Nothing beats seeing the Independence Day fireworks against DC’s skyline of monuments and memorials.
Watching the fireworks is one of the highlights of Independence Day in Washington, DC and fortunately, the city and the surrounding area offer a plethora of scenic viewing options. Visit the District to celebrate the holiday in full with the fireworks display on the National Mall. Visit the National Park Service’s dedicated page for more details.
1/ Find a spot on the National Mall
The National Mall is the most popular place to watch the fireworks display, with attendees staking out spots near the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and an array of other locales across DC’s most scenic space. The 17-minute display will start at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Give yourself plenty of time to find a spot and familiarize yourself with public access entry points, road closures, prohibited items and other tips from the National Park Service.
2/ Experience the fireworks from across the Potomac River
Watch from across the Potomac River at some ideal viewing areas. Check out the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, and the nearby Netherlands Carillon in Virginia. With the mesmerizing Marine Corps War Memorial statue as the backdrop, the fireworks take on even greater meaning.
3/ Take a family-friendly fireworks cruise
Your fireworks viewing can hit the next level with a sightseeing cruise along the Potomac River. Check out what safe options Embark DC Boat Tours, City Cruises and Monumental Boat Tours are offering for the Fourth of July holiday, as well as all summer long.
4/ Several rooftop bars offer panoramic views of the fireworks
There a plenty of great rooftop bars that offer the ideal setting for watching the fireworks in the District. VUE Rooftop Lounge and Terrace at Hotel Washington, the Conrad Hotel’s Summit Rooftop, La Vie and Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel are just a few of the spots that could make for great Independence Day (or should we say night) revelry. Make sure to check with your locale of choice regarding safety precautions and availability.
5/ Or come hungry, get comfy and watch from ground level
You can also find restaurants in DC with spectacular views of the fireworks from the ground level. Sequoia, Nick’s Riverside Grill and Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place on the Georgetown waterfront or Café du Parc in Downtown are all extra-comfortable places to dine and take in the epic display. Just make sure to reserve well ahead of time and be mindful of any safety protocols.
6/ Rent some wheels and watch from the Mount Vernon Trail
Rent some wheels from Unlimited Biking, Capital Bikeshare or at the Columbia Island Marina on the Virginia side of the Potomac River, near the Pentagon. Then, you and your crew can ride up the Mount Vernon Trail to find a spot to stop and enjoy the fireworks show. Yes, this amazing view is from the trail itself.
7/ Head to the Washington National Cathedral
Find a spot on the grassy slope of the Washington National Cathedral in Upper Northwest. Because this is one of the highest points in the DC area (the top of the Cathedral’s tower is actually the highest), it’s a good place to picnic and wait for the sky to fill with a colorful display.
8/ Watch from the U.S. Supreme Court Plaza
The majestic U.S. Supreme Court Building on Capitol Hill has a 252-foot wide oval plaza that’s spacious and open with unobstructed views of the fireworks bursting in air. If the area is open to spectators, get there early to claim a seat and then settle in to enjoy the show.
Don’t forget to bring your camera when you catch the fireworks – you’ll want to remember this experience forever. Now that you know what to do during the evening, here are some great ideas for ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in Washington, DC.
About Destination DC: www.washington.org
Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities.
