A month or so ago, I had an amazing idea: instead of fighting the crowds to see the fireworks from the downtown mall in D.C., why not watch them from the water instead?
After a little online research I discovered that the new Key Bridge Boathouse (formerly Jack’s Boathouse) rents out kayaks on July 4th. Perfect! We rounded up a group of friends, booked our kayaks, and got pumped.
We arrived at the boathouse around 8 last night and got suited up in our lifejackets and glow stick necklaces. Here we are, ready to rock! Sorry for the blurry photo – I was using my waterproof camera for obvious reasons. 
Our partners in crime for the adventure were Matt’s brother Drew and his girlfriend Morgana, who are here visiting (we’re leaving with them for a family beach trip in the Outer Banks tomorrow morning!), and our friends Steve and Lauren and Zach and Kathleen. Fun group!
We set off just as the sun was starting to set. It was perfect weather to be out on the water! After a week of storms, we were all really glad it didn’t rain.
And we’re off!
Blurry selfie!
We took our time kayaking towards downtown, enjoying the views. Check out all the people lined up on Key Bridge to see the fireworks!
Here are Steve and Lauren as we passed the really lit up (and mobbed) Georgetown waterfront:
Glow stick FTW!
The view back towards Georgetown:
The Kennedy Center with Kathleen and Zach floating along in front of it:
Me and Matt:
Just as it was starting to get dark, we arrived in a perfect viewing spot. The group of us all linked our kayaks together by holding each other’s oars and floated along together, chatting until the fireworks started. A few short minutes later and the show began!
This will definitely go down in the books as one of my favorite 4th of Julys. All of us have already decided we’ll be back next year, too! Watching the fireworks from the water was so amazing and peaceful and with great views. Best idea ever.
DC puts on quite the firework show and this year was no exception. Beautiful!
After enjoying the show, we slowly made our way back to the boathouse, enjoying the beautiful views along the way. This sure beat fighting the crowds back to the metro downtown!
Can’t wait until next year.
D.C. 4th of July Fireworks… from the water! originally appeared on fANNEtastic food on July 5, 2013.
The post D.C. 4th of July Fireworks… from the water! appeared first on fANNEtastic food.