So you’ve decided to celebrate the Fourth of July in Washington, DC. You won’t be disappointed. No one does Independence Day like DC. That said, if this is your first time or you’ve blocked out the trauma (kidding) from previously attending, these tips will serve as a great guide as your planning your July 4th outing.
What You Need to Know To Go:
- First, the Fourth of July in DC is generally sweltering—baby it’s hot outside. So bring water and extra sun screen if you plan on making an all day event of it. Don’t forget a hat or sunglasses and some mosquito repellant.
- If you feel overheated, duck into one of the museums for some air conditioned relief from the heat.
- There are security check points that you will have to go through if you are on the National Mall.
- Take Metro. With the upgrade to eight-car trains Metro is even planning on keeping the Smithsonian Metro Station open, a departure from previous years.
- The National Mall opens at 10 a.m. and many people will start setting up shop/staking claim on their viewing spot. That said, if you arrive a couple of hours before the festivities begin, you will still be able to find a spot to watch the show.
- The U.S. Capitol Grounds for the A Capitol Fourth concert will open at 5 p.m.
- Fireworks begin at around 9:10 p.m.-9:15 p.m.
- Map of the Fireworks
What NOT to Bring or Do:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Fireworks
- Personal grills barbeques and other open flames
- Firearms and other weapons
- Feeding squirrels, birds, or other animals
- Picking flowers or plants
- Climbing on trees
- Glass bottles
- No canopies or tents
- No badminton, Frisbee, volleyball, etc.
- Wading in the Reflecting Pool (tempting as it may be)
Food Options:
The best bet is to bring your own, otherwise it can be pricey. There are concessions spread out around the National Mall if you choose not to pack a picnic. They are located at:
- Lincoln Memorial
- Constitution Gardens
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- Washington Monument
- Smithsonian Folklife Festival - Folklife Festival Food Concessions
