Mall are some of his favorite places to visit.

• Orlando (from Detroit) — $360
• San Francisco (from Denver) — $399
• Phoenix (from Chicago) — $457
• Fort Myers (from St. Louis) — $399
• Washington, D.C. (from Boston) — $439

Vacation packages include one round-trip flight and a two-night hotel stay.

In fact, CheapTickets has a wide selection of vacation packages under $500. You could fly from Baltimore to New Orleans and have a two-night hotel stay for under $500. Or fly from Philadelphia to Miami and stay two nights. So whether you want to live it up in the city or relax on the beach, you’ll have a cheaper vacation when you book your flights and hotels together.

CheapTickets resources:

• Cheap vacation packages

For a limited time, you can save up to 50% on regular rates at select hotels. Check out these hotels, and look for other participating hotels throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean:

Boston
The Westin Boston Waterfront
The Park Plaza Hotel

Chicago
The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers

Los Angeles
The Westin Pasadena
Sheraton Universal

Montreal
Le Centre Sheraton

New York City
Sheraton Manhattan at Times Square
Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers

San Diego
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

Toronto
The Westin Harbour Castle
Le Meridien King Edward

Washington DC
The Westin Arlington
The Westin Alexandria

Book your hotel room by August 11 and travel through September 28 to take advantage of this sale.

CheapTickets resources:

• Cheap hotels