4th July – Where to Celebrate in DC

The 4th of July is coming up, and you’ll be looking for activities in DC to make the most of the holiday. 

From fun activities to do with friends to the best spots to see fireworks displays, we’ve got a jam-packed list filled with fun things to do this Fourth of July.

Swingers Dupont Circle

Top of the list is, of course, a trip to Swingers. The perfect place for a celebration, bring your friends and family for a spot of competitive mini golf, some delicious drinks, and a little boogie! 

From July 2nd – 7th, Swingers have some great deals to celebrate the holiday:

• $20 crazy golf (all sessions every day including Saturday and Sunday)
•  $24 crazy golf x frozen cocktail (all sessions every day including Saturday and Sunday) – check out our cocktail menu to find your cocktail of choice
• Thursday July 4th – open for families all day

Watch the fireworks from the National Mall

Credit: Ivan Malechka

Where else can you watch the 4th of July, rather than from the center of the nation’s capital, surrounded by historic monuments?

Every year, for the last 40 years, the celebrations at the National Mall are televised, with celebrities from across the country appearing for the occasion.

This year, the show is hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), with appearances from Sister Sledge, Darren Criss, and Smokey Robinson.

Follow the Independence Day Parade

Credit: Minghui

To really get into the spirit of the occasion, check out the Independence Day Parade, beginning at Constitution Ave. between 7th and 17th St. 

The parade will consist of bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, national dignitaries, and some celebrity appearances. The parade aims to have a performer appear from each state.

Make sure to get to your chosen spot on the parade route early to avoid having your view blocked by the thousands of spectators also hoping to see the parade. If the crowds are a bit too much for you but you don’t want to miss the show, you can tune into the live stream on YouTube.

Sylvan Theater Family Activity Area

Credit: National Park Service

If you have little ones and are looking for things to do as a family (once you’ve visited Swingers mini golf!), the Sylvan Theatre Family Activity Area is a great spot. Keep them entertained with activities and a scavenger hunt around the monuments and memorials around the National Mall. This runs from 1pm until 8pm, so you can ensure your afternoon will be busy!

Once the kids have completed all the activities on offer, they can flaunt an Independence Day Junior Ranger badge for a special memory of the day.

Fireworks Cruise

Credit: Sharosh Rajasekher

One of the best views of the fireworks has to be from the water. You won’t have to fight through crowds, and you can ensure your view won’t be obstructed.

Book a 4th of July cruise, available from several providers—but be fast to ensure your spot!

With some cruises offering food and drink, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Cruise providers in DC:

• Embark DC Boat Tours
• Hornblower Cruises
• Potomac Paddle Club

Watch the fireworks from a rooftop bar

Credit: Myrtle Beach Sun News
Wanting to avoid the crowds and celebrate the 4th of July with a nice meal overlooking the fireworks? There are a number of rooftop bars in DC that provide excellent views, perfect for enjoying some food while watching the display.

Vue Rooftop Lounge and Terrace at Hotel Washington has a special event on the 4th of July, just a block from the White House. Enjoy dinner, live music, and DJs from 6-10pm.

You can also view the fireworks atop Conrad Hotel’s Summit Rooftop, alongside access to an open bar, and American-themed food stations to enjoy throughout the evening.

La Vie is hosting a “Diamonds in the Sky” event on the 4th of July, encouraging you to dress to impress while enjoying the fireworks, music, and drinks.

Hotel Hive, just a 15 minute walk from the Lincoln Memorial, encourages you to celebrate your 4th of July from their rooftop. With stunning views, it’s an excellent choice.

Cycle the Mount Vernon trail and watch the fireworks

Credit: John Caplis 
Take time out for yourself and get back to nature in the nation’s capital with a cycle along the Mount Vernon trail. The added bonus is that you’ll get a great view of the firework show along your trip.

Mount Vernon is also hosting a number of activities at the bowling green, the Interpretive Center, Washington’s Tomb, and other areas along the route. Check out the full listing for the day here.

Haven’t got a bike? You can hire one from Unlimited Biking or Capital Bikeshare.

Fourth at the Wharf

Credit: District Wharf

Visit District Wharf on the 4th of July for spectacular views of the National Park Service fireworks launched from the National Mall, and see them reflecting on the water.

If you’re a country music fan, you’ll want to celebrate here, as there will be free live country music performances from 5-9pm.

Enjoy food from the surrounding restaurants, play games, and dance to live music before sticking around for the fireworks (scheduled to begin at around 9pm).

See the Declaration of Independence

Credit: National Archives

See where it all began by visiting the National Archive and seeing the Declaration of Independence.

The National Archives Building on Constitution Ave. is hosting a special event on the 4th of July, with opening remarks from Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan, plenty of activities, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Nothing could make you feel more patriotic!