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D.C. Fourth of July Events - Celebrate with Us

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Fourth of July in Washington D.C. is always a big event! Besides baseball games, museums, and parks, there is also the famous fireworks display in the heart of the capital. Whatever you’re doing to celebrate the holiday, DC Tours has all the tips you need to make your Fourth of July weekend fun and memorable for the entire family.

Fourth of July Fun Facts

Did you know the first Independence Day celebration was actually held in Philadelphia? It’s true! Here some more fun facts about the Fourth of July:
 

  • John Adams thought Independence Day on July 2, not July 4. He told his wife Abigail Adams that "the second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America."
     

  • Massachusetts was the first state to recognize the Fourth of July as an official holiday, in 1781. But Rhode Island was the first state to celebrate Independence Day, starting the tradition in 1785.
     

  • According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume about 150 million hot dogs while celebrating Independence Day.

DC Fourth of July Fireworks

Every Independence Day around 9pm, Washington DC is up by beautiful fireworks. The powerful patriotic display is put on by the National Parks Service and can be seen almost anywhere in the city. Here are some of the best viewing spots:
 

The National Mall – Most Popular Place to See D.C. Fourth of July Fireworks

This the most popular place to watch the fireworks. Watch the fireworks explode behind the Washington Monument, or see the colorful sky mirrored in the still water of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. As DC’s most iconic spot, it’s usually pretty crowded! Be sure to arrive early to snag a good spot.
 

Across the River – Best Views of Fireworks

Sometimes, the best views of the fireworks come from across the river. Catch the show from the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, and the nearby Netherlands Carillon in Virginia. The famous statue at the War Memorial helps drive home what Independence Day is all about, especially when backlit with fireworks celebrating American freedom. 
 

US Supreme Court Plaza

About a half mile from the National Mall is the US Supreme Court Building on Capitol Hill. This majestic building has a 252-foot wide plaza which offers a fantastic view of the fireworks. Claim a seat early and enjoy the show.
 

Lady Bird Johnson Park

Lady Bird Johnson Park is an island situated in the Potomac River. The park can only be reached by the George Washington Memorial Parkway (for cars) or along the Mount Vernon Trail (for pedestrians and bikers). It offers beautiful, clear views of the fireworks and is a hidden gem for DC visitors. Arrive early and bring a blanket!

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Washington DC Independence Day Weekend Activities

July 4th isn’t the only day to celebrate our nation. DC Tours and Transportation will be running throughout the long weekend, and our entertaining and educational tours are a great way to spend a hot day. But what about the rest of the weekend? Here are some ideas on how to spend your time in DC:
 

  • Visit a Museum. DC is full of museums, from the Smithsonian museums to the National Archives Museum to the International Spy Museum (yes, it’s as cool as it sounds). Find a museum that appeals to you and get exploring!
     

  • Watch a Game. The Washington Nationals baseball team plays at Nationals Park every Independence Day at 11 am. This year, they’re facing the Los Angeles Dodgers. Check out the Nat’s website for ticket availability.
     

  • Explore a Michelin-starred Restaurant. As a culinary hub, DC boasts 23 restaurants included in the 2021 Michelin guide.
     

  • Take a Tour. Join us for a day of fun or evening of excitement. We provide tours of DC in luxury climate controlled buses by day and night. Book your tour today - RSVP online and save.

COVID UPDATE

The official website for Washington, DC is constantly posting coronavirus updates. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that DC's full reopening starts June 11. However, institutions and private businesses may still enforce their own capacity restrictions. It’s best practice to check visiting rules before making plans.

Happy 4th of July

DC Tours and Transportation, wishes you and your family a safe and happy Independence Day! This year, celebrate our great country by booking a tour. Our kind and knowledgeable drivers can give you even more insider tips, while letting you in on all of the secrets behind the most famous spots in our nation’s capital. Plan your trip today.

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