Independence Day 2021: 10 Safest States To Visit This 4th of July

This upcoming July 4 holiday travel period is poised to busier than last when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak but while the United States has reopened, for the most part, some places continue to navigate the coronavirus crisis better than others. Travel website Airheart recently ranked the 10 safest states (and districts) to visit this Fourth of July based on the latest COVID-19 data as well as local travel requirements and restrictions, vaccine progress and more. Here's a look at the places that fared the best.

Michigan rounds out the top 10 safest states in the United States this summer based on recent COVID-19 data and requirements. Through June 9, the seven-day average case rate for Michigan fell by 96 percent to 24.3 cases per million. What's more, the rate of COVID-19 cases detected per day in Michigan is below 500 and continues to fall, the local government confirmed. "These are the lowest percent positivity and case rates in Michigan over the past year."

Virginia recently achieved a significant milestone, with Governor Ralph Northam announcing that 70 percent of adults across the state have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Virginia became the 16th state to meet President Joe Biden's goal and did so two weeks ahead of the nationwide target of July 4. "Virginia is a safe option this Fourth of July. Vaccination rates are high, COVID19 cases are low and masks are mandatory in public spaces," Airheart states. "The local wineries are taking advantage of their outdoor locales and hosting live music."

Pennsylvania also boasts one of the lowest COVID-19 test positivity rates in the country as of late June, prompting officials to lift the universal face-covering order, effective June 28. Pennsylvania has administered more than 11.6 million COVID-19 vaccines heading into Independence Day. "Visit the city where America was founded. The city's fireworks are back and better than ever at the Art Museum with headliner musicians and a spectacular show," Airheart points out.

Nearly half of Wisconsin residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Officials also created the Wisconsin Travel Pledge to encourage safe and responsible travel throughout the state this summer. Staying socially distanced outdoors is easy in Wisconsin as the state offers an array of exciting outdoor activities, from the capital in Madison to the scenic Door Peninsula.

South Dakota is yet another ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, providing Fourth of July visitors with a wide range of socially distant activities, including spectacular landmarks and national parks as well as intriguing cities with more to explore like Sioux Falls and Rapid City.

The nation's capital is one of the safest places in America this Fourth of July, according to Airheart's research. Washington, D.C. fully reopened on June 11 and is ready to wow visitors with an epic firework display from the National Mall in 2021. While D.C. can be pricey when it comes to booking hotel stays and eating out, many of the city's legendary sites and museums are admission-free.

Whether you're headed to the coast or the country, Connecticut offers plenty of safe Independence Day fun in 2021. The Constitution State is one of the few in the U.S. that can offer visitors awesome beaches, loads of history, vast nature preserves, scenic hiking trails and bucket-list sites like the Mark Twain House in Hartford.

Elsewhere on the East Coast, Maryland is the nation's third-safest state to visit this Fourth of July as residents have embraced the COVID-19 vaccine, with more than half qualifying as fully vaccinated and nearly three-quarters of the adult population (age 18 and up) having received at least one dose. Destinations such as Annapolis, St. Michaels, Deep Creek Lake and Ocean City are ideal for summertime visitors looking to experience the Old Line State's shoreside charm.

New England was among the most restrictive regions at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic but those efforts have clearly paid off with Connecticut ranking fourth and Massachusetts ranking as the second-safest state to visit heading into the July 4 holiday. Cape Cod and Boston will no doubt be busy this Independence Day as visitors seek out the beach and look to explore the harbor, Freedom Trail and other popular attractions but often overlooked Worcester-home to fantastic art and even better craft beer-is not to be missed either.

As of mid-June, more than 80 percent of eligible Vermont residents have received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Governor Phil Scott also recently authorized the move to Step 4 of the Vermont Forward Plan, which lifted business, gathering, and travel-related restrictions across the state. Plus, the state's stunning landscapes, photogenic covered bridges and relatively favorable climate make it a great destination this time of year.