Visiting Washington, DC in July
Washington, DC in July is hot, humid, and busy with tourists. Many major attractions like the National Mall and The Wharf are often crowded. But with the right planning, this is still a great time to visit.
When exploring the major sites like the monuments and museums on the National Mall, make sure you are dressed for the heat! Wear lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen. I usually have a pocket fan in my purse at all times during the summer months. You might also want to bring a lightweight sweatshirt if you get cold in air-conditioned spaces. Summer thunderstorms are also common so pack a raincoat or umbrella.
Beat some of the crowds by planning to visit the museums on the National Mall before noon. Consider an evening or nighttime tour of the monuments after 5 pm for cooler temperatures. Or explore something in a new neighborhood like the Art Walk in Brookland, lunch at Union Market, a rooftop bar on U Street, or walk around the National Arboretum.
July 2024 Special Events
Celebrating the 4th of July
The biggest event in July for the city is the 4th of July celebrations. The National Mall will be very crowded with people setting up to watch the fireworks, but it is worth doing at least once! If the National Mall isn’t your speed, you can also enjoy the fireworks from Gravelly Point, spend the day at Mount Vernon, or catch a Nationals Baseball game in the afternoon. The Nationals will be in town all week and will have fireworks on July 3rd. Check out the blog post about more celebrations around the city during the 4th of July.
River Cruise on the Potomac
The warmer months are a great time to see the city from the water. Check out a narrated sightseeing tour from Capitol City Cruises, where you’ll see the Lincoln Memorial, the Kennedy Center, Roosevelt Island, the Jefferson Memorial, and more.
If you prefer to be closer to the water, consider a kayak tour through Boating in DC from the Key Bridge Boathouse. Tours range from 90 minutes to two hours. Tour topics range from ghost paddles to nature tours to monuments tours. Limited times are available to check the website ahead of your trip.
Splash Parks in Navy Yard
Navy Yard, home to the baseball and soccer stadiums, is a busy area all summer. The neighborhood offers waterfront dining, beer gardens, and lots of space to walk along the waterfront. You’ll also find the Dancing Fountains and the Canal Basin – two places to cool off on hot days. This spot is especially popular with little ones.
Jazz in the Garden
Jazz in the Garden runs on Fridays from May 31 to August 9 (except July 5) in the Sculpture Garden on the National Mall. Tickets are released on a lottery basis that opens on Monday at 10 am until Friday at noon the week before each concert. If you get selected, you can register for up to 4 tickets. Sign up for the mailing list on their website so you don’t miss the lottery.
Jazz in the Garden allows outdoor food and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Bring a picnic, lawn chairs, and a blanket for a fun evening of music.
Things To Do In Washington, DC in July
With the high temperatures and humidity, plan both indoor and outdoor activities when visiting Washington, DC in July. It’s common for summer thunderstorms to pop up so keep an eye on the weather and bring rain gear when needed.
- Beat the heat in a Smithsonian museum on the National Mall
- Explore the catacombs at the Franciscan Monastery
- Eat on the waterfront in Georgetown or The Wharf
- Take the water taxi to Mount Vernon
- Enjoy the Metropolitan Beer Trail
- Find a rooftop bar near U Street or Adams Morgan
- Relax with a picnic at the National Arboretum
- Sign up for an evening monument tour