DC on the 4th

[belle22]

Where is a good place to sit for the Parade? What is in the parade -- will me children like it?

We are thinking about going to see the fireworks - where can we see the fireworks and hear the music from the Capital?

 

[3boymthr]

I haven't done the parade, but I did go to the mall and see the fireworks though I have to admit it was years ago. I went with some friends so no kids. We sat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial (I believe there were also people on the grassy areas to the side). It was gorgeous. The fireworks reflect in the pool (called the reflecting pool I believe) that stretches between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. The only bummer of the day was Washington Monument was closed as that is where the fireworks are launched.

 

[luapgib]

I have lived in the D.C. area my entire life and never knew of a parade. However taking in the fireworks can be a lot of fun. If you want to be on the mall I would suggest making a day of it and doing it right. Depending on the ages of your kids you should be able to be there all day. I would bring a picnic lunch and lots of snacks and lots of water. Bring some fun lawn games as well. Frisbees and footballs and such are plentiful and make the day go faster. If you want to just see the fireworks and don't want to deal with a large crowd or the heat all day I would suggest the Iwo Jima memorial. You can often get a great spot here fairly late and still see the show. The only disadvantage here is that you do not get to hear the music. I have done both sites and really enjoy the mall however depending on the wind you may get a nice ash shower. It truly is a fun show and this is one thing DC does right. You want to position yourself between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln memorial for best viewing.

 

[BigLoveSTink]

I have never been to the Mall for the festivities - 2 words: MAD HOUSE.

 

[Dancemom03]

I have never been to the Mall for the festivities - 2 words: MAD HOUSE.

muwahaha... I wouldn't want to be driving out of the city in the mess that's sure to ensue afterwards. Simple construction as folks head towards 295 on a Sunday evening can take an hour if you go the wrong way.

I know there are quite a few busses from MD & PA going into the mall area for the tea party on the 4th too. I'm not sure, but would assume there might well be protestors from other states too.

 

[clutter]

Years ago, we sat at the foot of 19th street (Constitution), then beat feet up to Luigi's pizza between K and L St. By the time we ate, Metro had calmed down somewhat.

 

[pilesoflaundry]

It's going to be mass chaos trying to get out of there. If I remember right if you are local you can see the whole thing on tv. I don't recall a parade, there is music and fireworks though.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

We were in DC on the 4th about 10 years ago and by noon the mall was PACKED! Tourmobile quit running because it couldn't navigate the streets around the mall with all the people. Someone had made the suggestion to us to watch the fireworks from the area of the Marine Corps War Memorial and the Netherlands Carillon, and that turned out to be a lovely, much-less-crowded spot with a perfect view of the fireworks. The fireworks were done to music which was broadcast on local radio stations. Some people had their boom-box type radios on so we could hear the music too.