It was my understanding the fireworks show took place over the harbor. However, I was recently corrected by a resident who said they are now displayed over the Charles River. I guess if this is correct, do any of you have recommendations on selecting a good viewing location?

Thank you!

Since at least the 1970s, the July 4 fireworks have been held at the Esplanade on the Charles River, to accompany the Pops concert. The Cambridge side of the river is less crowded. The fireworks are over the harbor for First Night, i.e., New Year's Eve.

It's over the river, and you ask the Big Money question. Millions of people crowd both sides of the river, and many get set up before noon and make it a day of picnicking, etc. Not only is it a matter of finding just the right place (I prefer watching from the MIT/Cambridge side, but you aren't near the pre-show concert in the Hatch Shell), it's a big matter of knowing how to get back home (hotel) afterward, since the "T" gets so crowded that it can take you hours.

My advice is either to stay in a hotel with a view of the works (either from your river-view room or from some roof-top bar) or choose a viewing place from which you wouldn't mind walking all the way back to your hotel -- which, BTW, is actually very safe that night because you will be wlaking with thousands of other people.

I believe there are fireowrks on 7/3 over Boston Harbor since Mass Bay Cruiselines is offering a fireworks cruise on that night. The Boston Goobe does a July 4 event section about a week before, and I am not sure how you could confirm this before that time - maybve someone else will know.

What hotels are the best for viewing the fireworks from your room ... I know it's too late for reservations this year, but I will keep this in mind for next year.

Yes, the fireworks are displayed over the river. I have found a "less" crowded place to watch them from is over buy the Science Museum. A couple of hours before show time there's usually plenty of places to grab. The view is great.

If you're interested in booking a room, you are most likely out of luck for the best places. I know the view from the Westin in Copley Place is about the best. I've stayed there on the 4th before.

The Sonesta in Cambridge is reported to be good. Just for fun, I checked their website and plugged in dates 7/2-6 (most places have a 2-3 nite minimum over July 4). They have rooms, but I know they have "river view" and "Cambridge view" - you would want river view and I do not know if these are available - but they probably have some public place in hotel for viewing. Probably would not be cheap, though.

Cheryl, actually it's not too late for this year. Just 2 days ago we decided to go to Boston for the Red Sox game on the 4th, and I was able to get tickets online (not the greatest but not the bleachers either), and a very reasonably priced hotel downtown. I booked on quikbook, but expedia and sidestep also had great availability. And I didn't see any requirements to stay more than 1 night, which is all we're doing.

David, the harbor fireworks have been a part of Harborfest in previous years, but upon searching their website (see www.bostonharborfest.com) it looks like they are not doing it this year. On the other hand, the whole week of activities looks very interesting and will probably be lots of fun. A great week to be visiting Boston. Do check out the website.

As for Esplanade fireworks, I've written pages on strategy in the past. If you love crowds, you'll have a blast. You can arrive early and spend the day, or arrive just in time and fill in the cracks like most everyone else. Do gadge your escape route because it will be on foot! At the end of the concert there will be upwards of a half million people exiting this part of town!

At the harborfest website there are listings for fireworks cruises. If it's in your budget, this is a terrific way to see the fireworks (I've done it twice). No fighting crowds, perfect vantagepoint. The Museum of Science offers viewing from their parking garage to members. Perhaps they also offer to out of towners. May be worth checking. If you're a visitor to Boston, you reallly don't want to waste your whole day camped out and waiting for the fireworks. You'll want to spend the day being a tourist!

If I can be of further help, you may write directly to me.

Just as a side light....if you are in Boston for the 4th the North American Irish Step Dancing competition will be held at the Westin on Copely Square. We will be travelling from San Francisco for my daughter to dance with dancers all over No. America, Canada, England and Ireland. The Westin will be mobbed with girls in curls. Stop by and see dancing at it's finest. The competition runs 7/4-7. We want to know of any "must see" sites while we are in Boston (7/2/-8). Any recommendations for 2 adults and 2 teenagers? Want to take in a baseball game too. Any favorite reasonable restaurants to recommend around Copely Square? Thanks.

If you want to see the Red Sox, it would be a good idea to buy tickets now - I was surprised when checking their website that tickets are still available for 7/2-7. Go to redsox.xom.

If you want to see the Red Sox, it would be a good idea to buy tickets now - I was surprised when checking their website that tickets are still available for 7/2-7. Go to redsox.com.

Cheryl,
The last time we stayed in Boston (not July 4), we had a river-view room at the Westin Copley Place. The view was amazing ("best in Boston", if you believe the desk clerk, and it certainly appeared so to us). This would be the perfect place to view the fireworks. However, you'll lose something by not being "out among 'em" and hearing the Pops concert (this from first-hand experience).

While I agree that being "out among them" is a great way to experience July 4, I do not know of anyplace where one can actually hear the concert without hours of waiting to save a space.

You MUST go whale watching!!! It is the most incredible thing you have ever seen. Provincetown on the cape is absolutely gorgeous. We took our tour from there and it was great!!!