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Georgetown waterfront in summer

Fabulous Things to Do This Summer in Washington, DC



From fireworks by the monuments to biking tours around town and holiday festivities, there are so many ways to explore DC this summer.

Sunny days, loads of free things to do and a cultural scene that doesn’t go on summer vacation make Washington, DC a cool place to be in hotter months. Check out the National Mall, where free festivals and museums lure, catch exciting baseball action at Nationals Park or make a splash at the District’s waterfronts. No matter which adventure you choose, you’ll find the capital city fascinating in summertime.

01

Discover free and affordable summer fun

US Botanic Garden

As you plan your family trip to DC, we’re here to remind you of all the free things to do this summer in the District. From Fourth of July fireworks and holiday concerts to special events like the Memorial Day parade, summer in the District makes for an unforgettable time that doesn’t have to hurt your wallet.

02

Take yourself out to the ballpark

Nationals Park

There are plenty of reasons to check out DC’s Major League Baseball team, the Washington Nationals, who play their home games at Nationals Park on the bustling Capitol Riverfront. The state-of-the-art ballpark boasts terrific views, friendly fans and plenty of great places to eat, some of which offer up local brews and specialties from DC restaurants. During the fourth inning, the popular Presidents Race features costumed, jumbo-headed commander-in-chief lookalikes running – and sometimes cheating – their way to glory.

03

Celebrate the Fourth of July amidst the monuments

July 4th

There’s probably no city that’ll give you a more all-American, patriotic Independence Day than Washington, DC. Take in the pomp-and-circumstance-filled National Independence Day Parade in the morning along Constitution Avenue NW, then stake out a spot on the National Mall or across the Potomac River near the Marine Corps War Memorial (also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial) in Arlington – or check out these other spots to watch the fireworks. The fireworks typically start just after 9 p.m. Basking in the rockets’ red, white and blue glare with a backdrop of glowing white monuments and memorials is an unforgettable – and highly Instagrammable – thrill.

04

Make a splash at DC's waterfronts

Kayak in Anacostia River

With two rivers, the Potomac and the Anacostia, and a number of fantastic waterfronts in different neighborhoods, DC is full of things to do on and near the water. Choose from awesome waterfront views, an array of stylish riverfront restaurants and plenty of waterfront activities for the perfect summer day in the District.

05

Explore music, crafts and more at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

The Smithsonian’s annual summer cultural treat brings crafters, musicians, cooks and artists to the National Mall for a free, fascinating festival taking place from June 26 through July 1. This year’s event focuses on the social power of music. Expect plenty of family-friendly demonstrations, concerts and even more great reasons to check out this can't-miss summer festival.

06

Paddle a boat past the monuments

Kayaking in Potomac River

You’ll get a new perspective on iconic structures like the Lincoln Memorial and the Kennedy Center if you see them via kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard. Rent boats and boards from Boating in DC's boathouses in Georgetown or on the Capitol Riverfront (known as Ballpark Boathouse), then take off on your own or via a guided tour. Bird-watching and a good workout come with the territory.

07

Spot wildlife and water lilies at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Dream you’re in a Monet painting at this serene, off-the-beaten-track park near Anacostia, where hundreds of water lilies, aquatic bamboo and wild flowers can be reached via boardwalks and pathways. Critters from blue herons to turtles also thrive here, and summer might be the most pleasant time to visit. Rangers lead tours of the gardens every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m.

08

Chill out on a rooftop or kick back on a patio

It's always the right time to take your outdoor dining experience to new heights by heading to these rooftop bars and restaurants. If terra firma is more your thing, the District is filled with delightful outdoor patios and beer gardens for your warm weather pleasure.

09

Visit a jaw-dropping museum exhibit

Planet Word

DC is a gallery-goers’ paradise, with showplaces devoted to everything from modern art to postage stamps. In a class all of its own, start your adventure at any of these DC museums, or for a truly interactive experience head to on of DC's kid-friendly museums and hands-on attractions that will transport the whole family from the ho-hum of touring to the “Wow!” of experiencing. In addition to the fabulous slate of museums along the National Mall, the District is also home to a vast collection of cool museums off the Mall.

10

Spend a day at the National Zoo

Lions at Smithsonian National Zoo

The free-to-enter Smithsonian National Zoo awaits you, offering a family-friendly afternoon of seeing lions, tigers, bears and many, many more. Also, make sure to check out the calendar for can't-miss events.

11

Bike wherever you like

Capital Bikeshare in Penn Quarter

Yes, Capitol Hill is genuinely an incline, but most of DC’s major tourist zones are flat and filled with green spaces, bike lanes and trails. Capital Bikeshare, one of the largest cycle-share systems in the country, makes it easy to rent wheels and zip around town for an hour or a day. There are over 3,000 bikes and 300 stations around town.

12

Catch an outdoor flick

Summertime and movies go hand-in-hand. Yes, the biggest blockbusters are in theaters, but step your movie-going experience up a notch and relax outdoors while taking in a classic film or one you’ve never seen before. Find out when and where to catch an outdoor screening and turn summer nights into summer memories.

13

Groove to the smooth sounds of jazz

Concert on The Wharf during DC JazzFest - Can't-miss summer festival in Washington, DC

The DC Jazz Festival honors one of America’s greatest art forms with an annual summer showcase in DC. The 2024 edition, which takes place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, marks the 20th anniversary of the festival. Many of the concerts are free, but there are so many more reasons to check it out. If that doesn't satisfy your jazz fix, don't miss out on Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden, a popular Friday evening event.

14

Don't miss out on these signature summer events

Pride Parade

There are seemingly endless can't-miss summer events and festivals where you can discover everything from the wonders of barbecue to interactive art. In fact, there are so many amazing choices that it can be tough to figure out which to attend. No worries – we’ve got you covered with some of the season’s biggest events and festivals perfect for having the best summer ever.

15

Go back in time at the National Museum of Natural History's Hall of Fossils

National Museum of Natural History

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's 31,000-square-foot fossil hall is an epic exhibit that connects our planet’s very distant past to the present and future. Visitors will be transported to ancient ecosystems, navigate through the evolution of life across billions of years and encounter roughly 700 fossil specimens along the way, including a T-rex and a woolly mammoth.

16

Savor delicious deals during Summer Restaurant Week

People dining at District Winery

Summer in the District would not be complete without Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week (official dates to be announced). Throughout the promotion, restaurants across the DC area offer three-course, prix-fixe meals for brunch, lunch and dinner. And while you're dining out this summer, don't forget to check out DC's hottest restaurants.

17

Close out summer with Labor Day festivities

Celebrate summer’s last big weekend with music, food, outdoor activities and plenty of arts and culture in the nation's capital. We’re taking the work out of making your Labor Day weekend plans with these ways to make your holiday memorable.

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