National Portrait Gallery exterior

Enjoy the Fourth of July in the nation’s capital with fantastic fireworks and all-American activities

Each year, Washington, DC celebrates the Fourth of July with a bang, meaning there are plenty of DC-flavoured ways to honour Independence Day

Watch the fireworks against the DC skyline of monuments and memorials

Watching the fireworks is one of the highlights of Independence Day in Washington, DC and fortunately, the city and the surrounding area offer a plethora of scenic viewing options. Find the spot that works best for you and create a memorable evening.

Tune In to ‘A Capitol Fourth’

A Capitol Fourth, the star-studded concert that always precedes the epic fireworks show on the National Mall, will air on PBS and can also be enjoyed in-person; just make sure to get there early. The star-spangled birthday party begins at 8 p.m. Visit the event website for more details as the holiday draws closer.

Experience Independence Day at George Washington’s Mount Vernon

The annual Independence Day celebration at Mount Vernon includes visiting the estate’s museums, enjoying gorgeous views from the mansion’s piazza, strolling through the gardens, visiting the final resting place of George and Martha Washington and much more. Tickets are available now.

Explore the culinary capital

Check out DC’s outdoor dining spots, including beer gardenspatios and rooftop restaurants. This blurb wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the District’s Michelin-starredand Bib Gourmand restaurants.

Visit DC parks, gardens and monuments

Some of the city’s best spots for outdoor recreation, including the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden and the U.S. National Arboretum, make for awesome Fourth of July destinations. Monuments and memorials around the National Mall are also ripe for exploring on Independence Day.

Chill out at the Capitol Riverfront

Set along nearly two miles of the beautiful Anacostia River, the booming Capitol Riverfront neighborhood is the ideal setting to share the outdoors with friends and family while celebrating summer’s biggest holiday. The possibilities are seemingly endless here, so be sure to discover all of the neighborhood’s diningentertainment and exciting waterfront activities.

Pay homage to America’s Presidents at the National Portrait Gallery

The reopened National Portrait Gallery‘s America’s Presidents exhibit is ideal for an Independence Day visit for obvious reasons. The collection displays images of past presidents, as well as beautiful sculptures and famous paintings. The exhibit also features interactive elements to make your experience that much more presidential.