Worthy of a Celebration

Worthy Of A

Celebration

Best boating locations for fireworks

By Shannon Mitchell

Few holidays bring the heat like the Fourth of July, especially when it comes to pyrotechnic displays of patriotism. Oh, how we love those big colorful explosions, especially when they’re synchronized to some of our favorite all-American songs.

Yes, watching fireworks is awesome, but do you know what’s even better? Watching fireworks from your pontoon or deck 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 fireworks 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 what is arguably the greatest boating holiday of the year.

Blue Ridge, Ga.

Ranked as one of the best places to see fireworks in the South, Lake Blue Ridge Fire in the Sky offers incredible views from multiple locations. Whether you’re watching by boat on Lake Blue Ridge, relaxing at Morganton Point Recreation Area, or enjoying the festivities at Lake Blue Ridge Marina or the Dam, you’re in for a treat. The marina will be buzzing with activity all day, featuring delicious food available for purchase, so come hungry and ready to celebrate. Don’t miss this dazzling display over the lake! Fireworks begin at dusk.

If you’re staying in Blue Ridge for the weekend, there are plenty of activities and family-friendly events. The Blue Ridge Freedom 5K starts at 7:30 am and takes you through beautiful historic downtown. Stay for the Old Timer’s Parade at 10 am showcasing antique cars and a celebration of Blue Ridge from the past. On July 5, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway will host a Firecracker Special Train to the spectacular evening Copper Basin Fireworks display. (www.blueridgemountains.com)

Traverse City, Mich.

Coinciding with the annual Cherry Festival, the exciting fireworks show on the Fourth of July glimmers over the waters of Grand Traverse Bay. So many events will be happening around Traverse City, including live music performances, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight show, and all the fun of the Cherry Festival. Watch the Ultimate Air Dogs competition, take a Ferris wheel ride, or compete in the cherry pie eating contest or cherry spitting contest for prizes. In the evening, anchor your boat along Grand Traverse Bay to see the phenomenal TC Boom Boom Club fireworks production. The unforgettable show starts at 10:30 pm and will be a great way to end an action-packed holiday getaway. (www.traversecity.com)

Lake Wawasee, Ind.

Known as the largest natural lake in Indiana, Lake Wawasee hosts a spectacular fireworks show that illuminates the entire area. With numerous vantage points around the lake, including from boats on the water, this event is a staple for many in the region. The annual celebration will be Saturday, July 5, at 10:15 pm. A multi-location launch site will dramatically improve the visual effect of the 2025 Lake Wawasee fireworks celebration. In a partnership with Zambelli Fireworks, the Lake Wawasee show will feature world-class displays of pyrotechnics that are sure to be the highlight of the summer. Carefully choreographed to music, the soundtrack will be broadcast on WAWC Willie 103.5, so be sure to tune in for the full experience. (www.wawaseefireworks.com)

Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.

Celebrate Independence Day at the Lake of the Ozarks with explosive celebrations, star-studded concerts, and a vibrant holiday atmosphere. From live music and fireworks to karaoke and yoga, there’s all kinds of fun to be had at LOTO. Professional pyrotechnics shows occur at a variety of marinas around the lake. Major displays are typically at Margaritaville, Lodge of Four Seasons, Bear Bottom Resort, City of Osage Beach, Captain Ron’s, and others. Find a spot on land or join the massive boat raft-ups for an unforgettable view from the water. Consider booking a fireworks cruise for a front-row seat; multiple marinas around the lake offer fireworks cruises.
(www.funlake.com / www.lakeexpo.com)

fireworks during Parade of Lights in the city of Chicago

Parade of Lights: Abel Arciniega

Navy Pier Photo: Ranvestel Photographic

Chicago, Ill.

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. The pyrotechnics show off of Navy Pier is top-notch and lights up Lake Michigan. This lovely display is synchronized to patriotic music that you can hear if you’re close enough to the shore. Plus, Navy Pier, a 3,300-foot pier on the shoreline, also hosts fireworks shows every Wednesday and Saturday night of the summer in addition to the fireworks on the Fourth.

Navy Pier is an iconic destination along Chicago’s waterfront, and is also home to family-friendly activities, lakefront boat cruises, carnival rides, local dining, and sweeping skyline views. You can catch the Fourth of July fireworks display from Navy Pier or along the nearby lakefront, including beaches, rooftop bars, and parks. You can also hop on one of the many boat cruises offering a front-row seat to the action. This is a popular event expecting a high volume of people, so try to plan ahead to get the most out of your Independence Day. (www.choosechicago.com)

Tampa Bay, Fla.

Celebrate the Fourth of July in a fantastic atmosphere on the water at Tampa Bay. Boom by the Bay at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park is Tampa’s premier Independence Day celebration. Featuring family-friendly activities, live entertainment, an Apple Pie Throwdown, and a fireworks display, the event is free and open to the public. Tampa is a boater’s dream to watch the Fourth of July fireworks, with multiple locations to view the show from the water. Anchor near the Tampa Riverwalk for a great view and the fun atmosphere of the downtown area. At Channelside Bay Plaza watch the fireworks from the water and take in the vibrant energy of the entertainment district. Cruise to Davis Islands and find a spot along Channel Drive to anchor. With picturesque views of downtown Tampa and an excellent location to watch the fireworks, it’s a popular spot among boaters, so plan to arrive early to secure a good spot. (www.tampa.gov)

Duluth, Minn.

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. The Bayfront Festival Park plays host to dozens of vendors providing food, beverage, and specialty crafts to commemorate the holiday. This free, family-friendly event kicks off at 4 pm with food vendors, local crafts, and live music throughout the evening. The night ends with one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the Upper Midwest, lighting up the Duluth Harbor at 10 pm. (www.visitduluth.com)

Kemah, Texas

Kickoff the summer holiday 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.

Music-themed fireworks shows are every Friday night through June and July, beginning at 9:30 pm, with an especially explosive show on Thursday, July 4. If you don’t want to bring your own boat, it’s not a problem. Be sure to check out 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)

Kemah Boardwalk

Lake Havasu, Ariz.

After the sun goes down, watch the sky light up in a gorgeous fireworks display over Lake Havasu. Join fellow boaters, beach-goers, and tailgaters on the Fourth of July. Spend the day on the water and tie up with your fellow boaters in Thompson Bay to watch the fireworks from the comfort of your boat; be sure to anchor early as the bay fills up. Havasu Riviera Marina charges $20 per car for viewing parties, and London Bridge Beach provides free parking and allows coolers. Take a walk under the London Bridge, visit a restaurant close to the water like Scotty’s Chicken, Barley Brothers, or Papa Leone’s Pizza. Make this holiday in Lake Havasu one you won’t forget! (www.golakehavasu.com)

Brad Scott Visuals
Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev.

You can’t forget about the scenic Lake Tahoe’s Lights On The Lake spectacular. This event has the southern waters of Lake Tahoe shimmering in delight. This Fourth of July pyrotechnic display is considered one of the best with NBC’s [Today Show] recognizing it as one of the country’s top celebrations and the American Pyrotechnics Association rating it as one of the top five in the nation.

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)

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