The fourth of July is just a few days away.

What better way to celebrate America’s birthday than in our nation’s capital? DC is the place to be when it comes to July 4th celebrations because the city has it all – parades, bar crawls, concerts, you name it and we got it!

But most importantly: ~fireworks~

As we all know, the National Mall is one of the most popular spots in the country to catch a glimpse of the explosions over the monuments.

But, knowing this, it’s also known to be heavily populated with tourists and out-of-towners. If you’re a DMV native, or just someone looking to avoid the Mall crowds, we have 5  spots where you can watch the DC sky light up in honor of America’s birthday.

The Wharf

Aside from being a primary spot for your typical Fourth celebrations, the Wharf is also a perfect location to watch the fireworks on the water. Whether you’ve got a boat docked there, or you’re looking to stay dry on the pier, the Wharf has options for everyone. Sit back and relax with a cold one while still getting all of the same excitement that comes with watching the fireworks at the Mall.

#FrayLife Tip: If you’re looking to do more around the Wharf before/after the fireworks, or just interested in future references, check out our Wharf neighborhood guide for tips.

U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial

If you’re on the border of DC and Virginia, this is the ideal spot for your firework viewing pleasure. The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial has a perfect viewpoint of the fireworks on the mall. Not only that, but there’s also plenty of space for lounging in chairs/blankets. On top of that,  a perfect set up for photo ops (Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook…the list goes on and on)

P.O.V. Roof Terrace

Want to avoid the suffocating nighttime humidity this July 4th holiday? The P.O.V. Roof Terrace at the W hotel is the perfect solution. Boom with a View offers a perfect elevated view of the fireworks, plus the luxury of an open bar and table service to fulfill your every need.

#FrayLife Tip: Tickets are required for the fourth at the P.O.V. even with tickets, be sure to arrive well before the 9:15 p.m. start time in order to snag a spot near the railing for the perfect view. Need tickets? Grab ‘em here.

Cardozo High School

For some, fireworks at Cardozo High School has become a local tradition. Cardozo is known for having one of the highest viewpoints of all of the city. This is a spot guaranteed to be low key while still delivering all the excitement from the show coming from the mall.

Fireworks Cruise

If you’re really looking to get up close and personal with the mall fireworks, a firework cruise is a perfect option for you to get both! Celebrate America’s birthday on a beautiful summer night on the water while being accompanied by family, friends, and food+beverage! If you’re interested, the departure location is at the Wharf!

#FrayLife Tip: Tickets are required for this fireworks cruise as well. Tickets are selling fast, so grab them here while you still can!

If you get a chance to grab a spot to watch the fireworks on Thursday, be sure to snap some photos and tag us using #FrayLife so we can follow along!

Still looking to celebrate after the fireworks end? Check out these 8 awesome rooftop bars overlooking the city.

View More Articles By Nicole LaRusso