The Skyline View From A Liberty Fleet Schooner
Photo Courtesy of Heidi Hansen
In some cities, the Fourth of July is a one-night event, but in Boston, the city needs four whole days to celebrate America’s independence. After enjoying all that Boston Harborfest has to offer between July 1 and 4 — expect to see spirited re-enactments, tours, food tastings, concerts and much more — the festivities will culminate with the Boston Pops’ performance at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade amid fireworks exploding over the Charles River.
After a few days in the midst of all the revelry, you may want a quieter place away from the crowds to enjoy the pyrotechnics show. Luckily, we’ve found some of the best spots in the city to watch the fireworks in comfort and luxury.
XV Beacon, Photo Courtesy of XV Beacon
XV Beacon
One of the city’s best-kept secrets is the guests-only rooftop at the chic Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star XV Beacon. Book a room at this Beacon Hill boutique hotel on July Fourth to gain access to a stunning view of the city and harbor.
With just 63 rooms, you won’t be fighting for space on the deck either. Watch the fireworks in peace before heading back to your room or, maybe, savoring a nightcap at the hotel’s Forbes Travel Guide Recommended restaurant and bar, Mooo.
The City’s Annual Light Show, Photo Courtesy of Saunders Hotel Group
Lenox Hotel
This Back Bay hotel is another fantastic spot to catch the action. Let the Lenox Hotel do the planning for you with its July Fourth package, which includes accommodations and dinner for two in the hotel’s restaurant, City Table.
Cap off the evening with complimentary beer, wine or bubbly at the rooftop reception, the ideal location to watch the sky light up in spectacular fashion. You can experience the aforementioned Boston Pops show on a live feed, so it will feel as if you’re right in the thick of the scene.
Top of the Hub, Photo Courtesy of Select Restaurants Inc
Top of the Hub
Locals often forget about the Top of the Hub, thinking it’s just for tourists, but, in fact, for a bird’s eye view of Boston from 52 floors up, there’s no better place to be.
Tickets to its Fourth of July fireworks package come with a one-hour open bar, a five-course dinner and a live broadcast of the orchestra concert. End your night with a spectacular look at the fireworks from the venue’s Skywalk Observatory.
Liberty Fleet
Without a doubt, some of the best views of the fireworks are from the water. The Liberty Fleet, Boston’s only collection of tall ships, offers a fantastic evening sail to see the show. Offered on both the Liberty Clipper and Liberty Star, the 9 p.m. sail includes a barbecue dinner and a cash bar on the classic schooners.
So you don’t miss a thing, you can hear the live broadcast of the Boston Pops performance over the ship’s top-of-the-line Bose sound system. After a short cruise, the crew will strike the sails to view the fireworks against the backdrop of Boston’s skyline.
