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Best Places to Watch Fireworks in Boston This Fourth of July

Your guide to the top fireworks-watching spots

There’s nothing quite like summer in Boston. July brings warm nights on the waterfront, and of course, Independence Day, with plenty of unique ways to celebrate around the city. Each year, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular draws thousands to the banks of the Charles River to celebrate the Fourth of July with live music and a dazzling fireworks display. If you’re looking for the best places to catch the show, here’s a roundup of some of the top fireworks-watching spots in Boston.

Locations

Charles River Esplanade

For the past 50 years, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular has been the city’s biggest Fourth of July tradition. Held annually on Independence Day at the Hatch Memorial Shell on the Charles River Esplanade, the event features a free outdoor concert by the Boston Pops Orchestra, followed by a fireworks show over the river. The Hatch Shell is between the Longfellow and Massachusetts Avenue bridges, and the fireworks can be seen from both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river.

If you want to catch the music live, the event is free and open to the public—but be warned, it gets very busy, and the Hatch Shell Oval will close once it reaches capacity. The Oval opens to the public at noon, so plan to arrive early to get a spot. The concert begins at 7 pm, and the fireworks are set to start around 9:40 pm.

Watch from the Water

With views of the fireworks from both Boston and Cambridge, why not enjoy the show right from the river? Rent a kayak or canoe from Paddle Boston at the Kendall Square location in Cambridge, and it’s a short, five-minute paddle to the best viewpoint. If boats are unavailable, you could also go to the Boston location on Soldier’s Field Road, but be prepared for a four-mile-long paddle journey each way.

The BU Bridge

If you’re on campus for the summer, head over to the BU Bridge to catch the fireworks. While the Longfellow and Mass Ave bridges close to pedestrians at 9 pm, the BU Bridge remains open. You’ll get a solid view of the show with fewer crowds than on the Esplanade. Just be sure to arrive a bit early to grab a good spot.

View Boston

View Boston is an attraction at the top of the Prudential Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city. For the 4th, View Boston is hosting a fireworks party, where you can have access to all three levels and the deck of View Boston. General admission tickets are $49.99, and you can get tickets for the View Boston Fourth of July Experience here.

Castle Island

Castle Island in Southie is a bit farther from the fireworks, but on a clear night, you can still catch a view of the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, as well as displays from neighboring towns. It’s also a much calmer alternative to the crowds on the Esplanade. The Castle Island park sits right on Boston Harbor, where you can enjoy a lobster roll and other treats as you watch the fireworks.

No matter where you watch from, Boston’s Fourth of July fireworks are a quintessential New England experience.

Wishing all our Terriers a safe and joyful Independence Day! 🎆