What to Know About the DC 4th of July Fireworks

The DC fireworks will launch from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool at 9:09pm on July 4 and end around 9:30pm. As with any big DC event, expect crowds and security screenings.

Common sense applies when it comes to what you can and can’t bring: glass containers, guns, knives, ammunition, unmanned aerial systems, explosives, and fireworks aren't allowed. Be sure to look over the prohibited items list on the National Parks Service website, which will be updated for road closures and other important day-of information.

For getting through the checkpoints with ease, take a few minutes to clean and organize diaper bags or other totes you might be taking. And just like going through airport security, placing items in clear zip-top plastic bags makes the whole process go more smoothly.

Arrive early to snag a good spot, and don't forget to bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, sunscreen, and plenty of water—temperatures can climb to well above 90 degrees in DC in July.

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Fireworks make the perfect backdrop to the Washington Monument. Photo by Preston Keres, USDA/FPAC 

Best DC Fireworks 2025 Viewing Locations

1. National Mall

The National Mall is the best, and therefore the busiest, spot to watch the DC fireworks show. Anywhere from the Washington Monument to the Jefferson Memorial is available to the public. There are also viewing spots at the World War II Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, and Constitution Gardens. Look up the public-access entry points ahead of time so you'll know where to go.

2. US Supreme Court Plaza

The Supreme Court's spacious, 252-foot-wide oval plaza offers an unobstructed view of the 4th of July fireworks in DC.

RELATED: Best Fourth of July Activities for Kids That Aren't Fireworks

3. Arlington, VA

Another option is to head across the Potomac River to view the 4th of July fireworks from several spots in Arlington. The US Marine Corps War Memorial, the Netherlands Carillon, and the US Air Force Memorial all offer great viewing spots.You can also rent bicycles—or bring along your own bikes, scooters, or wagons for free—and find a spot along the Mount Vernon Trail near the Pentagon to catch the spectacular show.

4. Hains Point in East Potomac Park

This peninsula stretching into the Potomac River provides fabulous views of the Potomac, the Anacostia River, and the Washington Channel, making it a prime location for viewing the DC fireworks 2025. If you get there early enough, you may even be able to snag one of the picnic tables or benches!

5. Washington National Cathedral

Pack a picnic and head to the grassy slope of the Washington National Cathedral, one of the highest points in the DC area (the top of the Cathedral's tower is the highest), which offers a perfect view of the 4th of July fireworks show.

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 The Wharf is a beautiful place to watch the DC fireworks. Photo credit © Patrick Revord, for The Wharf DC

6. The Wharf

Just four blocks from the National Mall, the Wharf provides plenty of vantage points from which to view the DC fireworks 2025. These include public piers, green spaces, and hotel rooftops. And with so many restaurants, ice cream shops, and more, keeping the little ones entertained while waiting for the fireworks to start shouldn't be too difficult.

7. Lady Bird Johnson Park

This gorgeous park, located on an island in the Potomac River near the Pentagon, provides breathtaking, unobstructed views of the DC 4th of July fireworks. Access the park from the southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

8. Francis L. Cardozo Education Campus

This middle school and high school at 1200 Clifton Street NW is a lesser-known DC fireworks viewing spot that offers expansive views of the show.

9. A 4th of July Fireworks Cruise

Though we have listed many places to watch the DC fireworks 2025 for free, a river cruise will get you a spectacular view of the fireworks without the crowds—for a price, of course. City Cruises offers a Fireworks Cruise from Alexandria, as well as a 4th of July Fireworks Signature Dinner Cruise. You can also shell out for a private boat through Embark DC that will leave from the Wharf, Georgetown, The Yards, Alexandria, National Harbor, and several other locations.

Kid-Friendly Fireworks in Maryland in 2025

SummerFest at Bohrer Park — Gaithersburg

Saturday, June 28

Celebrate July 4th at Gaithersburg's SummerFest with live music, family activities, food, a fireworks display, and a SummerGlo after-party. Limited on-site parking is available. Bohrer Park is within a ¼-mile walk of Olde Towne Gaithersburg, where free parking is available in multiple lots and in the parking garage.

Baltimore 4th of July Celebration

Friday, July 4

Celebrate Independence Day in Baltimore's Inner Harbor with an afternoon picnic, live music, and a drone and fireworks show over the water. Traffic will be restricted, so it's best to take the bus, metro, Light Rail, or the free Charm City Circulator. 

Frederick's 4th - An Independence Day Celebration

Friday, July

Celebrate the largest Independence Day celebration in Frederick County with two stages of entertainment alongside family-friendly rides, activities, food, and fireworks.

Rockville's Independence Day Celebration

Friday, July 4

Celebrate 4th of July with live music and a 20-minute fireworks show at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and parking is available in lots along Shady Grove and Gaither Roads as well as on Piccard Drive.

Upper Montgomery County VFD 4th of July Fireworks — Poolesville

Enjoy a fantastic fireworks display sponsored by the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department, along with a variety of food and specialty-item vendors. The $10-per-car parking fee goes directly pack into the 4th of July fireworks fund. 

RELATED: Visiting George Washington's Mount Vernon Near DC with Kids

 
See 4th of July fireworks at George Washington's home. Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon

Kid-Friendly Fireworks in Northern Virginia in 2025

Independence Fireworks at Mount Vernon

Friday & Saturday, June 27 & 28; Friday, July 4

Watch a dazzling fireworks show at George Washington's estate. Relax on the east lawn and watch fireworks soar over the Potomac River. Enjoy an evening of family fun and patriotic music to celebrate our nation's founding.

Lake Fairfax Fireworks — Reston

Saturday, June 28

Head to Lake Fairfax Park for food, fireworks, and family fun. Food vendors start at noon, live music begins at 4pm, and the fireworks start at 9:15pm. Tickets are per vehicle. 

McLean Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

Saturday, June 28

The city of McLean celebrates July 4th with a fireworks display, a DJ, and food trucks. Gates open at 6:30pm and fireworks begin around 9:15pm. Free parking is available on site. 

Workhouse Fireworks — Lorton

Saturday, June 28

Workhouse Arts Center's annual fireworks show offers an unforgettable afternoon and evening featuring live music, entertainment, delicious food, drinks, and a family-friendly carnival-style midway. On-site parking is available for $50 per vehicle.

City of Fairfax Independence Day Evening Show & Fireworks

Friday, July 4

The City of Fairfax celebrates Independence Day in the Fairfax High School parking lot with live entertainment and a fireworks show that begins after dark. There is limited parking at Fairfax High School, so taking a shuttle bus from Woodson High School is encouraged. All shuttle buses are ADA-compliant. 

Vienna's Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks

Friday, July 4

Celebrate July 4th with live music, kids' entertainment, food trucks, and a 15-minute fireworks show. The fireworks begin at dark, at approximately 9:30pm. Parking is available at Thoreau Middle School and Cedar Park Shopping Center Accessible Parking available at Patrick Street and Patrick Circle.

Writers Drew Kristofik and Jennifer Marino Walters contributed to this 2025 update.