Red, White and Woo-Hoo!

Celebrating July 4th in the Nation's Capital

When it comes to iconic holiday destinations, some U.S. cities just know how to party:
Mardi Gras? New Orleans.
St. Patrick’s Day? Boston and Chicago.
New Year’s Eve? Times Square, NYC.
But the Fourth of July? No place beats Washington, D.C.

I’ll admit it—while growing up across the Potomac River from one of the world’s most powerful cities, we used to avoid D.C. Traffic, parking challenges, crime, and political chaos, which made it feel more of a hassle than a holiday. But when we played tour guide for visiting friends… D.C. revealed itself like a firework finale: brilliant, vibrant, and totally unforgettable.

For years, we packed up coolers and picnic blankets and made our way to enjoy a free daytime concert by America’s beloved surfer crooners, The Beach Boys. Rumor has it that Beyonce will be providing part of the entertainment today.

Transportation? The clean Metro subway will deliver you right to the heart of all the action. We discovered the magic of electric scooters, which turn the long National Mall (2.6 miles!) into a breezy ride between landmarks. On a steamy July day, this is gold.

Start at the Lincoln Memorial, swing by the solemn Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, and soak in the symbolic Reflecting Pool—site of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech and Forrest Gump’s tearful Jenny reunion.

Keep scooting and you’ll find the powerful World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Museum, and the towering Washington Monument. If you’re lucky, you'll find a shady spot to rest under the gaze of history.

From there, the National Mall opens up into a world of free, fascinating museums—perfect for curious kids and overachieving adults alike. Some of our favorites:

• National Museum of African American History and Culture

• National Museum of American Indian (grab lunch there—trust me!)

• National Museum of Natural History

• National Air and Space Museum

• National Archives (say hi to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution!)

Yes, admission is free. Yes, bathrooms are clean and available. And yes, it’s your tax dollars at work—go enjoy them!

After a full day of exploring and eating your way through America’s story, the grand finale awaits: the fireworks show over the National Mall. With the Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial as your backdrop, this display is patriotic perfection.

Music, lights, and thousands of smiling strangers—all looking up, all feeling something bigger than themselves. It’s hard not to get misty-eyed. And it’s impossible not to be wowed. And next year will be the Semiquincentennial celebration- 250 years!

Your turn! How do you celebrate the Fourth of July? Are you a BBQ-on-the-deck kind of person? A hometown parade loyalist? Or maybe you've had your own memorable adventure in D.C. (or a city that surprised you with its patriotism and pizzazz)?

I’d love to hear your favorite Independence Day traditions, travel tips, or fireworks fails. Leave a comment and let’s make this a red-white-and-blue community building moment! However you choose to celebrate, may it be a beautifully memorable day!