County Manager
Spectacular views of the national fireworks from Arlington
| WMATA Metro will provide extra rail service on Thursday, July 4, for the benefit of customers attending holiday festivities on the National Mall. Learn more. |
Popular spots in Arlington to watch the national display are the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), and areas along the Virginia side of the Potomac River that can be reached from George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Long Bridge Park
Watch the national fireworks at Arlington's own Long Bridge Park, located on the north end of Crystal City. It's easy to get there by bicycle — connection to the Mount Vernon Trail is nearby. There are a number of on-site parking spots, and it's easily accessible from Metrorail (Crystal City station, Blue Line), and Metrobus. Use the Metrorail/Metrobus Trip Planner.
Air Force Memorial
The Air Force Memorial is located on a hill on Columbia Pike. Closest Metro stations are Pentagon and Pentagon City. You can park at Navy Annex parking lots (enter from Joyce Street or Columbia Pike) or park at Pentagon Mall; be sure to be parked no later than 7:30 p.m.
Gateway Park in Rosslyn
Take Metro’s Orange line to the Rosslyn Metro station. Gateway Park in Rosslyn is a short walk from Metro.
Gravely Point
To reach the George Washington Memorial Parkway’s Gravely Point parking lot, head south on the Parkway until you reach Reagan National Airport. At the airport, circle back to head north onto the Parkway towards the 14th Street Bridge. About a quarter of mile before the bridge, turn right into the parking area. No glass bottles, alcohol or fireworks are allowed at the Gravely Point parking lot or anywhere along the Parkway.
Iwo Jima
If you plan to watch the fireworks from Iwo Jima, take Metro’s Orange line to the Rosslyn Metro station. Approximate walking distance from Rosslyn Metro to Iwo Jima is 0.2 mile.
Key Bridge
The Key Bridge crosses the Potomac River between Georgetown and Arlington. Take Metro’s Orange line to the Rosslyn Metro station. Get there early to grab a spot at the bridge. There's no seating at the bridge, and you can stand on the sidewalks only.
Pentagon Reservation
Everyone visiting the Pentagon Reservation to park or view fireworks is subject to guidelines.
Traffic alert
A number of streets will be closed on July 4th. Take Metro where possible. Any questions about traffic or street closings should be directed to the Special Operations Section of the Arlington County Police Department at 703-228-4147 (recorded message) or 703-228-4141.
Arlington County residents and visitors are also reminded that
- Alcoholic beverages, grills, and fireworks are prohibited on County and federal parkland during Independence Day events.
- Vendors will not be allowed in the area of the Iwo Jima Memorial.
- Coolers and backpacks are subject to search.
July 4th in the neighborhoods
A number of Arlington neighborhoods host community celebrations as well.
- Lyon Village's Independence Day celebration is a neighborhood tradition dating to 1971.
- Bluemont's Bell: the Bluemont neighborhood holds a ceremonial ringing of its historic bell on July 4 at 12:00 noon; it's located at the corner of George Mason Drive and Wilson Blvd.