My husband, 2 kids (11 & 13) and I will be in DC 7/1-7/5. I'm looking forward to seeing the fireworks on The Mall. Any suggestions on viewing location? Anything else going on at that time?

Also, we're deciding between the Washington Plaza and the Governors Hotel. Didn't see much about these in the posts. Anyone have any opinions? They're both having pretty good specials that week and seem to be in good location.

We will be driving from Massachusetts. We expect it to be hot....but REAL HOT??

Also, any suggestions on inexpensive restaurants in the area (?Thomas Circle) would help us. I've looked at some other posts regarding restaurants, and gotten some web addresses to look up, but any opinions would be helpful.

Thanks

Debbie, We've had the pleasure of being in DC for the 4th at least 5-6 times and will go thru withdrawals this year since we can't be there.
There are a lot of helpful DC fodorites who can assist better than myself but here's my 2cents worth:

Get to the west steps of the Capitol early because they have "A Capitol Foruth" show they put on that is usually aired on your local PBS stations.

We've seen quite a few big name acts there. Most people start staking their turf around noon. If you sit up high enough on the grassy area, you can then see the fireworks with the The George and the Lincoln in your view. AbFab! Especally when they do the 1812 Overture!
We usually stay at the Metro Marriott so can't help you on the hotel.
As for the weather, we've seen it all.
Last year it was very cool and then we got caught in a MASSIVE downpour of rain. We were drenched!
We've also been there when it was almost 100 degrees and 90% humidity so your guess will be as good as ours!
But, it was well worth it.
All sorts of folk fests on the mall and they used to have a cultural fest on Penna Ave across form the JW Marriott. Great food and bands playing in Pershing (?) Sq.
Man! I may have talked myself into going back!
It was well worth the hassle IMHO.
Kal

Kal,

Thanks so much for your quick response. If you get there at noon to stake out a spot...what do you do all day? I don't want to waste a whole day waiting for the fireworks.

Debbie..."Hydrate"!
Seriously, that is a downside of getting a good space.

We've done it twice. Took shifts cruising the Mall, bathroom and food breaks, cooling off body temps, etc.
I'd suggest a blanket, ice chest, maybe lawn chairs, SUN SCREEN and an umbrella are mandatory for any wait. You can bring them or buy them at the local CVS near the Cap.

We have also set up camp right below the Wash/Mon so we got to hear the music they play when the f'works are going off. Neil Diamond's "America" still gives us "da chickenskin".

They usually set of the f'works at the end of the reflecting pool near the Wash/Mon but maybe a local can help answer this Q:
Will the new WWII memorial make them move the f'works staging grounds location?
The steps of the Linc/Mon go quickly
but is another great view...The Cap and The George in the back ground.
I also hear the view from the Arlington side around the Iwo Jima monument is also good. (Leone still out there?)
Mahalo,
Kal

Debbie,

Many people arrive earlier than noon to stake out a great seat on the lawn-basically you hang out, read, eat a picnic lunch, etc. Another good viewing area, although you won't hear the concert unless you bring a radio, is on the Virginia side at the Iwo Jima Memorial (easily accessible by Metro). We've gotten there as late as 7:00 p.m. some years and still had great views.

As for other goings on, this year's Smithsonian Festival is being billed as one of the best-their website (si.edu) can provide all the details.

I agree with Kal regarding the weather. It's anyone's guess.

Buy a copy of the Washington Post on July 4th to get the most current information. Since the 9/11 attacks not even us locals know what the security restrictions will be for major events. The were new restrictions this year for the Memorial Day concert at the Capitol and also for the Air Show at Andrews AFB. Not sure what areas will closed for security reasons on the 4th.

Anyone's guess is correct for the specific weather but be prepared for it to be hot. Very hot. Maybe it won't be but it probably will.
Iwo Jima is ok but if you are staying in the city you don't want to worry about getting across the river to Arlington. Also, don't plan on driving anywhere downtown and avoid Metro if you can. Walking is the best mode of transportation for Independance Day on the Mall.

Thanks for your help. I'll get the Post for more info.

Any opinions on the hotels??

The Governors House is a 1615 Rhode Island Ave and Washington Plaza in at 10 Thomas Circle. They seem to be within walking distance to a lot of sights.

Thanks for your help.

Hi there --

I will agree with very hot, and don't forget humid, but it's bearable. Just be prepared. I also agree with planning to take public transportation on the 4th -- and even *that* will be crowded and slow! One year I just got off the bus and walked home -- it was faster, and I lived about 7 or so miles from the White House/Mall.

I haven't heard anything about either of those two hotels........

I live in DC but haven't actually been to the fireworks in several years. However, I don't like sitting around in the sun on the Mall doing nothing, so I did not go that early -- only around 6 pm and it wasn't that crowded, we got an okay place as long as you aren't too picky about it. We went in front of the Capitol building where the NSO plays and you could still get decent places at that time. This would not be as prime as position as something closer, no doubt. As others have said, no one can predict the weather for that exact date, so who knows. That time I went it was 100 degrees and truly horrendous. I can't imagine how awful it would have been to sit out there all day long, including peak sun and heat time. In fact, some people do get heatstroke at times for events like that, you do need to be careful if it's very hot if you're going to sit out there in the day time. Walking is the best choice (when it's over) as the metro is very very crowded which can be scary (people shoving, which is dangerous on the stairs or platforms) and you wait a long time for a train.

I havent' heard anything about Governors House but it looks nice enough from what I've seen on it and I think a superior location to Washington Plaza (which has been around a lot longer, it's okay). As for walking distance to things, that depends how far you want to walk -- neither is that close to the Mall, and Thomas Circle in particular is rather inconvenient to the metro and most things, in my opinion. I don't care for that area myself. The Governors House is at least within maybe 4 blocks of Dupont Circle metro, I think and would be where I would stay with that choice.

2 years ago we were on the Capitol Steps, didn't get there early but could hear the concert fine and see it a bit! But I felt it was too far away from the fireworks, also the wind was blowing the firework smoke in our direction and therefore the view of the fireworks was very hazy. I remember it being quite warm and humid. Then last year - it poured with rain and we decided not to go! We do tend to get evening storms quite frequently, you just have to take your chance.

Thanks for all your help. We're not going just to view the fireworks, so we'll play it by ear as far as weather, etc. is concerned. We certainly won't be there all day in 90 degree heat & humidity!

I've already booked at the Washington Plaza. Read some very good reviews on it somewhere. A mile isn't very far for us...the kids walk to school everyday and we walk at least 2-3 miles at night, so I think we can handle it. At least two people said it was very convenient. We had to have a pool, and hopefully this one will be fine for us. The rate was only $99 with full brkfst for 2 adults and free parking. Sounds ok to me.

Looks like we'll have plenty to keep us busy, and hopefully it won't be TOO hot!

Here's a vote for going early to Capitol Hill. Its definately among the most family friendly great spots to watch the fireworks - the view from other spots on the Mall gets a bit rowdy at times (or used to).

I haven't done it with my kids, but did it when I was younger.

When you get there early, its fun just to hang out and picnic, you may even have room to play around, maybe throw a frisbee. Meanwhile you watch the crowd build and you ahve a good seat for the concert and fireworks.

Have fun and write back on how it goes!

Thank, I'll post a report when I get back.

Any other suggestions on what to see. So far I've got: Nat'l Air & Space, Postal Museum, the usual monuments, American History museum...anything else a can't miss??

Thanks for all your help.

Do they still have the Smithsonian's American Folk Life festival on the mall on that week? If so, it is terrific--features one state and one Indian nation--all their crafts, music, culture. Check online?

The folklife festival has a sifferent focus this year, instead of one state + one foreign country = one Native American group, the whole thing is about the Silk Road highlighting cultures along the entire trading route from Venice through Central Asia to Japan. Here's the website: http://www.silkroadproject.org/smithsonian/index.html

Air and Space is always a treat, and if you are hot and tired, the IMAX theatre is often a good experience to see a unique film while sitting in a cool dark theatre for a short while.

The whole Mall is a great experience, you really can't go wrong in any of the museums. Natural and America history tend to be a bigger hit with kids than the Art Museums, but we usually do both to keep things on balance.

Thanks, the IMAX sounds like it might be a good idea if it's really hot....or raining!

Anyone know about the shuttles? How much do they cost? Can you can on and off as much as you want in one day?

Today's Washington Post has info on the security for July 4, and what to expect that for the event on the Mall. Its probably a good idea to keep checking, as things change -
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2002Jun19.html

Debbie, it is NOT necessary to go early to stake out a good spot to see the fireworks. Every year, we walk down Independence Avenue through the trees along the Mall to the west side of the Monument and find a nice spot olny 100 feet from the base - and we do this at 6:30 p.m. This year there will be extra security - and it's being reported there will be actual entry points. So all bets are off about timing. It may well be a much smaller crowd this year.