Top 10 Places to Watch July 4th Fireworks by Boat

Watching July 4th fireworks is a national tradition and there’s one way to make the annual display of patriotism even better. Watch the celebration from a boat.

Our friends at BoatTrader.com have come up with a list of the top 9 places to take in the show from a boat. We like nice round numbers so we added a 10th.

#1: Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital is already a prime destination for the Fourth, but by taking to the water, you can avoid the crowds. The fireworks launched from the National Mall are easily visible from the Potomac River, with the best spots between the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge and the Arlington Memorial Bridge.

#2: Charleston, South Carolina
The Charleston area has many fireworks displays the evening of the Fourth, but one of the best is the Patriot’s Point display on the Cooper River. Anchor in the river or grab a slip at Charleston Harbor Marina, then sit back and watch the show.

#3: Seattle, Washington
You have your pick of fireworks shows in the Seattle area, but Lake Union Park’s is the biggest, with almost 8,500 pounds of fireworks; they can be easily seen from Lake Union.

#4: Port St. Joe, Florida
Kill two birds with one stone by cruising Saint Joseph Bay in time for sunset, then hold your spot until the fireworks at Frank Pate Park begin.

#5: New York, New York
Macy’s annual fireworks show shoots off from the East River; you can get a spectacular view of the fireworks exploding over the world’s most famous skyline from the Hudson River.

#6: Ludington, Michigan
This Lake Michigan town boasts a 20-minute firework display, easily seen from the cool waters of the lake itself.

#7: New Orleans, Louisiana
The Big Easy’s Independence Day event takes place on the riverfront, where you can stay on land or grab a space on the Mississippi River for a great view of the show.

#8: Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis Harbor’s display is best seen from the waters of the Harbor itself. Even better, the wide harbor offers plenty of space, so you can avoid crowds.

#9: Chicago, Illinois
Boat out onto Lake Michigan for a view of Chicago’s Navy Pier fireworks show with the city skyline in the background.

#10: Your Favorite Spot
The most important thing is to enjoy yourself during this year’s favorite summer holiday.