By muffin on May 4, 2009 | Reply

ask someone when u get there

By Pat on May 7, 2009 | Reply

Oh wow, i tried to go last year but I was busy…

Anywhere on the mall is good. Preferably you want to be closer to the Washington monument than the capital.

If I’m not mistaken, the Jefferson memorial can be a good spot (verify that before taking my word for that).

By Alex Anytime on May 9, 2009 | Reply

Now, if you are with a group of people like I am(every year for the last 7)
The area near the FDR memorial is the best, we have a great spot there under a huge beechnut tree) in this area you will have the Potomac river 50 feet at your back and a clear view of the fire works, plus you have full bathrooms(not porto potties) right there at the memorial.
We actually start gathering there at about 11am(there is usually 20-30 of us, and we bring coolers with food, small grills, even a couple of small tents, for naps and just make a day of it on the mall.
If you are staying outside of the city in Va or Md this gives you the best access to I66, 395,495/95 corridors after the fireworks, but my advice would be not to drive into the city and to take the metro which will be in operation until 1am or 2am, if you are staying in the city, leave the car at the hotel and either metro or walk to your destination.
Keep in Mind DC is notorious for very humid weather so dress lite and wear shoes you like to walk in.
You didn’t specify your age bracket or if this was a family trip or friends, but if you give more details I can point you to some great places to celebrate while you are there.
I live in Alexandria, Va. five miles outside of the city and work in the city. so let me know if you would like more specifics, Have A GREAT TIME !!!!!

By Relicaaa!! on May 10, 2009 | Reply

I will be too! I went to D.C. for the 4th a few years ago, don’t remember where I sat. But I do remember I had a nice view.

Sorry I’m no help but the fireworks there are awesome.

By DinDin G on May 12, 2009 | Reply

Washington monument.
Bring lots of coins to park and comfy shoes to walk. The surrounding areas will be block so you have to park somewhere and walk down there. Bring picnic blanket, perhaps umbrella just in case the weather changes. Heavy duty bag check will be there, no food or drink s allowed as well as sharp items.

By iamhappycamper on May 14, 2009 | Reply

We were in the area last year -We were going to watch the fireworks on the Nat’l Mall but changed our minds at the last minute for no real reason. We were lucky though, it was crowded - and they evacuated everyone below ground due to a tornado warning. I heard the fireworks were great when they finally happened.

We watched them at the US Military Academy in Annapolis, just a few miles away - the town looks very story book and is cute, they had a parade, we had dinner at a bayside restaurant and we sat in bleachers watching the academy students until fireworks started. Fantastic!

By Missy on May 17, 2009 | Reply

The National Mall!!!

By Adam on May 19, 2009 | Reply

The best spot to see the fireworks is definitely across the river in Arlington, Virginia. If you can get onto a roof party on one of the buildings, you’ll have a great view of the fireworks that go off right across the river. If that’s not a possibility, then head down to the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial. It’s typically less crowded. If those two options don’t work out, then you can of course deal with the masses and ultra tight security down on the National Mall for the “Capital Fourth” celebration. Just get there early and remember to bring lots of water and sunblock (you have to get there hours in advance, which means waiting in the hot sun until the show actually starts). Good luck!