Where are the Fireworks in Washington, DC, on July 4th?
The big party and fireworks extravaganza on July 4th in Washington, DC, is at the National Mall. And although this is an impressive fireworks display–let’s face it–it’s a huge hassle. The traffic, the crowds, the parking, and the security all make for a long, stressful day. However, if you want a good view with less stress, there are other viewing areas to see the fireworks.
The following is a list of places, parks, and buildings that offer a great view of the show:
In Washington DC
- U.S. Capitol
- Lincoln Memorial
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- West Potomac Park
- East Potomac Park
- Anacostia Park
- Supreme Court Building
In Virginia
- George Washington Memorial Parkway
- US Marine Corps War Memorial
- Netherlands Carillon
- Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove
- Gravelly Point Park
- Mount Vernon Trail from the 14th Street Bridge to Theodore Roosevelt Island.
Always check the appropriate websites for times, parking, and security measures.
Other Unique Places to See Fireworks in Washington DC
These are the Independence Day settings that people dream of! These locations offer waterfront views, fewer crowds, and superb cuisine. Toast to independence!
Why not go on a cruise?
You’ll have the best seats in the house when you take a sightseeing cruise along the Potomac River. Check out the great options at Embark DC Boat Tours, City Cruises, and Monumental Boat Tours.
Your whole family will enjoy seeing the DC skyline as they sail and watch fireworks.
Rooftop Bars
You can also head to one of several rooftop bars in DC for an eye-popping view. W Washington Hotel has an unbeatable rooftop view and yummy mixed cocktails at the VUE Rooftop Lounge–and it is one of our favorites. But many other rooftop bars are just as good. Check out the following:
You can’t go wrong with any of these venues. Make reservations early so you’re not disappointed.
If You Can’t Get a Rooftop
Rooftop bars are in high demand in the summer, especially on holidays. But no worries. Plenty of ground-level restaurants and bars offer good fireworks views and plenty of fun, food, and drink. Some of our favorites are:
It’s as easy as looking on Google Maps and checking out the location of a restaurant, then calling to see if they have a patio and if they take reservations.
Check into a Hotel
Several hotels offer super fireworks views if you want to make a night of it and not worry about driving. Check out the following:
- The Hay-Adams has a penthouse offering panoramic views of the National Mall.
- JW Marriott Washington, DC, has rooms facing the mall.
- Salamander DC on the Southwest Waterfront is an excellent choice too.
Washington, DC, has many hotels in the area, but make reservations early!
Other Ideas for Seeing Fireworks in Washington DC
Cardozo Education Campus
1200 Clifton St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Shhh. Don’t let anyone know, but this high school is one of the best places in Washington, D.C., to watch the fireworks. Don’t believe us? This school is just high enough on a hill that you have a tremendous sightseeing spot. Even standing a block away is still a great option.
Washington National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Two spots at the National Cathedral you should take advantage of on the Fourth of July include the grassy slope and the parking lot.
Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge
You can enjoy Independence Day by journeying to the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The Francis Scott Key Bridge–also known as the Key Bridge—is a six-lane reinforced concrete arch bridge conveying U.S. Route 29 traffic across the Potomac River between Rosslyn, Virginia, and the Georgetown neighborhood of D.C.
Enjoy the waterfront view and the lively nightlife of Georgetown once the fireworks are over.
Meridian Hill Park
Would you prefer to relax by lying down on the grass in one of Washington, D.C.’s most famous parks? Then check out Meridian Hill Park in Columbia Heights.
McKinley Technology High School
151 T St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Located in the Northeast quadrant and don’t want to make the trek down to the National Mall? Fair enough. Head to McKinley Technology High School instead for a choice of vantage point for the fireworks.
Lady Bird Johnson Park
Washington Blvd, Washington, DC 20037
This park is on an island in the Potomac River. Though part of the district, it’s closer to the Virginia border. Lucky for us, it has an amazing unobstructed view of the fireworks.
The entrance to Lady Bird Johnson Park can only be reached from the southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
From the southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, follow the sign to the Columbia Island Marina to turn right to enter the parking lot.
The Wharf
650 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Only four blocks from the National Mall, The Wharf makes for a full day of Fourth of July fun. With many green spaces, public piers, and rooftop access at the Intercontinental and Canopy hotels, The Wharf has several fantastic vantage points to view the District’s fireworks. We especially love the 12 Stories Bar & Tavern at the Intercontinental.
Why? It boasts stunning panoramic views of the DC skyline with 13-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace. The large, stylish penthouse bar offers a vast selection of modernized classic cocktails and innovative, original drinks. Dive into elevated bar food and late-night bites after the fireworks!
US Air Force Memorial
1 Air Force Memorial Drive
Arlington, VA 22204
The height of the U.S. Air Force Memorial grounds is ideal for seeing fireworks over the nation’s capital. However, you may not bring food, drinks (except water), smoking devices, bikes, scooters, or drones. This is NOT a pet-friendly venue. So while the view is beautiful, this isn’t a party spot.
Are You Looking for a Home in the Washington DC Area?
If you’re looking for a home in the Washington, DC, area to enjoy everything our area offers, let the experienced realtors at Eng Garcia help you. Whether you’re looking for a home near downtown, where all the action is, or in the suburbs, we’re the experts in DC real estate.