Good spot for DC fireworks viewing?
June 1, 2010 9:58 AM Subscribe
Where should we watch the 4th of July fireworks in Washington DC from?
I'm looking for a good place for a couple of families to watch the fireworks. Some of the kids are younger, so we probably don't want to brave the mall. I think we'll splurge and get a couple hotel rooms (perhaps the Key Bridge Marriott). Any spots nearby that would be suitable? Perhaps another hotel recommendation, better yet one with an accessible roof or rooms with a balcony pointed the right direction?
I'm looking for a good place for a couple of families to watch the fireworks. Some of the kids are younger, so we probably don't want to brave the mall. I think we'll splurge and get a couple hotel rooms (perhaps the Key Bridge Marriott). Any spots nearby that would be suitable? Perhaps another hotel recommendation, better yet one with an accessible roof or rooms with a balcony pointed the right direction?
The Key bridge isn't real close to the action, but I know people do watch from Georgetown roofs. I'd suspect that any hotel with a good view would have been booked years ago, and would charge for that access too.
The very best place is from a boat out on the Potomac, floating between The Roosevelt or Memorial Bridges. Second best is from a roof top or a top floor office around Foggy Bottom, all the way to GWU is still pretty good.
But when I haven't finagled an invite to those places, (most of the time), I've liked sitting on the wall of the American History Museum, yes it's a big crowd, but that can be a big part of the fun too. (Get there early!)
posted by Some1 at 10:22 AM on June 1, 2010
The very best place is from a boat out on the Potomac, floating between The Roosevelt or Memorial Bridges. Second best is from a roof top or a top floor office around Foggy Bottom, all the way to GWU is still pretty good.
But when I haven't finagled an invite to those places, (most of the time), I've liked sitting on the wall of the American History Museum, yes it's a big crowd, but that can be a big part of the fun too. (Get there early!)
posted by Some1 at 10:22 AM on June 1, 2010
At 9PM be driving north from DCA on the GW Parkway. Pull over, illegally, along with everybody else. Enjoy the show, then swiftly drive on.
posted by Rash at 10:25 AM on June 1, 2010
posted by Rash at 10:25 AM on June 1, 2010
Meridian Hill / Malcolm X Park is a traditional free favorite, and always much less of a zoo than the Mall.
posted by ryanshepard at 10:56 AM on June 1, 2010
posted by ryanshepard at 10:56 AM on June 1, 2010
Cardozo HS is also another neighborhood favorite place to watch the fireworks. It's on the same hill as Malcolm X park, but two or three blocks east.
posted by OmieWise at 11:10 AM on June 1, 2010
posted by OmieWise at 11:10 AM on June 1, 2010
SWDC native weighing in: I always watch them from the 14th Street Bridge. There is a pedestrain ramp that you can access from Banneker Park (across from the fish market). You have a clear view of the Washington Monument and you can also see the smaller fireworks displays in Virginia and Maryland.
posted by earlygrrl at 11:27 AM on June 1, 2010
posted by earlygrrl at 11:27 AM on June 1, 2010
Another option would be a hotel in Crystal City, or the top floor of the parking garage at Pentagon City Mall.
OR - a dinner cruise on the Potomac.
posted by matty at 11:52 AM on June 1, 2010
OR - a dinner cruise on the Potomac.
posted by matty at 11:52 AM on June 1, 2010
and personally... we always do the 'zoo' on the Mall.
Yes, it's crazy packed with people, but it's an experience you can't beat! Bring foldable chairs, blankets, and a cooler. Last time I checked anything non-glass is allowed. Get there early, claim your territory, make a picnic out of it, lay down and stare up!
DDOT uses the occasion to run an annual test of the city's evacuation plan, so getting OUT of the mall when it's over is surprisingly easy. Stay at a hotel within walking distance of the mall and it's a memorable experience.
posted by matty at 11:55 AM on June 1, 2010
Yes, it's crazy packed with people, but it's an experience you can't beat! Bring foldable chairs, blankets, and a cooler. Last time I checked anything non-glass is allowed. Get there early, claim your territory, make a picnic out of it, lay down and stare up!
DDOT uses the occasion to run an annual test of the city's evacuation plan, so getting OUT of the mall when it's over is surprisingly easy. Stay at a hotel within walking distance of the mall and it's a memorable experience.
posted by matty at 11:55 AM on June 1, 2010
I'd recommend the Jefferson Memorial. It's got an incredible view of the Mall and quite a lot of space.
posted by valkyryn at 1:11 PM on June 1, 2010
posted by valkyryn at 1:11 PM on June 1, 2010
Response by poster: Excellent information all! I like the Iwo Jima idea, gemmy. What time would we need to get there for a good spot?
posted by cosmac at 2:42 PM on June 1, 2010
posted by cosmac at 2:42 PM on June 1, 2010
It kind of depends on how much space you need. The fireworks start around 9:15pm or so, right as it gets dark. If you have a group so you require a bit of room to spread out, you want to get there at least 2 hours early.
But it's a nice spot for a picnic, and you can people-watch and plane-watch (the approach for DCA is right ahead of you, along the Potomac) for a while. Lots of people toss frisbees or footballs too.
posted by gemmy at 3:17 PM on June 1, 2010
But it's a nice spot for a picnic, and you can people-watch and plane-watch (the approach for DCA is right ahead of you, along the Potomac) for a while. Lots of people toss frisbees or footballs too.
posted by gemmy at 3:17 PM on June 1, 2010
Two non-traditional things I have done (growing up in DC)
The National Cathedral has a decent view, if the weather is clear, and it is a nice family friendly scene, not too crowded.
I'm not sure whether this is possible, but my family has canoes, and has paddled down the Potomac and watched from the river.
posted by cogpsychprof at 5:31 PM on June 1, 2010
The National Cathedral has a decent view, if the weather is clear, and it is a nice family friendly scene, not too crowded.
I'm not sure whether this is possible, but my family has canoes, and has paddled down the Potomac and watched from the river.
posted by cogpsychprof at 5:31 PM on June 1, 2010
I know it's too late for this year, but for those who might find this thread next year, the Jefferson memorial is a great place. There was security, but it took all of thirty seconds to get through. Not very crowded at all, and a great view.
posted by kiltedtaco at 7:42 PM on July 7, 2010
posted by kiltedtaco at 7:42 PM on July 7, 2010
Response by poster: As a followup, we took gemmy's advice and found a spot near the Iwo Jima Monument, pretty much exactly at the spot suggested. Fun crowd, good view. Closer would have been nice, but this worked well with the kids. Thanks gemmy!
posted by cosmac at 7:14 PM on August 2, 2010
posted by cosmac at 7:14 PM on August 2, 2010
Fantastic, cosmac! Glad that worked out. I was right there too!
posted by gemmy at 7:43 PM on August 5, 2010
posted by gemmy at 7:43 PM on August 5, 2010
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For the last several years, I've watched the fireworks from this spot at Iwo Jima. Lots of kids and families hanging out there, and you get a good view of the fireworks (video I shot last year).
posted by gemmy at 10:17 AM on June 1, 2010