Heres how to make Wednesday, July 4 a mini-vacation

Heres how to make Wednesday, July 4 a mini-vacationHeres how to make Wednesday, July 4 a mini-vacationWe feel your pain, vacation-starved friends. Independence Day is on a Wednesday this year, and all of our long weekend trip dreams are ruined by the awkward day off in the middle of the week. Like, why, America? Why? Jokes aside, we have the lowdown on how to celebrate July 4 if you cant spare any vacation days.Its all about those staycation day trips and, of course, fireworks. Heres whats on our agenda in nine major cities across the United States.New York City, New YorkDay TripEven if you cant make it to the Hamptons, you can still manage a pretty great beach outing from the city. The Rockaways are our beach of choice in NYC. If you want to soak up the sun with a whole bunch of city dwellers, stay near the boardwalk.If you want quiet, head to Fort Tilden (you can rent a bike on the Rockaway boardwalk and ride on over).FireworksEast River between 19th and 47th streets or Coney Islan dLos Angeles, CaliforniaDay Trip Lets say you dont want to deal with the traffic leaving Silver Lake and heading toward the ocean. We get it. Instead, head the opposite direction to Joshua Tree National Park. This is a special occasion after all. Save Santa Monica for when tourists are in town.Fireworks Grand Park or Griffith ObservatoryAustin, TexasDay Trip You know you want to get on the water. So we think Lake Travis 60 miles of blue depths (the limestone bottom of the lake means it always looks that clear) and watersports will satisfy your need to hop in a canoe or kayak or on a jet ski.Fireworks Vic Mathias ShoresChicago, IllinoisDay Trip The Midwests biggest city is bustling, so take it a little slower in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Its got more than 60 breweries and adorable coffee shops all within a short walk through the citys downtown. Just make sure to bring a designated driver so you can make it back to Chi-Town in time for fireworks and work the next day.Fireworks Navy Pier Atlanta, GeorgiaDay Trip The Beltline will be pretty packed on the Fourth, so we think you should take to the mountains and hit the Appalachian Trail instead. You can get onto the iconic paths trailhead just a couple hours outside the city and enjoy lush green alpine landscapes.Fireworks International PlazaBoston, MassachusettsDay Trip We cant promise there wont be crowds also heading to Kennebunkport, but we can promise that youll eat your fill of seafood in the seaside town in Maine. When youre not devouring lobster rolls, you can enjoy the ocean spray and a walk along the shore.Fireworks Charles River EsplanadeSan Francisco, CaliforniaDay Trip Sure, Napa would be nice, but you know whats even better? Surfing in Santa Cruz. Or even just dipping a toe in the surf. Save the wine tasting for when the sun isnt so strong. The coastline is gorgeous here and youll be able to chill for the day while catching some waves.Fireworks Fishermans WharfWashington, D.C.Day Trip If all the tourists coming into town for Independence Day are overwhelming to you, you can skip out for the day and head to Ocean City, Maryland. The wide open sandy beaches here will make you forget about the daytime crowds around the National Mall.Fireworks National MallSeattle, WashingtonDay Trip Hop on the ferry from Seattle and be in the Pacific Northwest wilderness within just a couple hours at the San Juan Islands. If youre lucky, you can spot wildlife in the archipelago or simply enjoy the views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges.Fireworks Gas Works ParkNow that you have a handle on 2018s plans, we have some good news there wont be another July 4 on a Wednesday until 2029. Phew.This article was originally published on Swirled.com.