Fireworks displays are returning in full after two years of scaled-back celebrations.
Watching the fireworks is one of the highlights of D.C.’s Fourth of July celebrations, and there are plenty of sites to view them from. You’ll find exceptional vantage points from rooftop bars, National Mall locations, Arlington and many other places throughout the District. Here are some of our favorites!
The National Mall
Grab your picnic blanket and settle down on any patch of grass on the National Mall and you’ll have front row seats to the show! The Mall is the most popular place to watch the fireworks display with visitors staking out spots near the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and many other locales across D.C.’s most scenic space. The display gets underway just after 9 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. You will want to give yourself plenty of time to find a spot and familiarize yourself with access entry points, road closures and prohibited items. You can find helpful tips and more information from the National Park Service.
US Marine Corps War Memorial
Located on Arlington Ridge along the axis of the National Mall, the US Marine Corps War Memorial offers a panorama of the Lincoln memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol Building. If you want to avoid the crowds on the mall and avoid downtown this is a great location!
Gravelly Point Park
Located on the west bank of the Potomac in Arlington, Gravelly Point is just to the north of Reagan National Airport on the George Washington Parkway. Famous for watching airplanes take off and land, this national parkland is also a prime viewing spot for the capital fireworks. Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis so make sure you get there early.
Thompson Boat Center
Looking for a view from the water? Head over to Thompson Boat center and rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (advance reservations are required). You can paddle over to a designated viewing spot and enjoy the fireworks as they light up the sky over D.C.’s most iconic monuments and reflect off the Potomac River.
Key Bridge
Connecting Rosslyn and Georgetown, the Francis Scott Key Bridge offers spectacular views of the Potomac River and the District. Although you won’t find seating on the bridge, you can stroll over from the Rosslyn Metro station and enjoy a standing-room-only view of the fireworks.
There are a whole host of Independence Day celebrations throughout D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland for you to enjoy this Fourth of July!
Reach out to me if you want to learn more about neighborhoods in Arlington and around the region!
Kerby Long | 703-901-3326 | [email protected] | www.ChamberlinBrothers.com | www.McEnearney.com
McEnearney Associates — Arlington Office
Links & Recommendations
- National Park Service
- US Marine Corps War Memorial
- Gravelly Point Park
- Thompson Boat Center
- July 4th Events
- METRO
- National Independence Day Parade
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