10 best places to watch National Mall fireworks

America is celebrating its 236th birthday Wednesday, and the place to be for the Fourth of July is the nation’s capital.

From figuring out how to best travel into and out of the District, discovering a great Independence Day-themed activity to do in the day, and finding that perfect spot to sit and watch the fireworks shooting off from the National Mall, The Washington Examiner has compiled a list of all the best festivities and helpful tips for a fun-filled day and night in the Washington area.

There are also plenty of events in the days leading up to July 4th and firework shows in other parts of D.C. and its suburbs for those wishing to avoid huge crowds on the Mall. From meeting George Washington and his wife, signing your very own Declaration of Independence, or listening to Josh Turner perform at the U.S. Capitol, this Independence Day has something to offer everyone.

THE 10 BEST PLACES TO WATCH THE FIREWORKS:

• U.S. CAPITOL: The grounds open at 2:30 p.m. Watchers also get to view the Independence Day Concert starting at 8 p.m. and watch the fireworks to the 1812 Overture. Tip: Take the Metro to this destination and get there early. It gets crowded quickly.
• LINCOLN MEMORIAL: The steps of the Lincoln Memorial are a popular spot to watch the fireworks for those seeking a serene backdrop to their Independence Day.
• WASHINGTON MONUMENT: This is the most popular, and loudest, spot to watch the fireworks on July 4. Choosing this spot means lying back and watching the fireworks go off directly overhead.
• THOMAS JEFFERSON MEMORIAL: This memorial is a little more out of the way than others and sometimes has smaller crowds.
• FDR MEMORIAL: The crowds are typically less dense at this memorial than others.
• THE ELLIPSE: This is the closest you can get to the White House and watch the fireworks. The Ellipse is on Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets.
• EAST POTOMAC PARK: Perfect for spreading out and having a barbecue.
• LADY BIRD JOHNSON PARK: Between Arlington Memorial Bridge and George Mason Memorial Bridge in Arlington.
• U.S. MARINE CORPS MEMORIAL/IWO JIMA: From here, there is a perfect view of the fireworks lighting up the Lincoln Memorial.
• GRAVELLY POINT & MOUNT VERNON TRAIL: This long stretch long the Mount Vernon bike trail offers stunning views of the fireworks without the crowds of the National Mall.

OTHER OPTIONS:
PETWORTH: The Armed Forces Retirement Home is hosting a viewing event July 4 at the southern grounds of the retirement home from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. It includes local food vendors, fishing, hiking, biking, picnicking, kickball, tug of war, balloon twisting and music.
CRUISES: The Odyssey cruise offers a live band, and the Spirit of Washington cruise has a disc jockey spinning all night. The Odyssey cruise is $199.90 per person and runs from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The Spirit of Washington cruise is $149.90 per person and runs from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
ROOFTOP BARS: There are more than a dozen bars in the city that have rooftop service.

TRANSPORTATION TIPS:
Metrorail service:
– On July 4th, Metrorail service will run from 7 a.m. until midnight, with near rush-hour service levels between 6 p.m. to midnight.
– There is no scheduled track work.
– The Smithsonian station will be open all day but will only be “entry only” starting at the end of the fireworks.
– To get to and from the Mall, riders are encouraged to use the following stops rather than Federal Triangle and Smithsonian because of expected crowding:
   •  Foggy Bottom-GWU
   •  Metro Center
   •  Archives
   •  Gallery Place
   •  Judiciary Square
   •  Union Station
   •  L’Enfant Plaza
   •  Capitol South (no elevator service)
   •  Federal Center SW
   •  Arlington Cemetery

Virginia traffic:
– The Virginia Department of Transportation is lifting lane closures on interstates and other major roads from noon on July 3 until noon on July 5.

DASH:
– Alexandria Transit Company’s DASH bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule on July 4.

RELATED STORIES:
Fourth of July travelers bailing out of Washington early – (6-28-12)
Pyro Shows Inc. executive plans ‘most prestigious show in the country’ (6-27-12)