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Best place to watch fireworks on the Fourth in Boston metro?

What's the best place to watch fireworks on the fourth without dealing with the mayhem of the esplanade (and is kid-friendly)?

Asked by cmacdonald0

So what do you think? Vote below, or add another place to the list!

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Here's what CityVoters are saying:

NEjane (voted for: Longfellow Bridge)
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Longfellow is a great place to watch the fireworks as long as you get there early. You don't have to deal with the thousands of people trying to cram into the esplanade. You do lose a little of the experience (pops and william tell) but in my opinion, it is a much more pleasant experience.
 
jsadowski (voted for: MIT Sailing Pavilion)
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On the 4th I always try to make it down to Memorial Drive right around the MIT tennis courts. You get the best view there and less crowd than on the other side of the river. I always try to take a bike so I can cover a lot more ground and make a fast getaway after the fireworks. Boston on the 4th is no place for a car and the T is like a Tokyo subway!
 
jwalks (voted for: Prospect Hill Park)
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Recently, the place has gotten really crowded. The trick is simply to get their early and stake out a spot on the front of the castle where no one can sneak in front of you. It's really a fantastic view - and it's high up...so you see the ground fireworks too.
 
Garrett_B (voted for: The Esplanade)
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Nothing beats watching the fireworks on the esplanade. The crowds, the rowdiness, the lack of space is all part of the experience!
 
LauR (voted for: duPont Tennis Courts)
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The area by the tennis courts or anywhere along Mem Drive by MIT is the best place to watch the fireworks if you want to avoid the esplanade. You don't get the music, but the view of the fireworks is unobstructed by people and/or trees (as it sometimes is on the esplanade). Factor in the travel time and getaway time and it's a no-brainer.
 
concannonq (voted for: The Esplanade)
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Lots of room to spread out and easy access from the city. Plus, you are close to bars and restaurants pretty much everywhere along the Esplanade
 
Cornflake Girl (voted for: The Esplanade)
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The oval is the only place ot be in Boston on the forth. Who can resist cheesy Keith Lockhart fans, the Pops, and fireworks? It's something every Bostonian should do at least once...
 
unfunkyufo
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FYI the Longfellow is closed to pedestrians for the 4th this year.
 
Chrispy (voted for: Community Boating)
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Community Boating has a July 4th BBQ every year at their spot on the Esplanade. I think you have to buy tickets in advance and they are probably sold out at this point.
 
Cynthio (voted for: Longfellow Bridge)
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If not The Esplanade, then Longfellow is definitely the place to be! Great views of the show and you can see all of the boats too.
 

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