Where to see July 4 fireworks in the DC area

Fireworks over the Jefferson Memorial make a memorable photo (Thinkstock)(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

When the fireworks start, everyone — young to old, Democrat to Republican — will surely stop, stare and be amazed.

The fireworks on the National Mall promises to be bigger than ever, as two of the country’s biggest pyrotechnic companies donated their products and services for the event.

Below are places in the D.C. area where you can catch a peak of the national celebration.

National Mall area If you plan to watch the fireworks display at the National Mall, be prepared for crowds, road closures and security checkpoints. Here’s what you need to know. Fireworks explode over Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol, along the National Mall in Washington, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, during the Fourth of July celebration. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana

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The Washington National Cathedral tolled its bells in support of Notre Dame. (WTOP/Mike Murillo) — **Washington National Cathedral grounds** Though far away from the hubbub of the National Mall, the Washington National Cathedral provides a great vantage point from which to see the fireworks. Thrillist said that this would be an ideal spot for families and light picnicking. With that in mind, glass, alcohol or fireworks are not allowed on the grounds. Earlier on July 4, the cathedral holds an Independence Day Concert at 11 a.m. Organists will be joined by the Washington Symphonic Brass for a program of patriotic favorites. (WTOP/Mike Murillo)

Hundreds of amateur and professional photographers were at the Netherlands Carillon to capture a shot of the supermoon on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016. (WTOP/Hillary Howard) — **Netherlands Carillon** The grounds of the Netherlands Carillon offer sweeping views of D.C. (WTOP/Hillary Howard)

Supreme Court Plaza Take in the view of the fireworks from the Capitol Hill area. Washington.org suggests getting there early to claim a seat for unobstructed views of the fireworks. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

**United States Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial)** The United States Marine Corps War Memorial, better known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, is seen in Arlington, Va., Monday July 4, 2011, as fireworks burst over Washington, during the annual Fourth of July display. The Washington Monument and the Capitol can be seen in the distance. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

A view of the Kennedy Center from the rooftop. (Courtesy Sean Shanahan) — **The Kennedy Center** Hang out in Georgetown and then amble to the Kennedy Center in perfect timing with the start of the fireworks. If you’re able to view the fireworks from the Kennedy Center’s Roof Terrace, you’re in for one of the best views of the fireworks. (Courtesy Sean Shanahan)

Cyclists enjoying a ride on Hains Point in Southwest D.C. in February 2017. (WTOP/Dave Dildine) — **Hains Point — East Potomac Park** A popular area for picnicking and relaxing, Hains Point has beautiful views of the Potoma River, the Anacostia River and the Washington Channel. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)

Mount Vernon Trail Grab your bike, go for a run, or have a picnic along the many picnic areas on the Mount Vernon Trail; and time your journey to coincide with the fireworks. The 18-mile trail starts at George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia, and winds along the Potomac River for uninterrupted views of the D.C. skyline. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

The Wharf — Southwest Waterfront Enjoy a day at The Wharf, where there are plenty of activities and where you can take in a water view of the fireworks. (AP Photo/J. David Ake)

AP Photo/J. David Ake

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And if you don’t want to deal with the crowds, the heat or the checkpoints and just want to see some small-town Independence Day extravaganza, here are some July 4 events outside of the District:

MARYLAND

Anne Arundel County

Fourth of July Fireworks in Historic Annapolis

Baltimore

Ports America Chesapeake Fourth of July Celebration

Calvert County

Fireworks Extravaganza at Solomons

Carroll County

Carroll County Farm Museum

Charles County

Howard County

Columbia Lakefront

Frederick County

Baker Park

Montgomery County

Prince George’s County

Washington County

Fireworks at Fairgrounds Park in Hagerstown

VIRGINIA

Arlington County

Long Bridge Park — ARLnow reports that the park will be for viewing the D.C. fireworks, and there are restrictions on what people are allowed to bring.

Fairfax County