Salamander Washington DC, which debuted in 2022 in the former home of the Mandarin Oriental’s DC property, is right near The Wharf development. It’s the closest hotel in the city to the National Mall and the Tidal Basin, just a four-minute walk away. The Salamander is throwing a July Fourth backyard barbecue in its beautiful garden patio, with family activities, grilling demonstrations on the Big Egg Grill, and performances of the national anthem and American folk songs by the 21st Grey Coat Battalion Fife and Drum Corp. The party begins at 5 p.m. and costs $175 for those partaking in the open bar, $135 for those who opt for non-alcoholic beverages, and $65 for children ages four to 10. After the festivities end at 8 p.m., head to the Mall for fireworks—or view them from the pedestrian bridge right near the hotel and the Tidal Basin.
Northeast
The view of the Capitol is crystal clear from the rooftop of new NoMa hotel The Morrow, so it makes sense that this would be the place for a 4th of July party with DJs, Stars n’ Stripes margaritas, and s’mores with red, white, and blue marshmallows. Party packages range from $35 to $1000 for seating for up to 10 around a firepit; call for bookings at The Upstairs. Le Clou, the hotel’s French brasserie by chef Nicholas Stefanelli, is also hosting a 4th of July barbecue buffet starting at $75 per person or $39 for children under 12, which includes general entry to the fireworks viewing party on the rooftop. Hotel packages with entry to the party are also available.
Union Market’s rooftop is a favorite picnic spot, thanks to its faux grass-covered outdoor oasis called Hi-Lawn. The massive rooftop is planning five days of free-to-attend festivities around the 4th of July weekend, culminating in cornhole, sack race, and tug-of-war competitions during the day on the actual holiday before you watch the fireworks display from the rooftop in the evening. The menu includes adult juice boxes, boozy ice pops, Tajin-and-lime watermelon salad, and hot dogs cooked on a rooftop grill, including a half smoke-style “DC Dog.”
About the author: Adele Chapin is a Washington, DC-based writer who regularly covers the cities best offerings, from restaurants to museums. She has also contributed to the Condé Nast Traveler’s Washington DC city guide.
