We will be visiting Boston March17th through 20th. We were thinking about going to the St.Patrick's day parade in South End of Boston. The parade is supposed to start at 1pm. How early do we need to get there to get a good spot? We have a 2 year old and a 4 year old and would like to know what are some good spots along the parade route that will give us and the kids a good view.

The parade is actually in South Boston, not the South End. Are you taking the T? Walking down West Broadway from the T is slow going since it's so crowded so if you plan to watch from East Broadway or further up, I'd get there by 11. Otherwise, it's not really that hard to get a good spot. I'm always at a party at a friends house and we usually just run out as the parade is going by and check it out. There's always plenty of room. West Broadway is fine to watch the parade, there will be vendors there selling T-shirts, balloons and other odds and ends.

I'm originally from Boston and have a question.

Is it still risky wearing orange in southie on St Padddy's day?

Risky? Probably not. Although you never know what can happen after people have been drinking for 12 hours....

green for catholics

orange for protestant

southie is heavily irish catholi

What is the parade route in South Boston? Also, is it safe especially with small children?

The Boston Globe had a map.

www.boston.com/globe

It is safe and there's lots of small children.

Why would you want to wear orange except for causing controversy? Some people have an inexplicable need to draw attention to themselves.

But to the original posters question - the answers from wyatt92 are very correct. The parade route is long so you can always find a spot. Try to stick to the sunny side of the street - it will be warmer. And dress the kids warmly - its supposed to be cold on Sunday. And the kids will be inundated with candy and other goodies tossed by the marchers. And watch out for some of the marching groups that fire off their muskets. Very loud and always sure to scare the beejeebers out of toddlers.

We've been going for 13 years now and have always had a great time. Thanks for asking the question - you've got me looking forward to it now!

what a blast that must be. i was in boston for the first time last year and loved it. being there for st paties must be so much fun.

Beware that bathrooms are had to come by and you will be out there for several hours.

I didn't mean to imply that the parade was unsafe or that people should wear orange.

I didn't want people to be wearing orange (inadvertantly) without understanding the implications.