By Virginia Allen
The explosions of color could be seen in every direction. Some were only a block away, others at least a mile in the distance. For over an hour, the sky was lit up with fireworks.
This was not a special or unique July 4th. It was 2018, America’s 242nd birthday, but I was in Washington, D.C., where every Independence Day is celebrated with zeal. This is why the 250th anniversary of America’s independence stands to be the greatest celebration in the history of our nation’s capital.
After living and working in and around D.C. for eight years, there is nowhere I would rather be on July 4th than in the epicenter of freedom and democracy. I hope you will consider braving the crowds to join this once-in-a-lifetime event, and if you do, I have some tips to make your visit everything you’re hoping for.
Where to Stay and How to Get Around
I recommend staying in D.C. or Arlington, Virginia. Book your accommodation now because hotels and Airbnbs are booking up quickly. D.C. offers a wide range of accommodations, from hostels that run less than $100 a night to the Hotel Washington by the White House that will put you out $800 a day over July 4th weekend.
Staying close to the National Mall will offer the most convenience for viewing the parade on Independence Day morning and catching the fireworks in the evening. Still, there are a number of great neighborhoods with easy Metro access to the heart of the city.
The neighborhoods of Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, and the areas around Eastern Market, Union Market, and the Wharf are within either walking distance or a relatively short Metro ride from the National Mall. I do not recommend staying in Georgetown unless you love to walk, since the Metro does not run to Georgetown.
I also do not recommend bringing a car into the city over the July 4th weekend. D.C. has good public transportation and is a very walkable city. If you do decide to bring a car, first, don’t drive during rush hour. D.C. locals are friendly to tourists, but not while commuting to work. Second, don’t assume you will be able to find street parking. For a stress-free experience, download the SpotHero mobile application to reserve parking in a D.C. garage.
Eat Like a Local
D.C. has one of the best food scenes on the East Coast. A couple of local favorites to consider while in town are Buffalo & Bergen on Capitol Hill, Yellow in Georgetown, The Monocle, Butterworth’s, The Dubliner, Maman in Georgetown, Old Ebbitt Grill, and Founding Farmers.
D.C. also has a good selection of MICHELIN-starred restaurants for the foodies who want to splurge a little bit. There are no restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the National Mall, but there are lots of food trucks and hot dog carts. During the week of July 4th, the Great American State Fair will take place on the Mall, featuring food from all 50 states.
Places to Go
The two biggest events of America 250 will be the National Independence Day Parade from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Constitution Avenue NW between 7th Street and 17th Street, followed by the fireworks on the National Mall from 9:09 p.m. to 9:27 p.m. If watching the parade, keep in mind that people will arrive very early to reserve the best viewing location.
Similarly, people arrive early to the Mall to reserve space for the fireworks. It is not uncommon to arrive in the afternoon to lay blankets down. If you don’t want to fight the crowds on the Mall, consider renting a boat on the Potomac or booking a fireworks cruise. There are also a number of great spots to view the fireworks from Arlington, including the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, Gravelly Point Park, or the Mount Vernon Trail.
Alternatively, consider booking accommodation that advertises rooftop access. You will have great views of the fireworks from almost any rooftop between the White House and Capitol Hill. In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, many monuments and museums are offering special events not only during the week of July 4th, but throughout the year. You can learn more here.
Pro Tips
- Shoes! Wear comfortable shoes! D.C. is a walkable city, but everything looks closer than it actually is.
- Remember to carry water with you. D.C. is very hot and humid in July.
- Download a Metro map and a map of the National Mall onto your phone in advance. Wi-Fi tends to be very limited during large events on the Mall.
- If you have a little extra time, make your way out to Mount Vernon to tour George Washington’s home. Book your tour in advance, since the July 4th weekend is likely to sell out.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Originally from New England, Allen earned a government degree from Regent University. After a year in South Africa as a missionary, she began her media career in Washington, D.C.
