Originally Posted by
lamphs
Just an update that is hopefully helpful to future visitors, although YMMV.
The rehearsal on July 3rd on the Capitol grounds was well worth it for the portion that I saw. I walked from the L'Enfant Plaza metro station to the west Capitol grounds. If you aren't carrying anything and you don't have your pockets full of stuff, security was very easy .........
I also spent some time on the Mall on the 4th. While I had no plans to attend the fireworks on the Mall, ..................Security was again easy (in fact easier than the Capitol as there were not any metal detectors). Again, if you aren't carrying bags, coolers, you are waived through.
I stuck with my Gravelly Point plan. An easy (15 minute) walk from the Crystal City Crowne Plaza on the Mt. Vernon Trail............
A couple of comments. Parking was available at DCA and there is a walking path that connects to the Mt. Vernon Trail. But it appears that northbound GW Parkway was closed after the event to allow pedestrians to leave Gravelly Point. ......
If I do this again, I noticed while driving home along NB GW Parkway yesterday, that if I walked another 10 minutes north on the trail, I would have had an even better view of the fireworks. FYI...
I may go back and edit this post to include some pics, but can't get to it today.
Much appreciate your updates! For years I wanted to see the July 4th Fireworks in DC in vain because I couldn't figure out the "ground logistic". You had shed significant light on this subject. Thank you so much.
After reading your post, I am thinking of 2024.
MY BOLD.
My main goal would be to shoot photos of the fireworks and things related to Independance Day in DC.
Re: July 3rd Rehersal. Can I bring in camera gears (also tripod?) through security? Same question for the Mall during day time on the 4th?
Are there location at Gravelly Point to set up Tripod without interfering other spectators?
If time allows, I (and most certainly many others on this thread now and in the future) would love to see some photos from this event.
TIA.