by Lisa Beach

Created on: November 30, 2008   Last Updated: January 08, 2009

Each year, Washington, DC out does itself in the name of our nation's glory. And, as evening leads to dusk on a hot summer's day, one of THE best places to watch the fireworks, is the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Still another excellent location is the Washington Monument. Having experienced fireworks from this spot, I can say they are truly spectacular. One can choose a spot, spread a blanket, and wile away the afternoon awaiting dusk, and grandly lit sky, or, one can show up impromptu, hoping to squeeze in a spot somewhere.

I do not recommend the National Mall, because although it SEEMS the perfect place, it is not. The overriding reason is that comparatively speaking, it is one of the lowest points IN Washington, DC, and sports a line of trees on either side: were a fire work display to go wrong, and one was sitting on The Mall, that person could be seriously injured. The National Mall is a grassy strip of land that attracts both residents and tourists alike, but when fireworks are bursting forth in their gorgeous displays, one can but imagine what might happen if a spark set a tree on fire, or WORSE, injured a child.

For someone truly adventurous [although I do not recommend it] he/shecould watch the fireworks from the 14th Street or George Memorial Parkway, both of which span the Potomac River. Neither bridge is bound by trees however, so the sight of line would be clear. Perhaps one could rent a boat and drift on the river as opposed to using the bridge.

However, let me reiterate the dangers of using the Mall itself; IF the fireworks are set off from it, that merely adds to the danger. What if there were children around, and a display misfired or exploded? I have seen displays misfire and explode before; luckily the staging area was a bit damp from recent rains, because elsewise there could have been a huge tragedy as a result.

High ground is best. Maybe look at areas around Washington, DC early, to FIND a good spot: the Capitol steps [if they allow it], the Lincoln or maybe Jefferson Memorial steps: anywhere that is elevated, and far enough from the display staging area to be safe. Safety is worth more than a pretty setting. My favorite is the Washington Memorial if one has kids, the Lincoln Memorial without. The Washington Memorial is great for kids, because if the weather is dry, kids can lie on their backs to watch the fireworks display, never getting a crick in their necks. The Lincoln Memorial if one has no kids, because its steps are hard; would cause a kid to fidget and squirm.

It could be a good idea to have a picnic, throw around a Frisbee, or merely stroll there, but higher up to watch the display is much more to one's advantage: not only is [s]he protected from sparks hitting trees, or another area, but displays are always best when the watching is done from an elevated level.

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