Summer is in full swing! Luckily, we’ve got some ways to cool you down in this heat.
As temperatures get higher and humidity builds, summer can begin to feel heavy. However, July is a vibrant month in DC! In this article, we have gathered some fun ways to stay cool and enjoy the summertime before it’s back to snow boots and winter coats.
1. Watch the Fourth of July Firework Show
With July comes Independence Day, and with it comes America’s favorite firework show! This year, COVID restrictions will be loosened as people gather to watch the show on the National Mall or around the nation’s capital. The show will light up the sky at 9:09 p.m. for a whole 17 minutes. This spectacle is a celebration not to miss!
2. Discover arboretums and botanical gardens in the city
Since DC is such a vibrant city, it may be surprising that there are so many lush gardens nearby. If you are feeling in a need of an outdoor adventure, visiting one of these botanical gardens or arboretums is the perfect thing to do on a cooler summer day!
3. Try paddle sports on the Potomac River
If you’re feeling more adventurous, rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and explore the Potomac River. Take a tour or discover on your own at these local boathouses in the DMV area. Being on the water on a hot day is such a refreshing activity, assured to awaken your daredevil spirit as well.
4. Take a dip in nature’s swimming pools
Speaking on refreshing, take the family on a day trip to swim in cool natural waters in beautiful national parks. Not more than a 2 hours drive outside DC you’ll be able to soak in the water and sun at these locations. When the summer heat gets too unbearable, hop in the car and staycation at these natural places meant for swimming and relaxing!
5. Feeling like an iced coffee? Visit a local coffee shop
Besides a glass of water or lemonade, iced coffee might be one of the most enjoyable drinks on a hot summer day. Next time you want a coffee break, try a local shop instead of a large-scale roaster, the coffee quality and taste are richer at small businesses. Try out one of these coffee shops that have uncommon coffee flavors and drinks, that you can get on ice to cool you down on a hot day.
6. Enjoy a burger
If you’re more hungry than thirsty, we’ve got you too! We have gathered 10 of the most popular and delicious burger places in the DC area for you to check out. These local restaurants specialize in creating remarkable flavors in your mouth, garnished with fresh ingredients, leaving you satiated!
7. Visit an air-conditioned museum
Museums are excellent places to spend summer days, not only do you learn about history, anthropology, and geology, you are also in a cold airconditioned space. Now, many DC museums have reopened to visitors, and a couple more are reopening this month too, so there are plenty of museums to rediscover this summer.
8. Have dinner on a rooftop
What is there not no love about rooftops? You get to admire the beautiful view of Washington DC, and enjoy delicious food and cocktails. After a busy day, it’s always so nice to go out with friends or a significant other and relish in each other’s company while enjoying a meal with a lovely city skyline.
9. Drink a frozen margarita at a Mexican bar
Nothing says summer like a frozen margarita! Luckily there are many Mexican restaurant-bars that serve exquisite frozen drinks at a good price. Cool off while allowing your palette to travel South of the border during happy hour. Visit these restaurant bars for a unique experience!
10. Cool off with an ice cream cone
Last by definitely not least, treat yourself to ice cream! Ice cream is the universal summer food, not only is it so tasty but it’s also frozen allowing you to cool down from the hot summer heat. We have compiled a list of 7 local ice cream shops in the DMV area for you to visit next time you have a sweet tooth!
[Featured image: Shutterstock]