July 5, 2016 (Updated March 7, 2023)

Washington DC 4th of July Fireworks by Kayak

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

12 comments

Even in a little bit of rain, seeing the DC 4th of July fireworks by kayak is still by far the best seat in the house.

washington dc fireworks by kayak

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The way the fireworks light up the water is magical!

washington dc fireworks by kayak

Enjoy the photo recap – and I’ll be back tomorrow with my first of two recaps from my Eugene, Oregon trip! (There’s a sneak preview of the trip adventures on Instagram!)

dc fireworks by kayak

4th of july washington dc fireworks from the water

4th of july dc on the river

P7040013

4th of july dc by water

4th of july washington dc fireworks from the water

4th of july washington dc fireworks via kayak

4th of july washington dc fireworks via kayak

4th of july washington dc fireworks via kayak

4th of july washington dc fireworks via kayak

4th of july washington dc fireworks via kayak

4th of july washington dc fireworks via kayak

4th of july washington dc fireworks via kayak

4th of july washington dc fireworks via kayak

4th of july washington dc fireworks via kayak

4th of july washington dc fireworks via kayak

So fun. Happy birthday, America!

Did you watch fireworks last night? How were they?

- anne

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12 comments
  • Lorna
    This looks like a lot of fun, but how do you get out of there without the motorboats running over you? Hug the shore and they're in the middle?
    Reply
    • Anne
      They have specific regulations on the 4th about where kayaks and boats can be - we have to go to one side of Roosevelt Island and stay relatively close to the island. The boats stay on the other side of the island, closer to DC! They also attach lights to all the kayaks.
      Reply
  • Erin
    This is awesome! I'm a season pass holder at the Key Bridge Boathouse. I didn't realize you could take the kayaks out for the 4th. Is there a specific time you have to have them back in by?
    Reply
    • Anne
      Yep! It's separate from the season pass though - you have to book in advance and pay a separate special event fee even if you have a season pass (it's outrageously expensive - I think it was $160 for a double kayak - but we decided it was worth it). We had to have the kayaks back by 10:45... you can take them out as early as 5, but we waited until about 8 since the weather was crummy.
      Reply
      • Erin
        Thanks for the update! That is pretty expensive, but something to keep in mind for next year! Your views were incredible.
        Reply
  • Roadrunner
    Very nice, once again, Anne. How far in advance does one have to reserve a kayak? :-)
    Reply
    • Anne
      I think we reserved a few weeks out! I'm on the email list for the Key Bridge Boathouse and they email out when the sign ups for July 4 are open!
      Reply
  • Victoria
    What a wonderful idea to enjoy the fireworks on the kayak!
    Reply