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Arlington County won’t be setting off any fireworks of its own this year, but
that doesn’t mean Arlington isn’t still one of the best places in the
Washington, D.C. area to celebrate America’s Independence Day! Skip the crowds
and the hassle of security down on the Mall and enjoy the numerous July 4th
activities at local bars, restaurants, and parks around the county. Most
important, before the National fireworks display sets off at 9:10pm EST, situate
yourself at one of the spots detailed below and enjoy the best views Arlington
has to offer.
Gateway Park/Key Bridge
Situated an easy walk from the nightlife of Georgetown and an even easier walk
to the bars and restaurants in Rosslyn, Gateway Park is just that. It’s also not
a bad place to catch the fireworks silhouetting the Kennedy Center across the
Potomac. The Park is generally filled with last-minute revelers and those
passing through between Arlington and Georgetown. Not a whole lot of planning is
required to snag a sweet seat from the elevated portion of the park, and there
are plenty of “standing-room” areas that are easily accessible if you are
hustling down there ten minutes before the start of the show. Gateway Park does
have bathrooms and water fountains for those who might get there a little
earlier.
Once the glow of the fireworks has faded, crowds disperse rather quickly,
resuming their evenings in Rosslyn, Courthouse, or Clarendon.
Parking is available along Lee Highway and many of its side streets. DO NOT
park at Colony House or any of the other restaurant parking lots in the
neighborhood. The towing companies act like vultures on the 4th of July, and
will ruin your night if you let them. Taking Metro to the Rosslyn station
(Orange/Blue Line) makes life even easier.
Along the Potomac River
Gravelly Point/Fort Hunt Park
Fireworks aren’t the only things gracing the skies at Gravelly Point. Every
hour, up to thirty planes land and take off from National Airport, careening
excitingly close to your seating area. Downside: pausing your conversation every
two minutes can get annoying.
The crowd at Gravelly Point is composed mostly of all-dayers. So, unless you
plan to join the marathon types and arrive in the a.m. with your barbeque set in
tow, it would be wise to leave the car at home and ride Metro…or your bike.
National Airport (Blue/Yellow Line) is the closest stop. When you exit, make
your way to the bike path and head North. If you drive, the main parking lot is
only accessible if you are heading North on GW Parkway. There is limited parking
in the lot across the Parkway if you are heading southbound, towards Alexandria.
Remember, these lots fill up fast!
Lady Bird Johnson Park
With the Washington Monument directly across the river, Lady Bird Johnson Park
places you the closest, physically, to the fireworks on the Mall. This means you
don’t necessarily have to grab a spot on the river to get a great view of the
show. Accessible by car, it’s a bit further from its closest Metro stop
(Arlington Cemetery, Blue Line), so there are less barbeques and stereos than at
Gravelly Point, providing a more subdued experience than the party taking place
by the airport.
Even with lots on both sides of George Washington Parkway, parking is even
less readily available than at Gravelly Point. Parking lots are accessible from
both the North and Southbound lanes. Lady Bird Johnson Park is located directly
on the bike path, making two wheels the easiest and most efficient means of
getting there.
*Please note: If you’ve driven along GW Parkway recently, you’ll see that the
Park Service has erected fences to prevent illegal parking on the grass this
year. They haven’t issued tickets in the past, and have said they will not this
year either, but it would be in everyone’s interest to ride Metro…or your bike!
The National Park Service will also be offering First Aid and information
stations spread out along the Parkway viewing area.
Iwo Jima Memorial
What better reminder of the American spirit and our willingness to fight and
defend freedom and liberty than the Iwo Jima Memorial? Pick a spot on one of the
grassy islands dissected by the Route 50 interchange and enjoy the fireworks
with a majestic and inspiring backdrop. The crowds at Iwo Jima generally arrive
late and haphazardly, so if it’s getting close to 9pm and you’re trying to
figure out how you’re going to catch the firework display, this might be a good
option. Like Gateway Park, the crowds disperse rather quickly following, so ride
the wave towards the holiday nightlife in Arlington!
Parking in the neighborhood surrounding the Iwo Jima Memorial is sparse, but
Metro makes things super easy. The Memorial is .20 miles from the Rosslyn Metro
(Orange/Blue Line).
JW Steakhouse, Key Bridge Marriott
If you are looking to avoid the masses and want to relax in style, make a
reservation at JW Steakhouse at the Marriott Key Bridge ASAP. This restaurant
offers spectacular views of Washington, D.C. everyday of the year, but an extra
special view is afforded on July 4th.
For $200/head, you and 199 other people will enjoy a five-course meal catered
specifically for this holiday before the fireworks begin. Doors open at 6:30pm
for this leisurely affair, so plan accordingly.
If you’ve ever considered spending a 4th of July at the top of the Key Bridge
Marriott, don’t delay! This July 4th will be extra special, as JW Steakhouse
will be closing it’s doors as the last patrons pour out that night.
JW Steakhouse will validate parking if you drive. If you’re coming via Metro,
disembark at the Rosslyn station (Orange/Blue Line).
Key Bridge Marriott
1401 Lee Highway
Arlington, VA 22209
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Crystal City
If JW Steakhouse is too pricey or totally booked, consider enjoying some
sizzling steak down the road in Crystal City. Situated on the 11th floor of 2231
Crystal Drive, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse offers a no-frills opportunity to watch
the fireworks from the comfort of your dinner table, and the comfort of
air-conditioning. Ruth’s Chris operates on July 4th like it’s any other day,
with it’s standard hours and menu, but don’t forget to look out the window a
little after 9pm to catch what you went there for. Make reservations online or
by phone.
Validated parking is available in the building, and Metro is close by,
Crystal City station (Blue/Yellow Line).
2231 Crystal Drive, 11th Floor
Arlington, VA 22202
Dinner Hours: 4pm-10pm
Getting Home
Everyone should have a good time to celebrate our nation’s birthday, but it’s
also important to stay safe. The folks at Sober Ride recognize this and are
offering taxi service from 4pm on July 4 until 4am on July 5. As long as your
fare is under $50, Sober Ride picks up the tab. If you exceed the $50 fare (and
you’d have to drive to Dulles to do so), you simply pay the difference. If
there’s any question about how much you had to drink and your ability to drive,
please call 1-800-200-TAXI.
If you’re anxious to get to bed, plan ahead and call thirty minutes to an
hour before you’d actually want to be picked up, as Sober Ride is a popular
service, and wait times are often long. It’s still a great deal for all of us in
Arlington and an easy way to keep the streets (and your driving record), safe
and clean.
Note: In order to be dispatched to the correct taxi service, you must call
from a VA number. In this case it’s our very own Red Top Cab of Arlington. So,
don’t borrow an out-of-towners phone to make your call and you’ll get home
without a hitch and keep our roads safe.
Have a happy Fourth of July!
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