Independence Day is arriving in just a few weeks, and with Arlington’s proximity to the nation’s capital, it’s a very popular location for visitors and locals alike to celebrate the day. With the 4th of July falling on a weekend, there’s sure to be an influx of visitors to the region. Luckily, ATP is here to share some of the best locations for you to experience the fireworks and festivities in Arlington. Follow the helpful tips to make sure you’re spending more time enjoying the weekend and fireworks, and less time impacted by traffic, crowds, and road closures.
Where to Watch the Fireworks in Arlington
Iwo Jima Memorial
Perhaps the most accessible location to view the fireworks, the US Marine Corps War Memorial, more commonly known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, is located in Rosslyn with a fantastic view of the DC skyline. Rosslyn can be accessed via the Orange, Silver, or Blue lines. From the station, it’s a simple ten-minute walk south along N. Meade Street to the monument. Additionally, there are several nearby bus stops that will allow you to visit the memorial via ART or Metrobus, as well as Capital Bikeshare stations all around Rosslyn, including a station conveniently located at the memorial. Appreciate the memorial while positioning yourself for a great view of the fireworks.
Mount Vernon Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail offers a scenic and open view of Washington, DC, which is a great spot to view the fireworks. The path is shared use, so enjoy a nice stroll or ride a bike to get to your preferred viewing destination.
Key Bridge
Key Bridge connects Arlington with Washington, DC, which allows for an elevated waterside view over the Potomac River with the fireworks cascading above. Accessible from Rosslyn, you can take a train or bus to start your journey and finish your multi-modal trip by walking onto the bridge. Keep in mind that this viewing location will be on the sidewalk, so be prepared to stand!
Long Bridge Park
Due to the large open fields, Long Bridge Park is another popular location to view the fireworks, especially for those who are interested in setting up a blanket for a picnic-style viewing experience. Long Bridge Park is about a ten-minute walk north of the Crystal City Metro Station on the Blue and Yellow lines. Additionally, there is a Capital Bikeshare station located on the north and south sides of the park for those interested in biking.
Gravelly Point
Gravelly Point is most famous for being a prime location for viewing the airplanes departing from and arriving at Reagan National Airport (DCA). On Independence Day, however, this location doubles as a fantastic viewing point for the fireworks with plenty of planes to keep you interested while waiting for the show to begin. Those hoping to visit Gravelly Point can access this spot via the Mount Vernon Trail, mentioned above. Just be prepared for a longer walk or bike ride!
A Short Trip to the Nation’s Capital
From historic landmarks to scenic views, Washington, DC remains both a fitting and exciting location to celebrate our nation’s independence. Anyone coming from Arlington will be pleased to know that there are many ways to get to some of the most iconic locations without a vehicle (and while avoiding parking costs!).
How to get to the National Mall
The most popular location to view the fireworks in Washington, DC is the National Mall with many prime spectating locations nearby such as the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and of course, the Washington Monument.
Metrorail remains a great way to navigate from Arlington. The Mall is accessible from Arlington using the Orange, Silver, and, Blue lines.
The National Mall can be accessed via the following stations without making any transfers when coming from Arlington, regardless of which Metro line you are taking: Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, and L’Enfant Plaza. This is because all three of these stations have access to the Orange, Silver, and, Blue lines. Please note that Metro has stated in previous years that the Smithsonian station can get crowded during Independence Day.
There are also a number of Capital Bikeshare stations located within a few blocks of the National Mall that you can take advantage of if you’re in the mood for a pleasant ride over the bridge from Arlington.
New Bus System in Play
While Metrobus has a strong presence in Arlington, this bus system is also heavily prevalent within Washington, DC. The Better Bus Network, which overhauls current Metrobus routes and stops, goes live on June 29. Make sure to plan for these changes when making your Independence Day transportation plans by utilizing WMATA’s Trip Planner to ensure you’re up-to-date with the new bus system and maximize your enjoyment of the holiday.
Understand your Options with ATP
These are just some of the ways that you can enjoy Independence Day while traveling efficiently. For a more comprehensive review of the transit options available within the Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC area, especially if you will be hosting out-of-town visitors, consider downloading ATP’s Regional Transportation Guide.
