Ooh! Aah! Where to Watch the Fireworks in Washington—From Traditional Spots to the Unexpected
By
Cristina Daglas
Beating the crowds is always a plus, but a little hoopla never hurt anyone, either. Whatever your style, the key to celebrating the Fourth of July in Washington is a little bit of planning. Braving the Mall? Get there early. In the mood for something different? Check out these alternatives for Independence Day fun. We’ve got everything from restaurant roof decks to off-the-beaten-track fireworks-viewing spots. What are your best spots for watching fireworks? Let us know your favorite viewing spots in the comments.
Related: Fun Ideas for a Bang-Up Fourth of July in and Around DC
Sticking With Tradition
Cardozo High School
1300 Clifton St., NW
Metro: U Street/Cardozo
Cardozo High School is on a hill high above downtown DC, and its playing field has views of the Mall. The Independence Day crowd is a diverse group of locals with a friendly community feel. It’s a well-known viewing area within the neighborhood, so arrive early to secure your spot.
George Washington Masonic Memorial (Masonic Temple)
101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria
Metro: King Street
Alexandria’s Masonic temple sits atop Shuters Hill, just a mile from the Potomac River’s banks. Its large lawn, which overlooks downtown DC, is a choice spot to spread out the blanket. Go early to get an unobstructed view.
Gravelly Point/Mount Vernon Trail
Metro: Reagan National Airport, Rosslyn, Pentagon
A multipurpose trail runs along the grassy banks on the Potomac’s Virginia side from Theodore Roosevelt Island to Mount Vernon. Enjoy views of the fireworks and their watery reflections. Gravelly Point is popular, but expect to hear planes as they take off and land just a few hundred feet away. Parking is limited along the trail, but the National Park Service sets up designated areas for pedestrians to cross the GW Parkway from Rosslyn and the Pentagon.
Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial)
Meade St. and Marshall Dr., Arlington
Metro: Rosslyn
If the patriotism of the fireworks show and the red-white-and-blue attire aren’t enough, spice it up a notch by viewing the fireworks from the Iwo Jima memorial’s grounds. Convenient, accessible and with clear views of the Mall stretching across the Potomac, this Arlington locale will not disappoint.
Pentagon Heights/Navy Annex
Metro: Pentagon or Pentagon City
Some of the best views of the show are from across the river in Arlington. For something less crowded, try the hill below the Navy Annex at the end of Columbia Pike. The wide, grassy slope is across from the southern gate of Arlington National Cemetery and looks down over the Pentagon. You can’t beat the clear view of the Mall.
Washington National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Metro: Tenleytown/AU, Cleveland Park
On the south side of the cathedral is a grassy hill overlooking much of DC with great views and room for kids to run around. Bonus: The cathedral keeps its parking-garage restrooms open until about 8 PM.
Going the Nontraditional Route
NOTE: Beacon Bar and Grill is now fully booked.
Beacon Bar and Grill
1615 Rhode Island Ave., NW; 202-872-1126
Metro: Farragut North
Starting at 5 PM, $15 gets you a three-course picniclike meal, including pork shoulder and fried chicken. At 9, head to the rooftop bar for the fireworks.
Charlie Palmer Steak
101 Constitution Ave., NW; 202-547-8100
Metro: Union Station
Celebrate just steps from the Mall with a festive menu featuring Kobe-beef hot dogs, miniature crab cakes, and cotton candy from 4 to 10 PM. Reservations are encouraged; $39 for adults, $15 for kids under 13.
Perry’s
1811 Columbia Rd., NW; 202-234-6218
Metro: Woodley Park/Zoo/Adams Morgan
The view of the fireworks will be limited, but the food and drink specials start at $5. Festivities begin at 5:30 PM and last until 11:15.
Hay-Adams Hotel
1 Lafayette Sq.; 202-638-6600
Metro: Farragut West
Feeling ritzy? There are a few rooms left at this luxurious downtown-DC staple where guests will receive a special full-course dinner between 5:30 and 8 in the Lafayette Room. The rooftop terrace will open shortly thereafter with a dessert cart, open bar, and a perfect view of the fireworks.
Indigo Landing
1 Marina Dr., Alexandria; 703-548-0001
Sit waterside for this holiday-inspired buffet from 5 to 7 or from 7 to 9. Standard grill fare and picnic sides are on the menu. Seating is first come, first served, but reservations are required; $50 for adults and $25 for children under 12 at the early seating; $75 for adults and $37.50 for children starting at 7.
Key Bridge Marriott
1401 Lee Hwy., Arlington; 703-524-6400
Metro: Rosslyn
Sticking with the festive theme but at a slightly more affordable price, you can dine at this comfort-food buffet before a dessert reception on the top floor of the Capitol View Ballroom. Standing 14 floors above the Potomac surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll have an ideal viewing spot for the fireworks; $50 for the entire evening, $25 for dessert and fireworks only. Reservations required, but no hotel stay is necessary.
Other Hotel Balconies and Rooftops
Feeling reclusive? Create your own private event in a hotel room with a view. DC hotels offering rooms with a balcony view of the fireworks include the Mandarin Oriental and the Willard InterContinental. In Arlington, try the Sheraton National or the Doubletree Inn in Crystal City.
Margarita Cruise on the Potomac
localwineevents.com; 202-686-5990
Metro: Foggy Bottom
Sip on $3 margaritas from 6:30 to 8 on this early-evening monument cruise and get back just in time to secure a spot for the fireworks. Tickets are $30 in advance, and the boat leaves from Washington Harbour.
More Cruises
For next year, step it up a notch and plan even further ahead. Fireworks cruises with the Potomac Riverboat company, The Spirit of Washington, and The Odyssey are sold out, but look to be a good time! Related:
Fun Ideas for a Bang-Up Fourth of July in and Around DC More>> After Hours Blog | Arts & Events | Happy Hour Finder | Calendar of Events
|
Comments
Excellent blog you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about here? I’d really like to be a part of online community where I can get feedback from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Kudos!
order viagra online overnight <a href="http://buydiscountviagra.info/buy-viagra-online-overnight/">generic viagra online overnight</a>
Posted by: viagra super force, Feb 07, 2012 01:16:03 AM
Wow, wonderful weblog layout! How long have you ever been running a blog for? you made blogging glance easy. The total glance of your web site is great, as smartly as the content!
buy kamagra <a href="http://buycheapgeneric.info/buy-discount-kamagra-without-prescription/">online kamagra</a>
Posted by: buying drugstore usa, Feb 06, 2012 11:48:01 PM
My husband and i were now satisfied that Michael managed to carry out his basic research from your precious recommendations he gained in your weblog. It is now and again perplexing just to find yourself offering techniques that many others have been making money from. So we grasp we need the blog owner to appreciate for this. Those illustrations you made, the easy blog menu, the friendships your site help to foster - it is many incredible, and it’s really leading our son and our family feel that the concept is brilliant, which is truly vital. Thank you for all the pieces!
online Synthroid <a href="http://buygenericlist.com/buy-order-cheap-generic-synthroid-thyroxine-online/">online Synthroid</a>
Posted by: buy Diflucan, Feb 06, 2012 10:18:29 PM
Would you be curious about exchanging links?
cheap isordil <a href="http://home-drugstore.com/buy-generic-without-prescription-isordil-2/">online isordil</a>
Posted by: on line drugstore canada, Feb 06, 2012 09:47:58 PM
After I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now each time a remark is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you possibly can take away me from that service? Thanks!
generic Indocin <a href="http://health-drugstore.com/buy-cheap-generic-indocin-online/">generic Indocin</a>
Posted by: web pharmacy, Feb 06, 2012 08:48:42 PM
hi!,I like your writing very much! share we communicate more about your article on AOL? I need an expert on this area to solve my problem. May be that’s you! Looking forward to see you.
online Lamictal <a href="http://health-drugstore.com/buy-cheap-generic-lamictal-online/">cheap Lamictal</a>
Posted by: buy generic colofac, Feb 06, 2012 08:18:21 PM
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in truth used to be a amusement account it. Look advanced to more introduced agreeable from you! By the way, how can we keep up a correspondence?
online generic revia <a href="http://home-pharmacy.com/buy-get-generic-revia-price/">generic generic revia</a>
Posted by: best price priligy, Feb 06, 2012 07:47:23 PM
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?
cheap generic sporanox <a href="http://genericrxdrug.com/buy-generic-sporanox-order-online/">cheap generic sporanox</a>
Posted by: buy Indocin, Feb 06, 2012 06:17:33 PM
I have read some good stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a magnificent informative website.
buy generic cleocin <a href="http://genericrxdrug.com/buy-generic-cleocin-order-online/">online generic cleocin</a>
Posted by: internet pharmacy usa, Feb 06, 2012 05:47:46 PM
Definitely, what a great blog and illuminating posts, I definitely will bookmark your blog.All the Best!
cheap viagra super active <a href="http://buygenericdrugs.info/buy-price-viagra-super-active/">buy viagra super active</a>
Posted by: best price priligy, Feb 06, 2012 03:42:27 PM
Hello, you used to write excellent, but the last few posts have been kinda boring… I miss your tremendous writings. Past several posts are just a bit out of track! come on!
cheap zovirax <a href="http://buygenericdrugs.info/buying-generic-zovirax-price-cheap/">cheap zovirax</a>
Posted by: for sale kamagra, Feb 06, 2012 02:43:55 PM
Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it
online viagra soft <a href="http://buycheapgeneric.info/get-discount-viagra-soft-purchase/">order viagra soft</a>
Posted by: buy Viagra, Feb 06, 2012 02:12:22 PM
Thanks for discussing your ideas. I’d personally also like to mention that video games have been ever evolving. Modern tools and improvements have aided create reasonable and interactive games. These kind of entertainment games were not actually sensible when the actual concept was first of all being tried out. Just like other areas of technologies, video games way too have had to evolve by way of many generations. This is testimony towards the fast growth and development of video games.
order viagra sildenafil <a href="http://buydiscountviagra.info/order-viagra-sildenafil/">order viagra sildenafil</a>
Posted by: on line pharmacy australia, Feb 06, 2012 11:19:22 AM
I think other site proprietors should take this web site as an model, very clean and magnificent user friendly style and design, let alone the content. You are an expert in this topic!
order Atrovent inhalation <a href="http://home-drugstore.com/buy-generic-atrovent-inhalation-without/">cheap Atrovent inhalation</a>
Posted by: best price zithromax, Feb 06, 2012 09:14:43 AM
Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it
buy Frumil <a href="http://health-drugstore.com/buy-cheap-generic-frumil-online/">buy Frumil</a>
Posted by: buy Accutane, Feb 06, 2012 08:41:13 AM
I do agree with all the ideas you’ve offered on your post. They are very convincing and will certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are very quick for starters. May just you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
online generic cartia xt <a href="http://home-pharmacy.com/buy-get-generic-cartia-xt/">cheap generic cartia xt</a>
Posted by: get pharmacy australia, Feb 06, 2012 07:12:35 AM
Thanks for this wonderful article. One other thing is that nearly all digital cameras come equipped with any zoom lens that enables more or less of your scene to get included by ’zooming’ in and out. All these changes in the aim length tend to be reflected in the viewfinder and on significant display screen right at the back of the exact camera.
cheap generic pro banthine <a href="http://genericrxdrug.com/buy-generic-pro-banthine-order-online/">order generic pro banthine</a>
Posted by: for sale levitra, Feb 06, 2012 06:18:42 AM
Hola! I’ve been following your web site for some time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Houston Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the good work!
buy xenical <a href="http://buygenericdrugs.info/buy-price-xenical-without-prescription/">online xenical</a>
online drugstore without prescription sale discount canada http://health-drugstore.com/
Posted by: usa lamictal dispersible, Feb 06, 2012 02:05:11 AM
I’m planning to watch tonight’s fireworks from the Marines Corps Memorial but can’t find any information online about what, if any, security checks or what items are prohibited. Suggestion for a source I can consult?
Posted by: Jennifer, Jul 04, 2009 07:45:09 AM
Another place would be Maryland Ave. NE off of Bladensburg road. It has a great view of the fireworks. There is no need to be on the roof because that area is kind of on a hill.
Posted by: Ang, Jul 01, 2009 12:16:42 PM
i’ve heard the top floor of the parking garage of tyson’s corner mall is a good bet to see oakton and fairfax.
Posted by: julie, Jul 04, 2008 03:50:07 PM
Hello,
These are great ideas for people with income to reserve a hotel room with a balcony, or a nice dinner. For those of us who are just hoping to find a roof with a good view of fireworks in or just outside of the city, do you have any suggestions?
Posted by: Looking for a nice roof, Jul 03, 2008 06:29:42 AM
|
Post a comment
Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question. Because of the prevalence of spam, we ask that you fill out the code in the image below to help us eliminate spam comments. By posting here, you affirm that you are 13 years of age or older. Washingtonian.com reserves the right to remove or edit content once posted.
|
|
|
