Go to the Hatch Shell concert on the 3rd, not the 4th. They do a full dress rehearsal of the entire show, but the crowds are a little more manageable. Honestly, the crowds on the 3rd were already crazy, so I can’t even imagine going on the 4th.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People, it’s the hatch shell. Not the clamshell.

-former Bostonian

OP - it sounds like you are all set. We used to go to the Cambridge side for viewing - fewer people. You can get the pops on the radio. But the hotel you’re staying at has perfect views so you should be all set! Have an awesome time! I miss Boston.

And it's the Boston Common, not "Commons."

Boston Common is the town commons.

Anonymous wrote:People, it’s the hatch shell. Not the clamshell.

-former Bostonian

OP - it sounds like you are all set. We used to go to the Cambridge side for viewing - fewer people. You can get the pops on the radio. But the hotel you’re staying at has perfect views so you should be all set! Have an awesome time! I miss Boston.

And it's the Boston Common, not "Commons."

Anonymous wrote:Where would the best place to view the fireworks be if we’re staying at the Long Wharf Marriott? We are looking for a convenient spot with a good view that’s walkable from hotel. Thanks!

Your hotel is on the other side of downtown Boston from the Charles River Basin where the fireworks are. It's about a 1.5 mile walk to get across the city from Long Wharf to the Esplanade. You can still see the fireworks from other parts of the city, but will probably have to go a solid mile to at least Boston Common, and then you will have somewhat obstructed views, but pretty good.

Another option would be to walk to Downtown Crossing (3/4 mile) and take the Red Line to Kendall Square (3 stops, first stop across the river in Cambridge), and then walk maybe 1/4 mile across the MIT campus to the river. You will almost certainly be able to find an uncrowded spot pretty close by, somewhere like here.

https://goo.gl/maps/iximgVsFRhUr2v4o6

Where would the best place to view the fireworks be if we’re staying at the Long Wharf Marriott? We are looking for a convenient spot with a good view that’s walkable from hotel. Thanks!

People, it’s the hatch shell. Not the clamshell.

-former Bostonian

OP - it sounds like you are all set. We used to go to the Cambridge side for viewing - fewer people. You can get the pops on the radio. But the hotel you’re staying at has perfect views so you should be all set! Have an awesome time! I miss Boston.

Don't forget the reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House. And, the Charlestown Navy Yard!

Anonymous wrote:OP here: Thanks the great tips! We are booked and super excited. Decided to go with a boutique hotel (Kimpton Nine Zero) that seemed to have a better view of fireworks + is right on parade route + offers great amenities. We're doing 4 days & 3 nights because there's so much to do (Duck Tour, Museum of Science, USS Constitution, Boston Pop Concert, Harborfest, Aquarium, + more). Thanks again.

I love the Nine Zero, we stay there a couple of times a year. And now continental breakfast is included, which is even better. We always have views of the Common. Make sure you can see the fireworks from there. But it’s a great location for getting around Boston.

I like Charles Street more than Newbury. Cute independent shops and restaurants. Both are close to the Nine Zero.

OP here: Thanks the great tips! We are booked and super excited. Decided to go with a boutique hotel (Kimpton Nine Zero) that seemed to have a better view of fireworks + is right on parade route + offers great amenities. We're doing 4 days & 3 nights because there's so much to do (Duck Tour, Museum of Science, USS Constitution, Boston Pop Concert, Harborfest, Aquarium, + more). Thanks again.

Boston is so much better than DC for the Fourth.

Thanks for the great tips!

Stay in the North End which is on the waterfront. The North End is walkable to everything. If you stay at Marriott Long Wharf on Commercial Street (link below), aquarium is right thru the back door of hotel, great for your 6 yo. Restaurants galore on Commercial Street and be sure to walk to Hanover Street for true Italian salumerias, coffee shops, bakeries (Modern and Mikes).

If hotel budget isn't limited, stay at Battery Wharf on Commercial & Battery Street (link below). Get a room with outdoor space. This hotel is at the other end of Commercial Street from Marriott Long Wharf. In between the two hotels which are on the waterfront (Boston Harbor) is Christopher Columbus park and walkway. You can walk to Faneuil Hall (an outdoor/indoor market) filled with everything to delight a 6 year old. Tons of entertainment and music, shopping, cafes and vendors. Boston is a walkable city. You can easily get to Newbury Street, and Boston Commons (take DC on the Swan boats).

The best view for fireworks is the North End. If you stay at Battery Wharf, you're right there! From Long Wharf hotel, you're also right there on the other end of Commercial. Trust me on this...I lived on Battery Street and me, DH and DS would lay in bed, turn off lights, open up a wall of windows and giggle during the 4th fireworks. We miss it so much. Have fun!

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/boslw-boston-marriott-long-wharf/

https://www.batterywharfhotelboston.com

I did it many, many years ago, watched clamshell concert and fireworks from a bridge at MIT campus. Never forgotten it and hope to do it again someday.

Boston is so much better than DC for the 4th. It is tight by the clamshell for the concert but if you don't mind listening to it on radio you can find a good spot along the esplanade to watch fireworks. You can also book hotels with rooms that have views but it's a bit late in the process.

Another option is to join the museum of science and they have vip viewing from the top of their garage. Costs $$$. But the museum is awesome,.

Many of the other historic museums also do special 4th weekend events.

Ever been? Please share any tips that you have on where to stay and where to go to catch the fireworks, concert or anything else happening that week/weekend.

I'll be traveling by train with DH and DS (6-year old).

TIA!