4th of July

Question

Hi,

Will be in DC 2-6th July for the 1st time this year. Will attractions be open on the 4th and will there be any special events to celebrate?

As I only have 3 full days between arrival by train from New London and departure by air for Boston I want to make sure I can see zoo, Arlington, Smithonean Air and Space, monuments etc if there is reduced hours or closures.

Many thanks in advance

Answer

Visiting Washington DC around the 4th of July is a very exciting experience, as the city comes alive with patriotic celebrations, parades, concerts, and fireworks. However, it’s important to plan carefully because many federal attractions and museums may have altered hours or be closed on the holiday itself.

Attraction Openings and Closures:

Smithsonian Museums (Air and Space, Natural History, American History, etc.): Typically, all Smithsonian museums on the National Mall are closed on July 4th. They will be open on the days before and after, so you can plan to visit them on July 2nd, 3rd, or 5th.
National Zoo: Open on July 4th with regular hours, making it a good option for the holiday itself.
Arlington National Cemetery: Open, but hours may be reduced; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visitor center will likely remain accessible.
Monuments and Memorials: Outdoor monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument grounds, Jefferson Memorial, and WWII Memorial remain accessible 24/7, though services (elevators, visitor centers) may be limited on the holiday.
National Mall: Open to the public at all times, and the area becomes a hub for Independence Day festivities.

Special Events for the 4th of July:

National Independence Day Parade: Usually held along Constitution Avenue; starts mid-morning and features military units, marching bands, and cultural floats.
Concert on the National Mall: The National Symphony Orchestra typically performs a free concert in the evening at the Capitol reflecting pool or nearby stage.
Fireworks: The iconic fireworks display is held in the evening over the Washington Monument and National Mall. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, as it is extremely crowded.
Other activities: Some neighborhoods and parks may host local events, fairs, or public celebrations. Food trucks and pop-up vendors are common along the Mall during this weekend.

Planning Tips for Your 3 Full Days:

Consider visiting Smithsonian museums on July 2nd and 3rd when they are open, focusing on your top priorities like the Air and Space Museum, American History Museum, and Natural History Museum.
Use July 4th to explore outdoor sites such as the National Mall, monuments, memorials, and the National Zoo. This allows you to enjoy the fireworks and parade without worrying about museum closures.
July 5th could be reserved for Arlington National Cemetery, additional monuments, or neighborhoods like Georgetown or Dupont Circle.
Public transit (Metro and buses) is heavily used during the 4th, so plan extra travel time and consider walking to nearby attractions when possible.

Overall, while many indoor attractions are closed on the 4th, the holiday is a fantastic opportunity to experience DC’s outdoor monuments, national parade, and fireworks. By scheduling museum visits before or after the 4th and using the holiday itself for outdoor celebrations, you can maximize your three full days efficiently.