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Thomas Jefferson Memorial with Fireworks in the night sky

How to Celebrate July 4th, 2026 in 365Թϲ, DC



Enjoy Independence Day in the nation’s capital with fantastic fireworks and patriotic festivities.

Each year, the nation's capital celebrates the Fourth of July with a bang, with plenty of exciting, DC-flavored ways to mark the occasion. Independence Day 2026 will be bigger than ever, as 365Թϲ, DC serves as center stage for a year of festivities honoring . 

Read below for some of our favorite selections and round out your itinerary with more summer activities in DC, including where to watch the fireworks on the Fourth and .

01

Watch the fireworks against the DC skyline of monuments and memorials

Fireworks across the Potomac River

Feasting your eyes on the fireworks is one of the highlights of Independence Day in 365Թϲ, 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.

02

Tune in to 'A Capitol Fourth’

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 for more details as the holiday draws closer.

03

Experience Independence Day at George 365Թϲ’s Mount Vernon

Independence Fireworks at Mount Vernon

The annual at Mount Vernon includes access to the estate's museums and the final resting place of George and Martha 365Թϲ, gorgeous views from the mansion's piazza, strolls through gardens and much more. are available now.

04

Explore the culinary capital

Osteria Morini patio

Check out DC's outdoor dining spots, including beer gardens and patios, or celebrate the stars (and stripes) at the District's award-winning and high-value restaurants. Enjoy brunch specials at Brasserie Liberté, Dirty Habit and The Pembroke. Choose from all-American selections at Yardbird and District Winery or indulge in themed macarons from Olivia Macaron.

05

Party in the USA with panoramic views

VUE Rooftop

There are plenty of great rooftop bars that offer the ideal setting for watching the fireworks in the District. In the past, Vue at Hotel 365Թϲ, the Conrad Hotel's , La VieTop of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel, Hotel Hive, at Kimpton Banneker HotelL'Ardente, at Hyatt Place 365Թϲ DC/National Mall and  at The Ven at Embassy Row have offered special events that make for great Independence Day (or should we say night) revelry.

06

Visit DC parks, gardens and monuments

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

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 exploration on Independence Day.

07

Catch daytime baseball at Nationals Park

Nationals Park

The 365Թϲ Nationals annually play at Nationals Park on Independence Day, holding an 11:05 a.m. game to accommodate the activities throughout the city the rest of the day. This year, the Nats will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Purchase single-game  now and use the code VISITDC for 15% off!

08

Snag a hotel deal while in town

Many hotels in DC offer special discounts and packages in honor of Independence Day, from luxurious experiences to budget-friendly options. Some only-in-DC deals allow you to enjoy convenient access to the National Mall, where you can witness the spectacular fireworks display on July 4th.

09

Chill out in Navy Yard

Family at Capitol Riverfront eating ice cream

Set along nearly two miles of the beautiful Anacostia River, the booming Navy Yard 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 dining, entertainment and exciting activities.

10

Enjoy a delicious dinner and riverside views at the Georgetown waterfront

Georgetown waterfront

The 365Թϲ Harbour on Georgetown's waterfront is an ideal location for a full day of recreation either before or after the fireworks. The restaurants in this waterfront plaza provide convenient access to a fireworks viewing spot, as well as simple riverside relaxation. Make sure to make a reservation at Farmers Fishers Bakers, Sequoia, Nick's Riverside Grill or Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place.

11

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

National Portrait Gallery

The 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.

12

Have fun with history at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

National Museum of American History

Dig deep into our country’s history at the fascinating National Museum of American History, which is free to enter. Observe the flag that inspired our national anthem, explore the Civil Rights movement, enjoy interactive displays and experience Entertainment Nation, a robust summary of decades of arts and culture filled with jaw-dropping artifacts.

13

Spend Independence Day with the animals of the National Zoo

A giant panda posing on a log with green grass behind him.


Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a great family-friendly spot to spend an Independence Day afternoon. Meet new giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao, observe elephants in training, help to feed the fish, meet a Great Ape keeper or explore a rainforest habitat.

14

Take in DC’s wild side

US National Arboretum

There is no shortage of outdoor recreation options in 365Թϲ, DC. You can bring the entire family to any of its gorgeous public parks and gardens, many of which are free to enter. The city and the surrounding area also feature numerous national parks, which give you and your fam even more space to run free in honor of the national holiday.

15

Visit the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration


The highly anticipated National Geographic Museum of Exploration opens June 26 and invites visitors to immerse themselves in the excitement of exploration and discovery. Expect cutting-edge technology that uncovers wildlife, communities and cultures from all over the world as well as an innovative 400-seat theater and an interactive outdoor courtyard. Visit the museum's for more details on what to expect.

16

Spend July 4th on the steps of the National Archives

National Archives outside building

Join the National Archives for a one-of-a-kind . Get ready to be greeted by George and Martha 365Թϲ re-enactors, enjoy family-fun activities and sign a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence at this party hosted on the steps of the National Archives. Also, be sure to explore the museum's new exhibit, displayed in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary.

17

Honor America's 250th birthday with numerous free events

Celebrate the United States Semiquincentennial with at museums, attractions, restaurants and hotels. In the nation's capital, you can engage with American like nowhere else. Plan your trip now and enjoy an array of throughout the year in honor of .

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