Where to watch 4th of July fireworks in Boston

On July 4, the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular will take place along the Esplanade, highlighted by a big concert at the Hatch Shell. This year's edition will feature R&B vocal group En Vogue, with conductor Keith Lockhart overseeing the Boston Pops. En Vogue have won seven MTV Video Music Awards, three Soul Train awards, have been nominated for seven Grammy Awards and have sold 20 million records. At 10:30pm, the massive fireworks display over the Charles River begins.

Not surprisingly, the view of the fireworks is just as good, and a little less hectic, on the other side of the river. Take the Red Line to Kendall/MIT and grab a spot on campus near the river. There are plenty of spots to watch the show from, and if you're lucky, you'll find a speaker broadcasting the music so you can hear it too.

If you’re in Southie or the South End, find your way out to Castle Island. Grab a bite at Sullivans, and if the night is clear ​​not only will you be able to spot the Boston Pops Fireworks in the distance, you'll also be able to see fireworks displays from Quincy and other nearby spots.

With views overlooking the Charles River, Boston’s fireworks display can be seen from both The Liberty Hotel’s outdoor courtyard, The Yard and the patio at Alibi. The Liberty will also be hosting a special dessert buffet on its fourth floor viewing area for guests of the hotel to enjoy and indulge while taking in the festive fun ($25).

Night Shift Beer Garden Esplanade is a prime location to catch the fireworks, and there’s beer there! Located along the Charles River, this is one of Boston’s best beer gardens, and they'll be open for the Fourth with extended hours from noon until 10pm. They have two new releases just in time for summer, Shark Jumper IPA and Owls in Boston IPA.

Boston is one of the fittest cities in the country, and if you’re one of the people keeping us in the race, Paddle Boston has an amazing way to merge fitness and a beautiful view from the water this Fourth. You can hit the Soldier’s Field Road location in Allston/Brighton and paddle around four miles to the fireworks in one of their boats, or for an easier time of it, there's the Cambridge location in Kendall Square, which is only a five minute ride from the fireworks. Options range from single or double kayaks to canoes that can seat up to five adults.

Looking to take in the Fourth from the water without the workout? Grab your towel and treats, then head to Quincy's Wollaston Beach, which provides a nice, if distant, view of the big blasts. If the weather's good, you'll have plenty of company along the shore.