The nation’s capital puts on the ultimate 4th of July fireworks show, with Washington, DC‘s famed monuments and namesake memorial silhouetted against a sky of red, white, and blue pyrotechnics. This year’s show begins at 9:00 p.m. with fireworks launching from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and crowds gather to see the dazzling display from the National Mall or from the Capitol’s West Lawn. The star-spangled lights can be seen from miles around, and one classic way to see sparks fly is from a DC rooftop where you can see a panoramic view of the city skyline.
For a DC Fourth of July to remember, here are rooftop hotels and restaurants celebrating Independence Day in style. The options are grouped by neighborhood, from the Wharf to downtown DC and beyond, spanning low-key barbecue hangouts to parties with elaborate multi-course meals and craft cocktails—all to complement views of Washington’s spectacular fireworks display.
Georgetown
This historic neighborhood offers plenty of free scenic spots to catch the fireworks show, from atop the Key Bridge to Georgetown Waterfront Park. But The Watergate Hotel is a favorite for its fantastic front row Fourth of July fireworks view from the Top of the Gate rooftop, with 360-degree views featuring glimpses of DC icons like the Kennedy Center and Washington Monument. VIP tickets for the hotel’s Independence Day party ($395 per person) and VIP Premium tickets ($595 per person) include earlier access to the rooftop from 6:00 to 10 p.m, and extra perks like a champagne toast, food buffet, and reserved seating. The general admission tickets ($195 per person) allow access from 7:30 to 10 p.m. and include an open bar with spirits and wine and beer for all guests.
Enjoy a sit-down dinner with a picturesque view at celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s CUT Above, the rooftop bar situated atop of luxe Georgetown hotel Rosewood Washington, DC. The Independence Day party runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and includes a welcome glass of champagne and a three-course surf and turf dinner with 35-day dry-aged ribeye and a whole grilled lobster from executive chef Ari Miller. The night ends with a bang, courtesy of fireworks and mini-cakes from acclaimed pastry chef Ligia Barros. All seats will have great views of the firework display, and the meal rings in at $350 per person and $175 for children aged 10 and under.
Foggy Bottom
Hotel Hive is partnering up with local fast-casual chain &Pizza for an Independence Day party from 5:00 p.m. on the microhotel’s rooftop. General admission tickets to the DJ-fueled shindig are $75 and include access to an open bar and a buffet stocked with hamburgers, hot dogs, and a dessert station with strawberry shortcake.
