I'm a teensy bit anxious about attempting to view the fireworks on July 4th at the mall in D.C. because my husband and teenage step-children, although game, have lower than average stamina and patience. We are staying at the Embassy Suites-Alexandria. We want to start the day by going to the National Archives in the morning for the reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps, etc., then inside to see the exhibits. After lunch I'm not sure what we'll do but we'd like to see/hear the concert on the capitol steps. From reading on the posts it sounds like sitting west of the Washington Monument is the best play to view but I'm thinking we're better off to stay near the capitol and then take the metro from Capitol South back to King St. Does this sound doable?

Here's the rest of our itinerary, comments are welcome:
Fri. 7/1 - driving up from NC, arrive lunchtime, do Air & Space + Imax in the afternoon, dinner where??? maybe Georgetown?
Sat. 7/2 - Arlington & Monuments Tourmobile all day: walk from WWII Mem. to Breadline for lunch, then from Breadline to White Hs Vis. Ctr. and continue on Tourmobile, dinner back in Alexandra
Sun. 7/3 - Am. History Museum, Nat. Sci. Museum, nightime Monuments tour
Mon. 7/4 - Nat'l Archives, then ??, Capitol Concert & Fireworks
Tue. 7/5 - Bureau of P&E, Holocaust Museum, Congressional Capitol Tour before driving home

I think near the Capitol is going to be fine, but it is going to be packed. Given the fireworks are being shot off from the river, anywhere on the mall is really okay in my view.

As for getting Metro at Capitol South. In one sense, it is a good idea since it a little off the Mall and slightly less crowded (but only slightly). Truthfully, you just need to be flexible and enjoy the experience of being on the Mall in DC for the fireworks.

It seems like a REALLY LONG day. You don't mention going back to the hotel, but I can't fathom not wanting a little break before hanging out at the fireworks, especially if it is hot.

I have the same question. This will be our first time in DC for the 4th. Our apartment is across from the Pentagon. Do you think we would have a good view if we just walked over and watched from the Potomac?

Also, what time do the music festivities start on the mall on the 4th? I as thinking of taking Metro over for a few hours but then bailing out to go back to Pentagon City to see the fireworks as my husband definitley will not go anywhere near DC proper that day!

Vivi, I like your plan.

Depending on where you live in Pentagon City, you may actually have a pretty good view. A lot of people go to the park area on the George Washington Parkaway, so it will get packed early. A lot of people set up picnics and driving through that area can be tough.

Would I go over to just hear the music? Well, if it's your first time in DC it may be fun. Although I tend to side with your husband and would avlod the Mall that day.

We lived in DC from '79 to '83. At that time, the fireworks were set off near Washington Monument. The Symphony played on the Capitol grounds and that was the best place to view the fireworks. I take it it's no longer done that way? We have wonderful memories of those nights.

The fireworks are STILL launched from a cordoned off area near the base of the Monument and many of us feel the best place to view them is AT the base of the Monument so you can look directly UP at them.

Many MANY people will be lining the GW Parkway on the other side of the Potomac and the Metro AFTER the firworks will be, as usual, JAMMED in the stations closest to the Monument itself.

If you are content with watching from across the river and can stand not to hear the music then I would stick with that plan. It will probably be a lot easier to get back "home" afterward, too.

Just be prepared for a VERY CROWDED Washington Monument area. Spent the 4th July in 1987 in D.C. when I lived there, there was an incredible amt of people. You could go to the National Post Office for some fast food ethnic after you get done with seeing the Smithsonian or walk a little further to The Shops at 14th and Pennsylvania, many places to eat.

Another note, be prepared to not just catch the closest subway stop back to Alex. The blue line smithsonian was jammed packed and i remember having to walk to L'enfant plaza to catch the yellow line back to VA.

Thank you everyone for the good feedback. Mike T - good call on the "really long day" observation. We've decided to head back to the hotel to relax, swim, chill, whatever for the afternoon until 6ish, then leave for the concert/fireworks. Stephanie -- thanks for the heads up on possibly taking yellow line instead of blue line back to King St.

We feel since we've never done this before to just go for it and try to experience it all from the mall. If like Vivi, we lived across the river, I'd stay home I've been to Times Square on NY's Eve so I'm kind of preparing for something like that in terms of the crowd.

Wish us luck!!!

Keep in mind that the fireworks are in the sky, so what you really want is a wide horizon view.

The JEFFERSON MEMORIAL always worked for me. It's large, has steps you can sit on, and has a pretty unobstructed view of the fireworks. Since it abuts the water, there are no buildings in front of it. It's south of the Mall, so it's a little tricky to get to, but if you are taking Metro anyway parking will not be an issue. DO NOT USE SMITHSONIAN STATION. It will be wildly overcrowded.

I would call them at (202) 426-6841 to make sure they remain open to the public for the fireworks, it's been a couple of years since I have gone there on the 4th.

Post-fireworks: Smithsonian station is closed on 7/4 - too mobbed. Symphony concert from steps of the Capitol - looks toward the Wash. Monument. Fireworks set off near the WWII Memorial - best view from Wash Monument to Lincoln Memorial. Or Jefferson or Pentagon or Arlington...Plan your ultimate destination and escape route.

It's been my experience that the later you wait to go down to the mall, the more congested and crowded it is and you are less likely to get a good spot to sit. You may want to consider getting your spot mid-afternoon and then if some want to go and sight see, they can while you hold your spot. Just a thought.

Their trip was six years ago.