The 4th of July is right around the corner and residents and visitors of the DMV are looking forward to their annual summer tradition: watching fireworks as they light up the night sky. With the variety of parks and backdrops situated throughout DC, Maryland and Virginia, families have an important decision to make.
We’ve compiled a list of the most well-regarded locations for the best fireworks viewing experience in the DMV. While visibility of the night sky is the primary consideration, there are a number of factors to keep in mind, like the general crowd size, overall accessibility and proximity to related festivities.
To help narrow it down, we looked beyond event pages, digging through Facebook groups, Google reviews and local tips to find the spots people actually recommend.
Here are the top places to see the fireworks for Independence Day 2025 in DC, Maryland and Virginia.
The Best Spots to Watch Fireworks in Washington, DC
National Mall
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The National Mall is the most iconic spot to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July. It’s quite expansive and offers several areas to watch, like the Washington Monument or Lincoln Memorial. Because of its popularity, you’ll want to arrive early, as you can expect thousands to be gathered here.
Location: National Mall, Washington, DC
When: 9:09 p.m. July 4
Hains Point
Hains Point is on the southern tip of East Potomac Park. This is a quieter spot that offers good sightlines while not being as crowded as the National Mall.
Location: Southern tip of East Potomac Park, a large park in Southwest Washington, D.C.
When: 9:09 p.m. July 4
The Wharf
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The Wharf is another popular spot offering great views of the fireworks. It’s also a go-to for boating, dining, live music, art shows and more.
Location: 760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, DC
When: 9:09 p.m. July 4
Meridian Hill Park
Located in the historic Georgetown district, the 18th-century architecture provides a unique, scenic background. The elevated terrain lends to viewing the fireworks. It’s a laid-back option away from the denser crowds.
Location: 16th Street between Euclid and W streets NW, Washington, DC
When: 9:09 p.m. July 4
Washington National Cathedral
The grounds of the Washington National Cathedral are some of the most elevated in DC, making for a further but less crowded fireworks viewing. The gothic architecture also serves as a wonderful backdrop.
Location: 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC
When: 9:09 p.m. July 4
Lady Bird Johnson Park
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This park mixes a nice view of the fireworks with less of a crowd, making for a more comfortable viewing experience.
Location: Washington Blvd., Washington, DC 20037
When: 9:09 p.m. July 4
Mount Vernon Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail, which runs along the Potomac River, has plenty of space to find a place to watch the fireworks.
Location: Mount Vernon Trail, Washington, DC
When: 9:09 p.m. July 4
The Best Spots to Watch Fireworks in Maryland
Buddy Attick Park
Buddy Attick Park in Maryland has a quaint, beautiful lake surrounded by a trail with multiple access points. It’s well-maintained and home to ducks. Visitors praise the overall atmosphere and how the lake complements the fireworks.
Location: 555 Crescent Road Greenbelt
When: July 4
Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm
This site, part of the National Park Service, includes large open fields with views over the Potomac River. The elevated terrain allows visitors to see distant fireworks displays.
Location: 6411 Oxon Hill Rd.
When: July 4
Rockville’s Independence Day Celebration
Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park is hosting their annual Independence Day celebration. Live music will take place before the fireworks display.
Location: 1800 Picard Dr., Rockville
When: 7-10 p.m. July 4
Six Flags America Presents Coca-Cola July 4th Fest
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In addition to the nightly fireworks, families can enjoy a whole day of rides, slides, live music and entertainment, an interactive photo booth and plenty of beverages.
Location: 13710 Central Ave., Bowie
When: July 4-6
MidCounty Sparkles
Albert Einstein High School is hosting a family-friendly Independence Day event. Live music and food vendors will be available.
Location: 11125 Newport Mill Rd., Kensington
When: July 5
Upper Montgomery County VFD 4th of July Fireworks
The soccer fields will feature a variety of food vendors and live music before the fireworks. A raffle will take place to pick a lucky winner to push the button and begin the display.
Location: 14650 Hughes Rd., Poolesville
When: July 4
SummerFest
Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm is having a summer festival with live music, food trucks and family-friendly activities. The end of the night will feature a fireworks display and SummerGlo After Party.
Location: 506 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg
When: June 28
Germantown Glory
The South Germantown Recreational Park will have live music from the Central City Orchestra and food vendors. The fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m.
Location: 18041 Central Park Cir., Boyds
When: July 4
The Best Spots to Watch Fireworks in Virginia
Lake Fairfax Park
Lake Fairfax Park is an expansive natural area and a great place to set up with your family to watch the fireworks. It’s otherwise known for its campgrounds and water activities, like fishing and boating. Reviewers are fond of the amount of space, which lends itself to family picnics and parties.
Location: 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston
When: 9 p.m. June 28
Gravelly Point Park
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Located on the west side of the Potomac River, Gravelly Point Park is known for its proximity to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Visitors often come to watch plane takeoffs and landings, but the park also offers a terrific view of the 4th of July fireworks.
Location: Gravelly Point Park, Arlington
When: July 4
Vienna’s Independence Day Celebration
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This is Vienna’s fourth annual Liberty Amendments Month, which will feature live music and entertainment, food trucks and a fireworks show.
Location: 1318 Ross Dr. SW, Vienna
When: 9:30 p.m. July 2
Great Falls 4th of July Fireworks
Turner Farm is hosting a family-friendly fireworks event. Before the show there will be a cornhole tournament, food trucks and other festivities.
Location: 776 Walker Rd., Great Falls
When: July 4
McLean Independence Day Fireworks Celebration
McLean Community Center is producing a 4th of July celebration at Langley High School. Live music and food trucks will accompany the show. There’s free admission and free onsite parking.
Location: 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean
When: June 28
Independence Fireworks at Mount Vernon
You’ll have a week to experience the fireworks show at George Washington’s estate. Families can relax on the east lawn and watch the fireworks over the Potomac River.
Location: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
When: June 27-July 4
The Workhouse Arts Center is hosting their annual fireworks show which will feature live music and entertainment, food, refreshments and a family-friendly carnival with mini-golf and other activities.
Location: 9517 Workhouse Way, Lorton
When: June 28
Related
Here are Some of the Best Places to Watch Fireworks in Maryland for Families
Seth Hagler is a freelance writer and an intern with Washington Parent. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Writing from Johns Hopkins University.
