Travel
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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Boston - 4th of July
I am looking for some feedback and information on things to do in Boston on July 4th to see the fireworks. Are there any cruises where you can see the fireworks? I see some cruises but none with a view of the fireworks. I also saw going to the Oval to see the fireworks and watch from the lawn. It seems like you have to hang out on the lawn for many hours since it closes at 6:00 PM to get in and fireworks do not start until 10:30 PM. Has anyone done this? Is it worth it? Any other places that are great to see the fireworks in person?
Thank you!
Married 
8.31.2008<br>
8.31.2008<br>
Re: Boston - 4th of July
I lived in the Boston area for 6 years back in the 1970's & 1980's. I went to the fireworks once then, but have been back twice on vacations that included the 4th of July.
We stayed in a hotel that was near the fireworks. We scouted for great areas and stayed put. It's not easy, because you are right, once they close the roads you are only going to get around on foot. I'd recommend getting your hotel soon, because the closer ones book up fast.
We watched from 2 different spots: once it was waaaaaaaaay in the back of the crowd in front of the Hatch Shell (not sure it's still called that) where the orchestra is playing. The other time we were on a bridge that went over the river where the fireworks were being shot from. That time it was so windy and overcast that the smoke from the fireworks blew our way and blocked out their view for us. It sucked, but at least we were "there", LOL. Between the 2 I'd recommend being as close as possible to the Hatch Shell. Even way in the back we could hear and see everything.
Was it worth it? Absolutely! I've seen the 4th of July fireworks in Boston and Washington DC, and both are quintessential celebrations that I wouldn't have missed for the world. Boston's fireworks have the cannons which you can hear from all over. We couldn't hear the band from the bridge, so the closer you can get to the Hatch Shell, the better if you enjoy hearing the "1812 Overture" while the fireworks are going off. I went with kids both times, and we just walked back to the hotel if they had to use the bathroom while waiting for the events to start. But there are tons of porta-potties around as well.
Good luck and enjoy!
I went back in 2003. I had a hotel near Copley square. In the morning I went to see the Constitution turnaround. Then went back to the Chales river and planted by chair/towel to stake my spot by about 2 pm. Then went to the local grocery (Shaws - prudential stop/Copley Sq area) for picnic foods and spent the rest of the time crowd watching and walking around the Charles river park, keeping an eye on my spot.
The night before (July 3rd) the Boston Pops dues a dry run of the performance. I went to the Hatch band shell and got a good viewing spot. Don't have to get there hours early for that. No fireworks but you get to see them and hear up close.
There is so much to do on the 4th that you have to pick the events that are of most interest. Enjoy!