When I was a kid, my parents took my brothers and me to the National Mall every year for the fourth of July. We’d arrive early to enough to grab a spot close to the Monument, spread our blankets across the lawn, and stretch our necks toward the sky during the entire 20-ish minutes of D.C.’s renowned fireworks show. When the sounds of popping and oooh’s and ahhhh’s ended, we’d unstiffen our necks and brave the masses on the journey to our car, which always seemed too far away for my adolescent legs to walk. It was a magical tradition that I continued through high school with my best friend (but instead of driving, we hopped on the Orange Line home). Naturally, I thought I would continue this tradition with my kid, which I did one year, but 8-year-old Monty has chosen to make other plans in recent years. That leaves me here, with no real reason to trek to the National Mall these days. But I’m still a sucker for a good lights show; so my colleagues and I put together a list of options that are ripe for starting a new fireworks-watching tradition. Feel free to join. — Christina Sturdivant
Photo by John J Young
AMERICA’S LAWN, WITH EVERYONE ELSE: Every Washingtonian ought to see the fireworks from the Mall at least once (though whether or not to return, like Christina’s family, depends on your propensity for crowds). If this is your year, my advice is to show up really early and come prepared, both mentally and with provisions. Get there in the early afternoon when the security lines are still (relatively) short, and set up a large blanket to stretch out on while the crowd fills in. Coolers are allowed, though they’re subject to inspection, so bring a meal. And if you’re able, I also really advise biking down there. Once you get to the pavement, it is easily the fastest way to speed away from the scene. — Rachel Sadon
Photo by Mr.TinDC
A SCHOOL: I’ve attended quite a few summer classes in my day and they were everything I did not want in a summer vacation. But it turns out that high schools are full game during the summer for watching fireworks. In Northwest, locals have made a tradition of gathering at Cardozo High School (1200 Clifton Street NW). Its grassy slopes and hilltop location makes it an ideal place for fireworks watching. And about two miles away, east of North Capitol Street, McKinley Tech High School (151 T Street NE) is another academic locale where groups go on the fourth to gaze at the sky. — Christina Sturdivant
Photo by Ryan Bloom
A CEMETERY: As Sarah Hughes wrote a few years ago about Holy Rood Cemetery (2126 Wisconsin Avenue NW), “If you don’t mind spending the Fourth of July among gravestones and souls that may be disturbed by the loud booming, thus haunting those gathered on the hallowed ground, the Glover Park cemetery is a good option.” There are also good views adjacent to the Arlington Cemetery at the Netherlands Carillon, the Iwo Jima Memorial, and the Air Force Memorial. — Rachel Sadon
Photo by Brian Allen
A BOAT: Looking to splurge a little? One of the most expensive D.C. options for the fourth is taking a cruise. If you’re willing to pay upwards of 200 bucks, you can lounge in the middle of the Potomac River, beer in hand, and watch the fireworks fall overhead. The Odyssey promises a four-hour shindig complete with a plated dinner, live music, dancing, an open bar, and “spectacular views of the monuments and fireworks.” Meanwhile, a trip aboard the Spirit of Washington includes a buffet-style dinner, DJ entertainment, an open bar, and “incredible views” of the fireworks. — Christina Sturdivant
Photo by Craig Moe
A NATIONAL ICON: With a city filled with buildings of national significance, you definitely don’t need to be sitting in the shadow of the Washington Monument to have extra patriotic surroundings. The large plaza outside the Supreme Court (1 First St NE) has clear views of the fireworks, and you can pretend like Ruth Bader Ginsburg is right there at your side. The slope around the National Cathedral (3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW), meanwhile, provides a good vantage point to watch the fireworks from up on high—call it a religious experience. Or, for the whole shebang, you can head to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the Capitol Fourth concert. This year’s performers include Smokey Robinson, Kenny Loggins, and Gavin Degraw. Of course, as usual, the whole thing will be broadcast on PBS, so curling up at home totally counts, too. — Rachel Sadon
Photo by Ted Eytan
A PARK: Sure, the National Mall might be the most jam-packed grass in D.C. when the fireworks go ka-boom, but people flock to many of the city’s green spaces to watch the show. One of the best is Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park, because (as one of the names suggests) it’s designed on a slope. It tends to get more crowded than your run-of-the-mill drum circle, which is saying something. And the McMillan folks aren’t ready to call it quits yet, instead hosting a barbecue potluck and history tour of the park, followed up by fireworks viewing from a nearby roof. Festivities kick off at 6:30 p.m. (and they’re asking for RSVPs). Other suggestions for parks to watch the show include Anacostia Park, Lady Bird Johnson Park on the Potomac, and the lovers lane known by most as Gravelly Point Park. — Rachel Kurzius
Photo by lsmadison
OVER THE WATER: Why see the fireworks only in the sky when you could also see them reflected in the water below? Twice the show at no additional cost! If you couldn’t peel away from the city’s humidity this long weekend, then console yourself with a waterfront vista for the big show. The best place to do this is by (safely!) grabbing a spot at one of the nearby bridges’ pedestrian paths at Georgetown’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, Arlington Memorial Bridge, which connects the Lincoln Memorial to Arlington National Cemetry, or the 14th Street Bridge. If heights aren’t your thing but water is, head over to the Georgetown Waterfront Park. You’ll be much closer to the Potomac from there. — Rachel Kurzius
Photo by 88_Spartans
A ROOFTOP: Next to brunching, hanging out on a rooftop is as obligatory to D.C. living as it gets. And there’s no better time to take in the sights from on top of a building than on Independence Day. You can grab a cocktail at one of the city’s numerous rooftop bars, including my favorite, the POV Lounge at the W Hotel. While the space is actually covered, so maybe not a rooftop in its truest sense, the hotel’s top floor lounge offers hard-to-beat views of the White House and the National Mall. And if you’re looking for another route, the Kennedy Center’s spacious outdoor terrace with views of the Potomac River and D.C. memorials is also a crowd pleaser. — Christina Sturdivant
