Yes, watching fireworks is awesome, but do you know what’s even better? Watching fireworks from your pontoon or boat. We’ve put together some of the best boating locations for watching fireworks this Independence Day so you can get the most out of both your boat and the holiday. While there are plenty of other great firework shows over water, each of these patriotic celebrations we included have their own personal flair as unique as the cities they’re hosted in. Regardless of where you end up this Fourth of July, be sure to take advantage of arguably the greatest boating holiday of the year.
Before night falls, you can also enjoy the city’s festive ambience in the French Quarter or cruise along the river to visit the different marketplaces. Additionally, most of the museums will stay open so you can check out a variety of exhibits and learn more about New Orleans’ history. Don’t forget to try some famous southern cuisine while you’re there.
After you’ve explored the city and enjoyed everything it has to offer during the day, you’ll be ready to kick back and enjoy the Dueling Barges fireworks with your family and friends. (www.neworleans.com)
Saluting the nation and honoring our country’s great history doesn’t get any better than this along Chicago’s downtown lakefront; it’s one of the largest fireworks shows in the country.
Plus, you can expect tons of events and activities going on at the Pier throughout the entire day. Some of the events included are live music performances at the Miller Lite Beer Garden. This is a very popular event, and Navy Pier is expecting a high volume of people, so try to plan ahead to get the most out of your Independence Day. (www.choosechicago.com)
Being able to watch the fireworks in the nation’s capital is one of the highlights of Washington, D.C.’s Fourth of July celebration. You can also expect plenty of other festivities throughout the day, so you’ll want to plan accordingly so you can get the most out of it before enjoying the fireworks on your pontoon boat. One of the best ways to navigate the city is via Metro, which offers a special Fourth of July service deal for the occasion.
However, don’t venture too far from your boat because it tends to be rather crowded and you’ll want to get to your viewing spot early to avoid any unnecessary stress. This is definitely a location you need to visit at least once for the Fourth of July. (www.washington.org)
Kickoff the summer with amazing fireworks, live music at the Plaza as well as amusement rides. Grab the kids and spend the day at the Kemah Boardwalk before returning to your boat at the adjacent Kemah Marina to watch the fireworks.
The show, over Galveston Bay, starts at 9:30 p.m. of Friday, June 3. If you don’t want to bring your own boat, it’s not a problem. Be sure to checkout the Boardwalk Beast Fireworks Cruise or the Boardwalk Fantasea Dinner Fireworks Cruise, two great options for those without boats to view the fireworks from the water. The Boardwalk celebration is free to attend and to watch the fireworks, but don’t forget to make your reservations for dinner at your favorite Boardwalk restaurant before you visit. (www.kemahboardwalk.com)
For the grand finale, let’s take a look at the Duluth Fourth Fest in the memorable city of Duluth, Minn., on the very western tip of Lake Superior. Duluth does nothing half-measure, and its Independence Day Celebration is no exception.
There’s an all-day live music event from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The Bayfront Festival Park plays host to dozens of vendors providing food, beverage, and specialty crafts to commemorate the holiday. Admission is free, though they ask that you don’t bring your own fireworks. Considering how great the main event is, you won’t need to anyway. (www.visitduluth.com)
Photo by Rob Jackson
However, if you plan to venture ashore during the day, you won’t be disappointed since there are plenty of patriotic events, complete with marching bands, fire engines and some tasty food during the parade. Then be sure to be on the water when evening rolls around for a great display of fireworks.
(www.visitannapolis.org)
The show is slated to start at 9:45 in the evening and the fireworks are visible from all over town; however, the best seats will doubtless be on your boat in the water. Plus, you’ll have an awesome time during the day as well, enjoying the gorgeous Sierra Nevada Mountains and crystal-clear lake water. Just imagine cruising around the alpine lake during the day and then dropping anchor to enjoy the fireworks once the sun sets. You can be a firsthand witness to why this is one of the nation’s top Fourth of July pyrotechnics displays. (www.tahoesouth.com)
When dusk comes, head over to the Wayside behind the red caboose or find a comfy spot on the beach. The spectacular fireworks show that kicks off around 10 p.m.
Rockaway Beach’s celebration has been dubbed one of the most magnificent Independence Day celebrations on the northern Oregon Coast by USA Today and Coastal Living Magazine. (www.visitrockawaybeach.org)
The Boston Pops first July 4 performance was held more than 90 years ago when Arthur Fiedler became the conductor. He had a vision to enhance his orchestra’s relationship with the City of Boston and he reasoned that if the public could access literature for free through public libraries and art for modest prices through museums, then symphonic music should also be easily accessible as well.
Fiedler set about raising the necessary funds in order to bring this idea to life and finally succeeded on July 4, 1929, with the first-ever free Esplanade Concert. Almost one hundred years later, the concert is still a tradition along the river, and no doubt the experience can be enhanced further when enjoyed from your pontoon boat. (www.bostonpopsjuly4th.org)
Their Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza certainly doesn’t slouch, either. Island businesses and residents pool their resources to launch a barge of fireworks into the bay, sending off a battery of pyrotechnics just after a free live music performance. You’ll never forget a visit to Put-in-Bay, and while you’re there, you’re sure to fall in love with the island and the surrounding lake. (www.visitputinbay.org)
However, if you plan to venture ashore during the day, you won’t be disappointed since there are plenty of patriotic events, complete with marching bands, fire engines and some tasty food during the parade. Then be sure to be on the water when evening rolls around for a great display of fireworks. (www.visitannapolis.org)