4th of July in DC?

[michigansandzil]

It appears our 2015 summer vacation will land us in DC for the fourth. Kids will be 12,10,6. I'm imagining a spectacular fireworks display with so many people it's difficult to move.
Sound about right? We're not fans of hustle and bustle but my guess is this is worth it.
Anyone ever done a boat ride? Or is staying at the national mall the best bet for viewing.

[sdianel_-acct_c]

are you traveling in an RV? Are you staying at Cherry Hill RV Park?
If you are staying at Cherry Hill RV Park, they should be able to help with more info about options for fireworks viewing. I think I would do the boat trip. Getting to and from the boat trip will be a challenge. Wonder if Gray Line tours has anything? Please keep us posted on what you decide and how it turns out. During the day it will be very hot.

[NYCgrrl]

happynow wrote:
We have lived within 25 miles of DC all of our lives. We've not done a boat ride for the fireworks but sounds like a great idea.I have seen them numerous times from The Mall and surrounding area's. The display is spectacular, as are the crowds...you have a good picture of July 4th in DC.

The real issue becomes after the fireworks, when everyone is tired and cranky-you cant get a bottle of water for less than $5.00.... traffic and metro are both pretty over crowded for a couple of hours.

If you can stay in a hotel one night close by, you will enjoy the experience more. Otherwise if you are going to Cherry Hill CG, be prepared. Know where you are and position yourself to get to a Metro station as fast as you can after the fireworks to minimize your wait. Bad timing can be hours long wait for a train.
You do not have to be directly on The Mall to see them.
Enjoy the experience, everyone should do it once.

X2

If you opt for a hotel try to stay at one as close to the Mall as possible. Gets you out of the milling crowd ASAP. You'll pay for the privilege but I just add it into my "I don't do this everyday" experiences. For the record, the Hay-Adams, has an incredible breakfast that's included in the room price (welll it oughtta be at those prices). I longggggggg for their curdled eggs which taste like no other scrambled eggs I've ever had outside of Paris.....

[dahkota]

I grew up in DC. We went to the mall for fireworks every year because we could walk home.
The metro will take hours and be unbelievably crowded.
The same happens on the water only it is more dangerous because they are also drinking.
If I were to do the mall now (I no longer have a house there), I would rent a hotel room within walking distance. I don't know though, if your six year old is up for it - a really long day with a lot of walking. And it is usually gawdawful hot.

[NYCgrrl]

I think it's oftimes a once in a lifetime experience for many Americans so if the opportunity presents it self, go. I suspect the Mall viewing will give the best bang for your buck at least if I compare it to NYC's fireworks boat rides on the same day. Wild horses can't make me pay super premium for "meh" food and wine at least here. The man used to manage a Manhattan hotel so we got free tickets one year and I would have rather stood in the streets. If the Mall viewing is anything like Boston's Pop and NYC's Macy, bring your own food(lots of good takeout in DC and "The Washingtonian" magazine can keep you up to date on that scene), some portable chairs, a coupla candles(maybe) and enjoy your surroundings.

Oh and for the record.. for the last 7 years I've spent the 4th of July in a small town in CT. Probably because the grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side;):D. We do visit DC, M-Day weekend though. Been doing that for almost 15 years and I still haven't seen it all or been bored:).

[michigansandzil]

spoon059 wrote:
Unless you want to go to DC anyways, I wouldn't undertake a trip like this.

Yes we plan on going it's just coincidence that it happens to be on the fourth.
We are visiting new york, jersey shore, assateague island, and DC is on our way home. May as well stop. We've never been there and probably won't be back in the area for a decade. Too much to see to repeat a destination. 😉
We were hoping to be in Gettysburg but they need a 3 night reservation and it will be a day only stop for us.

[happynow]

We have lived within 25 miles of DC all of our lives. We've not done a boat ride for the fireworks but sounds like a great idea.I have seen them numerous times from The Mall and surrounding area's. The display is spectacular, as are the crowds...you have a good picture of July 4th in DC.

The real issue becomes after the fireworks, when everyone is tired and cranky-you cant get a bottle of water for less than $5.00.... traffic and metro are both pretty over crowded for a couple of hours.

If you can stay in a hotel one night close by, you will enjoy the experience more. Otherwise if you are going to Cherry Hill CG, be prepared. Know where you are and position yourself to get to a Metro station as fast as you can after the fireworks to minimize your wait. Bad timing can be hours long wait for a train.
You do not have to be directly on The Mall to see them.
Enjoy the experience, everyone should do it once.

[sato4000]

I've lived in DC for 37 years but I've never gone to the mall to watch the fireworks. I hear its spectacular but people line up on the sides of the roads all thew way out of the city before the sun is even up on the 4th. I've never wanted to deal with the hassle.

[spoon059]

I grew up in the DC area. It is a mob scene. Post 9/11 security is absurd. I haven't been in a long time because I think it is too much hassle.

That being said, if you chose to come remember that DC is hot and muggy in July. It will be uncomfortable here, especially for someone from Michigan. Your best bet is to take Metro downtown, cause you won't be able to park. Get downtown early in the afternoon. Make use of military band concerts or other free events earlier in the day. Bring a picnic and be prepared to grab a spot early. Early can mean 2 or 3 in the afternoon... then sit there until 9 for the show to start.

See why we don't go anymore?

If you can find a river cruise it will be expensive and likely still hot, but at least you will have a good view of the fireworks.

Unless you want to go to DC anyways, I wouldn't undertake a trip like this.