Best location to watch July4 fireworks (Boston, Cambridge: city hall, chapel, hotel)

[smarty]

Where are the best locations to watch July4 fireworks in Boston?

Some place where you don't have go 12 hours before the fireworks

[CityGirl52]

One option that you could do is wait until almost the last minute and walk over to the Mass. Ave. (Massachusetts Avenue) Bridge. You should probably allow a half hour due to the crowds to get there from the "T" or however you get in to Boston early that evening. Use side streets to walk to Mass. Ave. and Marlborough St., then turn right and walk along Mass. Ave. onto the bridge, which will be closed to traffic and completely open to pedestrians. The further you walk across the bridge, the less crowded it gets, so remember that. You can usually find a good open spot between street lights that won't impair your view. You will have an excellent view of the fireworks here!

Another idea that some of my friends have up their sleeve is to go on the roof of the Museum of Science BUT they're members and I think they're life members of the Museum and that's why it's open to just them alone, not the public.

Last idea for you that just might do the trick. Take the "T" (blue line) to the Hyatt Harborside Hotel at Logan Airport. They have the Harborside Bar & Grill outside their complex and they have this awesome Patio there and I mean awesome, if you go online you'll see it, it's stunning! It overlooks the Boston skyline AND from what their site says you can see the 4th of July fireworks from there as clear as a bell AND the NYE ones according to this site too, don't quote me on this, but I think it just might work if you want to avoid the hassle of crowds! Make reservations and time it all, that's all!

That's one thing I miss about living in the City. We used to just go up on our roof and watch them, it was awesome back then!

We're watching them right on the tube these days, WAY too crowded in town for my taste! Plus, it's the best seat in the house!

[xS☺B☺s]

Storrow Drive is closed to traffic and open to pedestrians on July 4th. I'm not sure exactly what time they close it, but that's where we go almost all the time. There's always plenty of room, you can hear the pops and stand right under the fireworks. I've always found the Mass Ave bridge too crowded. Don't even bother with the embankment unless you show up before noon. It gets so crowded there that it becomes a dangerous shoving match.

One should note there are many other great events happening in Boston on the fourth besides the fireworks. Here's a list, my faves highlighted in red.

[CENTER]Friday, July 4th
8:30am-9pm – Whale Watch Cruises
Massachusetts Bay Lines (617-542-8000), and
New England Aquarium (617 973 5200)
Whales frolicking in their natural environment
Times, length, routes and prices vary, reservations required
Mass Bay Lines Home Page
Untitled Document
9am-10am – Flag Raising Ceremony and Parade
At the Flagpole on the Plaza at City Hall
Follow the parade to the Granary Burial Ground where
wreaths are laid on the graves of the patriots and
then to the Old State House
9am-Noon – Footloose on the Freedom Trail
Boston By Foot (617-367-2345)
Meet at the State House Steps, Beacon Street
300 years of Boston’s architecture and history
Admission $15, BBF member $6
Boston By Foot
9am-5pm – Shaping up America: JFK, Sports and Physical Fitness
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
(617-514-1600)
Columbia Point, Dorchester
Learn about the Kennedy family’s athletic legacy
and how it inspired young Americans
Admission $7-$10 12 and under free
Home - John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
9:30am-2pm – Brunch Cruises
Boston Seaport Boat Charters (617-261-6633, 800-422-8419),
Boston Yacht Charters (617-723-8810), Charles Riverboat Co.,
(617-621-3001), Massachusetts Bay Lines (617-542-8000),
Odyssey Cruises (866-310-2469), Spirit of Boston (866-307-2469)
and USS Constitution Museum (617-426-1812 x108)
View the USS CONSTITUTION as she makes her annual voyage
and fires a 21 cannon salute to the Nation
Times, lengths, routes and prices vary, reservations required
Welcome to Boston Seaport Boat Charters
Boston Yacht Charters represents quality vessels specializing in events on Boston Harbor
Welcome to the Charles Riverboat Company ::
Liberty Fleet of the Tall Ships
Mass Bay Lines Home Page
www.OdysseyCruises.com
Boston Cruises, Boston Harbor Cruises | Spirit Cruises in Boston
Old Ironsides: USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown, Massachusetts
10am- 10:15am- Whiskers, Fur, and Flippers
New England Aquarium (617-973-5200)
The Seal Pool, New England Aquarium Plaza
Central Wharf
Watch harbor seals frolic with their handlers
10am-10:30am – Reading of the Declaration of Independence
From the balcony of the Old State House, State and Devonshire Streets
Read from the balcony as it was on July 18, 1776
10am-1pm – Boston Light
Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area
(617-223-8666)
Fan Pier at the Moakley Courthouse, Northern Ave, South Boston
A guided tour of Little Brewster Island,
site of the first lighthouse in the nation, climb 76 steps,
meet the keeper and
cruise the outer Brewster islands
Admission $29-$38, reservations recommended
Boston Harbor Islands Visitor Guide || Home Page
10am-1:30pm- Cookout aboard a Schooner
Aboard the LIBERTY CLIPPER (617-742-0333)
Central Wharf at the New England Aquarium
Enjoy a cookout while saluting the USS CONSTITUTION
Admission $50-$80, reservations required
Liberty Fleet of the Tall Ships
10am-4pm- Port Visit of the USS BATAAN (LHD 5)
North Jetty, South Boston
Tour a state of the art assault ship
Proper footwear required
10am-4pm- Visit an 18th Century Garden
Old North Church (617-523-4848)
193 Salem Street, North End
Discover herbs and flowers behind the 1713 Cough
House, the city's oldest surviving residence
The Old North Church
10am-4pm – Behind the Scenes at Old North Church
Old North Church (617-523-4848)
193 Salem Street, North End
Tour the crypt, bell tower and the 1711 Clough House
Admission $5-$8, times vary, reservations recommended
The Old North Church
10am-4pm – Cove Kayaking at Spectacle Island
Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area
(617-223-8666)
Boston Harbor Islands Ferry Kiosk, Long Wharf
Try sea kayaking in a sheltered cove led by a ranger
Admission $8-$14 for ferry
Boston Harbor Islands Visitor Guide || Home Page
10:30am-11am – A Salute to the Fourth
Middlesex Country Volunteers Fife & Drums
(781-4878-3627)
At the Statue of Samuel Adams, Dock Square
Celebrate the glorious Fourth with New England’s
premier fife and drum corps
MCV: Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums
10:30am-3pm – Explore the Freedom Trail
Freedom Trail Foundation (617-357-8300)
Visitor Information Center, Boston Common
A walking tour of the Freedom Trail led by a
Colonial guide
Admission $6-$12, tickets online
The Freedom Trail Foundation
10:30pm-3:30pm – Tory Stories
King’s Chapel (617-523-1749)
Corner of Tremont and School Streets
Join Tory families (Loyalists) as they plan their
escape from Boston to Nova Scotia
King's Chapel Home
11am-11:30am – No Tax on Tea!
Old South Meeting House (617-482-6439)
310 Washington Street
Participate in the re-enactment of the fiery debate
that culminated in the infamous Boston Tea Party
Admission $1-$5, under 6 free
Home - Home
11am-Noon – Oration at Faneuil Hall
The Great Hall at Faneuil Hall
A traditional oration in “the Cradle of Liberty” by a
prominent citizen
11am-1pm- A Flag for the Fourth
Boston National Historical Park Visitor Center
15 State Street
(617-242-5642)
Learn about the flags of the American Revolution
Space Limited
Boston National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)
11am-3:30pm – Explore the Freedom Trail
Freedom Trail Foundation (617-357-8300)
Visitor Information Center, Boston Common
A walking tour of the Freedom Trail led by a
Colonial guide
The Freedom Trail Foundation
11am-Noon – Beacon Hill’s Treasures
Otis House Museum (617-227-3957 x256)
141 Cambridge Street
A guided walking tour of Beacon Hill in the
early days of the Republic
Admission $12, reservations required
Historic New England: Defining the Past. Shaping the Future.
11am-4:30pm – At Home with the Otises
Otis House Museum (617-227-3957 x256)
141 Cambridge Street
Tour the grand 1796 mansion of Harrison Gray Otis,
a congressman and third mayor of Boston
Admission $5, Boston residents and under 5 free
Historic New England: Defining the Past. Shaping the Future.
11:30am-12:30pm- USS CONSTITUTION Turn-around
Charlestown Navy Yard to the US Coast Guard Base
(617-242-7511)
"Old Ironsides" gets underway to salute the Nation
11:45am-12pm-Whiskers, Fur, and Flippers
New England Aquarium (617-973-5200)
The Seal Pool, New England Aquarium Plaza
Central Wharf
Watch harbor seals frolic with their handlers
Noon-12:05pm- Salute to the Nation
Off the US Coast Guard Base, North End
USS CONSTITUTION fires her 21-gun salute
Noon-2pm – Luncheon on the Harbor
Boston Yacht Charters (617-723-8810),
Odyssey Cruises (866-310-2469),
and Spirit ofBoston (866-307-2469)
Enjoy lunch while cruising on the harbor
Admission $35-$45, reservations required
Boston Yacht Charters represents quality vessels specializing in events on Boston Harbor
www.odysseycruises.com
www.spiritofboston.com (http://www.bostonharborfest.com/www.spiritofboston.com - broken link)
Noon-12:30pm – Captain Kidd’s Treasure Hunt
Boston By Foot (617-367-2345)
Meet at Samuel Adams Statue, Faneuil Hall,
Congress Street
A self-guided hunt for history with a pirate’s map
Admission per group $10 (up to 10) includes kit
Boston By Foot
Noon-1pm – The Art of Change Ringing
Old North Church (617-523-4848)
193 Salem Street, North End
A bell ringer explains the ancient art of change ringing
with the oldest bells in the country
The Old North Church
Noon-1pm – The Royal Hospital School Band
On the Plaza of City Hall (617-227-1528)
60 young English musicians play traditional favorites
Noon-3:30pm – Tours of Fort Independence
Castle Island Association/DCR (617-727-5290)
Fort Independence, Castle Island, South Boston
Tours of this historic 19th century seacoast fort
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Noon-4pm- USS Constitution Museum
Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown
(617-426-1812)
Enjoy hands-on activities and other special events
Admission by donation
Old Ironsides: USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown, Massachusetts

1pm-2pm –Beacon Hill’s Treasures
Otis House Museum (617-227-3957 x256)
141 Cambridge Street
A guided walking tour of Beacon Hill in the
early days of the Republic
Admission $12, reservations required
Historic New England: Defining the Past. Shaping the Future.
1pm-4pm- A Visit with Paul Revere
Paul Revere House (617-523-2338)
Courtyard of 19 North Square, North End
Meet Revere, portrayed by David Connor,
who brings him vividly to life
Admission $1-$3, under 5 free
1:30pm-3pm – Discover the North End
A walking tour of the North End led by a Colonial guide
Freedom Trail Foundation (617-357-8300)
BosTix Booth, Faneuil Hall
Stroll the North End along the red line
The Freedom Trail Foundation
2pm-4pm – Boston Light
Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area
(617-223-8666)
Fan Pier at the Moakley Courthouse, Northern Ave, South Boston
as well as Georges Island
A guided tour of Little Brewster Island, site of the
first lighthouse in the nation, meet the keeper and
cruise the outer Brewster islands
Admission $29-$38, reservations recommended
Boston Harbor Islands Visitor Guide || Home Page
2pm - 2:45pm - The Battle for Bunker HillBoston National Historical Park (617-242-5601)
Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center
A guided walking tour of the famous battlefield
Space limited.
National Park Service - Boston
2-4:30pm- The Dan Lawson Band
On the Plaza at City Hall (617-227-1528)
Award-winning blues-rock vocalist and guitarist
Watch for special guests!
The Dan Lawson Band | Welcome to Our Official Website Home of Rock"n"Blues at its Best!!!

2pm-7pm – Cape Verdean Independence Celebration
City Hall Plaza, North Stage (617-442-6644)
Music, dancing and traditional games, arts and crafts
Prices vary for delicious kriolu foods
cvcunido.org
3pm-4pm –Beacon Hill’s Treasures
Otis House Museum (617-227-3957 x256)
141 Cambridge Street
A guided walking tour of Beacon Hill in the
early days of the Republic
Admission $12, reservations required
Historic New England: Defining the Past. Shaping the Future.
3pm-4pm-Join the Colonial Militia!
Boston National Historical Park
Battle of Bunker Hill Museum
43 Monument Square, Charlestown
(617-242-5601)
Learn about the life of an 18th century soldier
Space Limited
Boston National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)
3pm-5pm- Re-enact the Boston Tea Party
Aboard the LIBERTY CLIPPER (617-742-0333)
Central Wharf at the New England Aquarium
Raid a British ship with the Sons of Liberty!
Throw tea in the harbor and fire the cannons!
Admission $20-$35, reservations recommended
Liberty Fleet of the Tall Ships
3:45pm-4pm- Whiskers, Fur, and Flippers
New England Aquarium (617-973-5200)
The Seal Pool, New England Aquarium Plaza
Central Wharf
Watch harbor seals frolic with their handlers
6pm-8pm- Sunset Sail
Aboard the LIBERTY CLIPPER (617-742-0333)
Central Wharf at the New England Aquarium
Sail aboard a majestic schooner in the Harbor
Admission $15-$30, reservations recommended
Liberty Fleet of the Tall Ships
6pm-11:30pm – Fireworks Cruises
Boston Seaport Boat Charters (617-261-6633, 800-422-8419),
Boston Yacht Charters (617-723-8810)
Massachusetts Bay Lines (617-542-8000)
Odyssey Cruises (866-310-2469)
Spirit of Boston (866-307-2469)
Times, lengths, routes and prices vary, reservations required
Welcome to Boston Seaport Boat Charters
Boston Yacht Charters represents quality vessels specializing in events on Boston Harbor
Mass Bay Lines Home Page
www.OdysseyCruises.com
Boston Cruises, Boston Harbor Cruises | Spirit Cruises in Boston
8pm-11pm –Fourth of July on the Esplanade
Boston’s Fourth of July (888-484-7677)
Keith Lockhart conducts the Boston Pops Orchestra.
Fireworks Spectacular to follow
Welcome to Boston's 4th of July Celebration

[/CENTER]

[twentinine]

Originally Posted by smarty

Where are the best locations to watch July4 fireworks in Boston?where would these places be
Some place where you don't have go 12 hours before the fireworks

where and which boat do you pick up that docks or ankors at the museum of science for the firework display?

[goyguy]

I haven't been up close to the fireworks in years, and neither have any savvy Cantabrigians. It's a hoot to stand along Mass. Ave in Central Square and watch all the hordes of suburbanites/tourists trudging down the street or crowding into the subway station. By staying put, none of the spectacle is lost + the noise is bearable + when it's all over you just walk back home or to your car or to the T.
The display is also visible in its full glory from either Porter or Inman Squares.
And if you play your cards right, you can be on the Red Line when the pyrotechnics start. The train operators always move the trains forward sloooowly across the Longfellow Bridge - talk about the best seat in the house, in air-conditioned comfort yet. For the price of a fare (a moot point after 8 PM anyway) you can take it all in from the end of the Charles/MGH station platform too.

[nonbostonian]

when taking the"T" to go see the fireworks on Mass bridge, which is the stop that will get you the closest to the bridge?

[EastCoastWoman]

I'm thinking of taking one of those harbor cruises with my young son. I've camped out on the Esplanade in the past (completely worth it), but wouldn't do it with him. Anybody know if a cruise is worth it?

[3piecechickendinner]

Sounds like Storrow drive is the best bet...This is my first Boston fireworks and I just want us to be in a nice semi-crowded place...Our 2 year old will be with us so the less chaotic the better...Just want a place to place the lawn chairs and sit back and relax

[HenryAlan]

Since you live in MetroWest, you are probably looking for more of a downtown type experience, but if you feel like exploring outer neighborhoods, there are some good spots in Roslindale, JP, and Brookline:

Roslindale: Peter's Hill (Arnold Arboretum)
JP: Bussey Hill (Arnold Arboretum)
Brookline: Corey Hill (Outlook Park)
Brookline: Lars Anderson Park (???)

I can't vouch with certainty for Lars Anderson, because I haven't tried it, but the other three all offer good views of the fireworks and typically attract quite a few picnickers (technically forbidden in the Arboretum). You won't have any trouble finding space at any of these locations.

[3piecechickendinner]

has anyone watched the fireworks at Community Boating? They are charging 100 for adults(70 is tax deductible)..Free food etc...But is it crowded...what was your experience