The Fourth of July firework display in Washington, DC is one the most spectacular in the nation. First time visitors to Washington, DC tend to head for the National Mall where crowds converge and party like its 1776. The National Mall is an unforgettable experience and well-worth the hassle, but where do you want to position yourself for the show-stopping fireworks when they light-up the DC skyline?
There are plenty of places with great views and vantage points to see the fireworks and each venue has its own distinct energy to absorb and be part of. Here is a list of prime spots to perch in the District while you do some sky gazing:
- The U.S. Capitol
Next to the grounds of the White House, the US Capitol is perhaps one of the best spots in town to watch the firework festivities. The Independence Day Concert, A Capitol Fourth, starts at 8 p.m. Visitors who choose this vantage can watch this patriotic and star-studded concert and view the fireworks against the sound of the 1812 Overture. The grounds open at 2:30 p.m. This is a popular spot and will get crowded quickly. So pack a picnic, plenty of water and find your spot early. Also, consider taking the Metro there and back as parking is a premium and you aren’t likely to find any. Also, this spot offers several Metro station options which is essential because with the incredible crowds the wait going home can be long and hot.
- Lincoln Memorial
This spot gives you bragging rights, after all how many people do you know who get to watch the Fourth of July fireworks with Honest Abe? The Lincoln Memorial’s renovations are now complete and even though you may be with a sea of people, there is a tranquility sitting on those steps at night and looking out over the reflecting pool on the Washington Monument in the distance. If you Metro there, Foggy Bottom is your stop.
- The Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is the loudest spot to watch the fireworks and probably attracts the largest Independence Day crowd of any place along the National Mall. The fireworks can be seen directly overhead.
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The reflection of the fireworks on the Tidal Basin make the Jefferson Memorial one of the more elegant spots to view the Fourth of July festivities. That said, there are plenty of kids running around and it is a family friendly venue. The spot is a bit removed from the National Mall, but can get just as crowded.
- The FDR Memorial
The FDR Memorial is a beautiful memorial and offers great views of the fourth of July fireworks. There are still crowds that hang about this area, but it is less dense than near the Washington Monument or Lincoln Memorial.
- The Hay Adams Hotel
Hay-Adams Hotel (1 Lafayette Sq.; 202-638-6600) with its rooftop terrace has one of the most spectacular views of the fireworks. Guests can take in the panoramic scene while enjoying dessert and the open bar. The hotel offers an Independence Day package that always sells out, so be sure to be sooner rather than later.
- The Ellipse
Located along Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets, spectators have one of the best seats in the house. This is about the closest to the White House lawn that you can get without knowing someone and is a popular spot to watch the Fourth of July fireworks. The Ellipse is also one of the closest spots to a Metro station and party goers can quickly make their exit.
- Gravelly Point & Mount Vernon Trail
Gravelly Point is a popular spot near Reagan National Airport that offers firework views that won’t disappoint. Here you can be a part of the gathering without getting caught up in the crowd along the National Mall. This is true of a long stretch of the Mount Vernon Bike Trail and there are several Metro stations--Rosslyn Metro Station, the Arlington Station, the Pentagon Station and Reagan National Airport Station—if the Metro is your means of transportation.
- U.S. Marine Corps Memorial/Iwo Jima
The US Marine Corps Memorial is one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring tributes to the Armed Services and offers a beautiful view of the fireworks. You can take the metro to the Arlington Cemetery stop.
