I’m going to be spending this weekend in Boston. We’ve decided to not attempt to go to the Boston Pops show (I’ve been very disappointed how over the last couple years, the show has been less about the orchestra and more focused on cheezy guest performances) but I would like to find a great (free? I’ll pay if it’s reasonable and will be worthwhile) spot to watch the fireworks display. Also, does anyone know exactly when the display begins and ends?
In return for your advise - I will give up my NYC fireworks stakeout spot. Long Island City, Queens, on 2nd St in front of the LIRR station. Perfect view of the river and the sky. Just get there by 9pm (fireworks usually start about 9:45) because I’m not the only one who knows about that spot. Commercial St in Greenpoint across the creek has also been a successful spot, although the angle of that street is more awkward.
Well, the best views are generally along Boston’s Esplanade along the Charles River. Unfortunately about half a million people also share that view. So unless you have a friend with a Back Bay or Beacon Hill appartment with a balcony facing the water or rooftop access, you may be SOL.
Our hotel is the Westin which is a block away from the Back Bay train station. Of course, I have no idea yet what kind of view we’d have (or which direction our room is facing).
One more thing - aside from the fireworks, the one thing I absolutely HAVE to do while in Boston is play a couple games of candlestick bowling. The closest bowling place to our hotel only has 10 pin bowling, so is there another place that someone would recommend? I remember Fenway Park had a bowling alley in their basement…and Boston Bowl on Morrissey Blvd has 24 hour candlepin, but it’s kind of out of the way from the other places we plan on hitting.
On our current to-do list:
Meals at Faneuil Hall & Pizzeria Regina
Whale Watch (10AM on 7/4)
Candlestick bowling
Fireworks
otherwise we’re purposely trying to not make an itinerary. I’ve been to Boston enough times to know that you can go there without a plan and have a great time just by exploring and wandering.
Your best bet for fireworks viewing without getting in line on Thursday is to grab a spot in the Cambridge side of the river. You won’t hear as much, or see anything of the concert, but it’s not bad for the fireworks. Of course, getting back to the Back Bay will be a bit of a chore afterward.
Fireworks are scheduled to start at 10:30 and finish at 11:00.