Cool spots to watch July Fourth fireworks (that aren't on the National Mall)
WASHINGTON - The Fourth of July fireworks show is a spectacle to behold, but if dealing with the massive crowds at the National Mall isn't your thing, here are some cool places to watch the show from a distance.
The National Park Service says the fireworks display will start at 9:09 p.m. and will begin to wrap-up at 9:27 p.m.
Here are six locations that aren't the National Mall where you can watch the fireworks.
- Mount Vernon Trail -
Hitting up the trail on the Virginia side of the Potomac River near Pentagon gives a picturesque view of the fireworks. You can bring or rent a bike and head up the trail. This will offer you a more secluded and a little less crowded area to take in the fireworks.
- U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial -
Commonly known as the Iwo Jima Memorial to locals, the memorial offers the perfect grassy vantage point from Rosslyn. Watching the fireworks from the memorial is a local favorite so you'll want to try to get there early to secure a good spot. You can take the Metro to the Rosslyn or Arlington National Cemetery stations where it'll be about a 10 to 15-minute walk to the memorial.
- Cardozo High School -
A hidden gem for locals, the high school is home to the Clerks and also a hill that offers a great view of the fireworks. Situated near Howard University, the school allows locals to watch the fireworks in the District without having to trek to the National Mall. The school is located at 1200 Clifton St NW.
- Washington National Cathedral -
On the south side of the cathedral is a grassy hill that overlooks the nation's capital. The cathedral sits high on a hill, offering a great view of the fireworks display. In fact, the height of the cathedral's central tower is 676 feet above sea level, which is the highest point in the District. This is another great location in the District to watch the fireworks without heading down to the National Mall.
- Lady Bird Johnson Park -
The park, named after the former first lady, is situated on an island in the Potomac River and offers an unobstructed view of the fireworks show. Parking is available at the Columbia Island Marina, which is about a 10-minute walk, but the Arlington Cemetery Metro is conveniently located right next to the park and is about a 20-minute walk. Be sure to take in the beautiful daffodils while you're there.
- U.S. Air Force Memorial -
The memorial offers a great hillside view over the Potomac River in Arlington. Not only can you watch the fireworks, but you can listen to the U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants, who will perform at the memorial at 8 p.m. The closest Metro stop is Pentagon City, which is about a 20-minute walk. There is parking in the area, but it is limited. The U.S. Air Force Memorial has less space than the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial so it gets crowded quickly. You'll want to get there in advance to grab a good seat!
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