If you're not tied to downtown, Washington National Cathedral usually has an Independence Day concert late morning or noontime. It's a chance to see a different unique DC venue without the typical entrance fee plus enjoy some good music. The downside is that it is not Metrorail accessible. You'd have to drive, take a cab/Uber, or figure out Metrobus.
I took metro on July 4, 2017. The metro was not that bad at all. Do spend the day at the national mall. At just before 8 pm, take the metro from the national mall to the pentagon. Once you get through the fare gates, walk to the hill at the pentagon to see the fireworks. This hack is great because metro is not very crowded from smithsonian to pentagon right before the fireworks, and you get a great view of the fireworks from the pentagon.
Great tip, Benjamin! You're right, barring any breakdowns Metro isn't too bad for 95% of the day, it's just immediately after the fireworks that it can be kind of miserable.
I went to DC to stay at my Moms Apartment in Silver Spring, MD and it would be the best town to stay on Independence Day. That’s why my Parents didn’t go to Washington DC on Independence Day in 2016.
If you need some help finding a place to stay downtown, check out www.triphacksdc.com/hotels/ for some recommended options.
If you're not tied to downtown, Washington National Cathedral usually has an Independence Day concert late morning or noontime. It's a chance to see a different unique DC venue without the typical entrance fee plus enjoy some good music. The downside is that it is not Metrorail accessible. You'd have to drive, take a cab/Uber, or figure out Metrobus.
If you’re staying in a hotel with a rooftop lounge, they very often have good views of the fireworks.
Thank you so much for the tips!!!
I took metro on July 4, 2017. The metro was not that bad at all. Do spend the day at the national mall. At just before 8 pm, take the metro from the national mall to the pentagon. Once you get through the fare gates, walk to the hill at the pentagon to see the fireworks. This hack is great because metro is not very crowded from smithsonian to pentagon right before the fireworks, and you get a great view of the fireworks from the pentagon.
Great tip, Benjamin! You're right, barring any breakdowns Metro isn't too bad for 95% of the day, it's just immediately after the fireworks that it can be kind of miserable.
I went to DC to stay at my Moms Apartment in Silver Spring, MD and it would be the best town to stay on Independence Day. That’s why my Parents didn’t go to Washington DC on Independence Day in 2016.
Thanks Rob...you have been so helpful with all your great tips. We are here for 90 days and are using so many of your tips. Thank you so much!!!!!
Plenty of time to explore. Have fun!
DC Trip Hacks rock, love your channel...will be in town on July 4th, thanks for the excellent advice!
Have a great trip, Larry!
Thanks Rob. When does the rehearsal of 'A Capitol Fourth concert' begin this year?
Wednesday, July 3, 2019, beginning at 8 p.m. Gates will open to the public at 3 p.m.
We are actually flying into DC on Friday, the 6th. Are there any independence day festivities that will continue to be going on during the weekend?
Not really. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival runs til July 8th this year though if you want to check that out.
what a about the Christmas time in DC . Do the Museums still open or not
Smithsonian museums are open 364 days per year (every day except Christmas).
Are all of the major museums along the mall open on the 4th of July?
Yes but they are extremely crowded.
dwight from the office
What events will our president have this year?