The DC Traveler

The best place to watch fireworks and listen to the National Symphony Orchestra play Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with cannon and fireworks is probably on the steps of the Capitol Building, the crowds, parking, Metro crowds, and post-event traffic can be a bit nerve-racking.

So here’s my list of a few places that may be a bit less crowded. In this case, less crowded means, almost on top of each other.

1. Iwo Jima Memorial Grounds, next to Arlington Cemetary. This location is high on a hill overlooking the Mall and offers some of the best views of DC (at any time). Definately take Metro or get there very early for parking.
2. Along the Potomac River on the Virginia side, anywhere south of Reagan National Airport. People seem to just park anywhere along the route. It’s best to get a spot early and park legally, as parking tickets will be written.
3. U.S. Air Force Memorial grounds - another view from a hill overlooking DC. But with its extreamely limited parking, plan on getting there by July 2nd for a spot or take Metro.
4. Anywhere in the Mall area - including the Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln memorials, near the White House, or East Potomak Park. Plan on securing your spot early. Crowds are always heavy. Again, Metro is a must.
5. Crystal City hotels - some of the hotels in Crystal City and Pentagon City has great views of DC. Rent a room with a view for the night or have dinner at one of the upper floor hotel resturants. One hotel with great views is the Doubletree Hotel - Crystal City (300 Army Navy Dr., Arlington, VA). Its top floor bar and restaurant, Windows Over Washington, offers some great views of DC. Reservations required for the 4th.
6. Listen or Watch from Anywhere - Sometimes avoiding the crowds and traffic and simply watching the festivities from home makes for a most enjoyable experience. The concert will be broadcast on PBS television stations nationwide and on radio over NPR (88.5 FM in DC) and on Armed Forces Radio.

Scheduled performers include Tony Danza (master of ceremony), Little Richard, Elliott Yamin from American Idol, Yolanda Adams, the Choral Arts Society of Washington and the always popular U.S. Army Herald Trumpets together with the Presidential Salute Battery and their WW-II vintage 3-inch Howitzer cannons.

A Capitol Fourth 2007
U.S. Capitol - West Lawn - between Independence and Constitution Aves. at 1st Street.
Washington, DC

Date and Time - July 4th, the Capitol grounds open at 5:00 p.m. with the concert starting at 8:00 p.m. The 20-minuute fireworks show starts around 9:10 p.m.

Tickets - free
______________________________________________________________________

Comments Off