Things to do in D.C. on July 4th
This Independence Day, why not take advantage of your long weekend and head to the country's Capitol?
On this week's We Hear, we've rounded up some of the best things to do in Washington D.C. on the Fourth of July!
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Every July 4th at 11:45 AM sharp, the National Independence Day Parade begins, featuring the country's top marching bands, oversized Uncle Sam balloons, and classic patriotic floats the whole family can enjoy. The entire route runs into the heart of the city, along Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th streets.
- Coming to DC with the kids? Lucky for you, all 15 of the 19 Smithsonian museums based in Washington D.C. are always free, including the National Air and Space Museum, Museum of American History, and Zoo!
- After an entire day of sightseeing in DC, kick back and relax on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and enjoy the annual free concert, "A Capitol Fourth." The concert starts at 8:00 PM and past performers have included talents like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Natasha Bedingfield, and Dolly Parton, to name a few--this year's lineup will be just as stellar! Stick around after the concert to view the nation's best fireworks show.
- If you're not traveling with kids and want to view the fireworks in comfort from an air-conditioned, luxe rooftop lounge, we recommend swinging by the Beacon Hotel. Head to the hotel's Sky Bar for the annual Fourth of July celebration starting at 5:00 PM, including drinks and hors-d'oeuvres, for just $30 a ticket.
- Need a place to rest your head? The famous Watergate Hotel offers accommodations with a healthy dose of patriotic history. Currently, booking sites are showing listings as low as $230 per night at the well-known D.C. hotel, but we recommend double-checking the hotel's website for additional discounts.
- Before you hit the road and head back home, don't forget to grab a classic American hot dog. The best hot dog can be found at Ben's Chili Bowl, which has been packing the eatery with fans of their dogs, burgers and chili cheese fries since 1958! We recommend "the Half Smoke" dog, featuring an equal blend of pork and beef. Visit the original location at 1213 U Street and see why past presidents, celebrities, and famous musicians alike keep coming back for more.
