Directions

Getting to the National Mall

Visitors are strongly encouraged to take public transportation to the National Mall on July 4. Visit WMATA for public transit information.

The Smithsonian/Natnional Mall station is the closest Metro stop to the fireworks area. Due to the possibility of overcrowding at Smithsonian, travelers are encouraged to use other nearby Metro stations, such as Federal Triangle, Foggy Bottom, L'Enfant Plaza, Archives/Navy Memorial, or Metro Center.

If you choose to drive, public parking is extremely limited during this event. Limited parking is available on Hains Point, accessible via I-395 or Maine Avenue from the east only. Vehicles will not be allowed on or around the National Mall. Numerous road closures will affect your ability to navigate areas of Washington, D.C. and along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Public Access

National Mall

The area from 14th Street to the Lincoln Memorial and between Constitution Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW will be a secure area on July 4. Access will be via designated entry points, and visitors will be subject to a bag check upon entering the secure area. All coolers, backpacks, packages, and persons will be subject to inspection. Please check the Prohibited Items page before attending the event.

The following public entry points for the secure area will open at 1 p.m. and will remain open until 9 p.m. There may be changes to access points on the day of the event to enhance security.

  • West side of Arlington Memorial Bridge
  • 17th Street SW just south of the World War II Memorial
  • Constitution Avenue NW between 23rd Street NW and Henry Bacon Drive NW
  • East Basin Drive at Inlet Bridge (west of the Jefferson Memorial)

George Washington Memorial Parkway

Fireworks can be viewed from the following locations along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. There will be limited pedestrian access to the National Mall via Arlington Memorial Bridge from these locations:

  • U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and Netherlands Carillon
  • Columbia Island/Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove ( Access to the Potomac Riverfront is now possible via the new bike/pedestrian tunnel that runs underneath the Boundary Channel Bridge (a.k.a. the “Humpback Bridge”)
  • Gravelly Point, north of National Airport
  • Washington Sailing Marina/Indigo Landing Restaurant at Daingerfield Island

  • People holding up a long banner reading
    Special Events

    Join the festivities in Washington, DC, including the Independence Day Parade, Fireworks Display, and the Salute to America.

  • Metro train on a bridge over a river
    Plan Your Visit

    Find information to plan your trip around town on July 4, including directions, closures, security, and safety tips.

  • Family holding a cutout of the NPS arrowhead
    Social Media & Alerts

    Share your DC Fourth of July experience on social media! Stay informed with alerts and fun-facts about the DC monuments.

  • Fireworks over the Lincoln Memorial
    Photos and Multimedia

    View photos and videos of Independence Day festivities and preparations on the National Mall.

  • Two US Army Fife and Drum Corps soldiers looking at the Washington Monument
    History of Independence Day

    Take a moment to reflect on why millions of Americans gather for celebrations across the country on July 4th every year.

  • Ranger silhouette between flagpoles at night
    Making the Fourth Happen

    Ever wonder what it takes to put on a show for Independence Day in the nation's capital? Learn more about behind the scenes.

Last updated: June 30, 2022

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