PMelt

We're planning a trip to Boston on the 4th of July and we're wondering where to find a great spot to watch the fireworks.

Pris

More of a challenge than you think. They are visible along a long stretch of the Charles River on both sides, but the banks of the river fill up with people long before the show. The area right around Hatch Shell fills up by noon at the latest, because that's where the Pops plays and the stage show is live, although there are big screens on both sides of the river.

So if you want to picnic, etc., be prepared to get there early and forget about going home via the T -- it's so overloaded everyone walks. We ended up walking almost 3 miles last year to get home. Fun but tiring.

Otherwise, places that have good views -- like restaurants in taller buildings, etc. -- are probably already reserved.

Best hope: know someone with an apt. or who works in an office on Beacon Hill or M.I.T.

gail

Further elaboration on above comments. Each year the local news shows people camping out the night before at the entrance to the Esplanade (park) for the concert so they can rush the field at 6 AM. (I was one of those nut-cases 25 years ago, but it doesn't seem quite as much fun anymore to sit in the sun all day). People have said if what you want is fireworks, you are better off finding a place in Cambridge across the river, but you won't hear any concert. The Museum of Science sells rooftop tickets each year, but that may be only to members. The Sonesta and Hyatt in Cambridge always advertise some sort of package and you can see the fireworks from there. Boston is a great place to be around 7/4 - they do a Harborfest thing that lasts a week with all sorts of activities. As with the million previous Boston posts, park your car at hotel (expensive)and walk or use public transportation around city. Make reservations ASAP. Do a "search" here - lots of great Boston info in past 6 months.

Parrot Mom

One of those hotels in Cambridge has a revolving restaurant.. but make reservations way, way in advance..

xxx

If you post this (and any other questions) on the message board @ www.boston-online.com you should get an amazingly comprehensive answer. Whenever I have a boston question I always ask it there as well.

kcd

I live in Boston and have watched the fireworks from a few different places (never camped out all day though). Your best bet is to walk over to Storrow Drive (the main road where the Hatch Shell is) right before the fireworks start. I believe they close the road around 9:00 so that pedestrians can take it over. That way, you're close to the action, but don't have to camp out all day. Another spot, where I watched them last year, is on the Longfellow Bridge, which also closes to traffic. You can't see the Hatch Shell or the Pops, but it's a great view of the fireworks.