Washington - National Independence Day Parade / Capitol Fourth - HELP!

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

My nephews are marching in the National Independence Day Parade tomorrow. Normally, we avoid the city during big crowd events like this. Need to be there tomorrow, though.

Anyone have experience with these events?

We're staying at 6th & Massechusetts NW, my parents are staying at 3rd & E SW. That puts us on opposite sides of the mall. It looks like the National Archives (7th & Constitution) is a good half-way meeting place. Will my parents be able to walk up 7th Ave tomorrow morning? I see on the National Park Service web site that the National Mall is closed to the public until 10:00 am. But I don't know if that means the cross streets through the mall are closed too. Will they have to pass through security walking this route?

How early do we need to get to the parade route? It starts at 11:45. We discussed meeting around 10:30 at the Archives, but I don't know if that is cutting it to close. Will all the good viewing spots be gone by then?

Speaking of that... where are the best places to view the parade?

Also need advice on the concert & fireworks that night. Gates open at 3:00 for a 6:00 show. Should we plan to head right from the parade to the west lawn?

Thanks!!!

 

[Christine]

I can't give you specifics but:

1. If the National Mall is closed then it is quite possible that the streets closest to the mall could be blocked off. DC has no problems in doing that as they want to discourage automobile traffic.

2. For the parades and the concert, people usually line up WAY early and stake out spots. If you go an hour before, changes are you won't get a spot. Same for the concert, people will go in and get their spot as soon as possible.

Have fun--my days of dealing with the crowds are over but I'm sure you will enjoy it!

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Thanks for the input.

They'll actually be walking. At a mile away, I think the hotel is going to be the closest place to find a parking spot.

I just wasn't sure if they'll be able to walk up 7th St and cross the mall, if they'll have to walk all the way up and around the Capitol to get to the North side of the mall.