Being in the nation's capital for the Fourth of July is one of those experiences that you never forget. Something about
watching the fireworks with the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Capitol as the backdrop is thrilling.
My favorite spot to watch is directly beneath the show. I tell everyone I know to bring a blanket and grab some room underneath the Washington Monument facing the Lincoln Memorial. The fireworks are shot from the reflecting pool so from there you feel every loud "boom" in the bottom of your gut as they're set off. At the same time, music from the National Symphony Orchestra plays over loudspeakers in time with the fireworks display. It's always packed, but there's a buzz of excitement that emanates from the massive crowd, who naturally are all adorned in red, white and blue paraphernalia. The Washington Post put together a great
map that shows other places to sit and watch the fireworks.
Everyone has a different place that they think is great, so I asked some of the staff at
National Geographic Traveler to share their favorite spot to watch, whether it be in D.C. or elsewhere in the United States. Read on to get some new ideas for you and your family and friends, and share your own favorite spots in the comments.
A few lucky people had the chance to climb the 354 steps to the top of Lady Liberty's crown this Fourth of July for the first time since it was closed to the public after September 11, 2001. The coveted tickets went up for sale on June 13th, and tickets for the holiday weekend sold out within two hours, our own National Geographic News reports. So how can you get your hands on a pass to the top? Find out after the jump. 
Crossing state lines this holiday weekend? If you're planning to set off a fireworks display of your own making, then be sure to check out the laws regulating firework usage in each state. The National Council on Fireworks Safety reported that 9,800 people were injured using fireworks in 2007, so please don't become a statistic. We all know that fireworks can be dangerous, so be smart and use the proper techniques to keep yourself safe. Have a fantastic fourth! 
Being in the nation's capital for the Fourth of July is one of those experiences that you never forget. Something about watching the fireworks with the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Capitol as the backdrop is thrilling. 
Subscribe to RSS feed
About This Blog