Washington DC's July 4th and fireworks are some of the best in the nation, and DC is less than 50 miles from Baltimore. So why not spend Independence Day in our nation's capital?
Well, on a regular day Washington DC's traffic can be horrendous. So on a day when thousands of folks are trying to get into to the city for Fourth of July events and many streets are closed and the MARC train is not running, staying in Baltimore for July 4th might just seem like a better idea.
However, braving the crowds in DC on July 4th can pay off with a memorable holiday, especially if you plan in advance to minimize traffic headaches. Normally one of the best ways to get from Baltimore to Washington, DC, is the MARC train, but there is no MARC service on July 4.
Washington's subway, Metrorail, runs until midnight on July 4, so driving to a Maryland subway station (See list of Metro stations) and riding into the National Mall area may be the simplest way to avoid traffic.
- Commuting to Washington - This article, though really designed for commuters, provides links to many governmental traffic resources, including traffic cameras and parking suggestions.
- Getting to the National Mall on July 4 - This article from About.com's Guide to Washington provides details on street closures and public transportation on July 4.
- Guide to Using Washington Metro - Also from About.com's Guide to Washington
Things to Do in Washington, DC, on July 4
- Fourth of July Fireworks - around 9:15 p.m., National Mall
- Washington Independence Day Parade - 11:45 a.m., Constitution Avenue between 7th St. and 17th St.
- A Capitol Fourth Concert - 8 p.m., West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol
- Smithsonian Folklife Festival - 11 a.m - 5 p.m., National Mall
- Independence Day at the National Archives - 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
More Baltimore-Area July 4 Celebrations
If in the end you decide to stick closer to home, check out these July the celebrations in Maryland:
