Pops Fireworks Spectacular over Boston

What's the 4th of July without a firework spectacular? And where better to go than the Charles for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular?

I headed to the heart of Boston for a classic view over the city, but if you're coming from Charlestown, you don't have to go far for a great view! You can take a short walk down to Paul Revere Park, a bike ride over to the Esplanade or a T ride to Back Bay.

Staying local and watching from Paul Revere Park or North Point Park will ensure smaller crowds and a more laid back feel, all while still having great views.

If you choose to ride bikes to the Esplanade, be aware that bikes are not allowed along the river during the show, so it'd be best to ride a blue bike in so you can drop it off. And, to make it easier blue bikes were free for everyone on the 4th! We did run into an issue of the docking stations filling up, so be sure to head in early or you'll have to travel further out to return them. They did set up a valet service at two T stations to help with the influx of bikes, so check out this option if you can't find an open dock.

Finally, a T ride to Back Bay is an easy way to get in and out of the city, without having to worry about biking or driving, but the ride could be a little warm and crammed. You can take the orange line or switch over to the green line to get a little closer to the river, but both will bring you to the Back Bay area.

If you choose to watch along the Esplanade, the crowds can be overwhelming, so if you want a good spot it's best to head in well before the start time. If you don't mind crowds then take your time with dinner in Beacon Hill, maybe some ice cream afterwards, and then stroll over to the river for the show. You'll have to squeeze in between others or stand along the edges of the pathway, but you'll definitely be able to catch great views of the fireworks. While the concert takes place at the Hatch Memorial Shell, you don't have to be front row to hear the tunes. It's quite easy to hear from anywhere along the Esplanade park.

Before long the fireworks will be starting and one thing that's guaranteed is that regardless of how or where you're watching from it's bound to be a spectacular show. After all, they don't call it the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular for nothing!