Watch CBS News

Boston Area's Best Places To See Fireworks

Hundreds of thousands gather from all over the country to the banks of the Charles River, Boston to celebrate America's birthday. Visitors from all across the globe gather together along the coastal towns of New England to view fireworks burst in mid-air above its plentiful waters and harbors. So where are the best places to view Boston area fireworks this Fourth of July? Here are a few displays you shouldn't miss.

RELATED: Find A Fireworks Display Near You

Boston fireworks
(Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/Getty Images)

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
DCR Hatch Memorial Shell
Storrow Drive
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 626-1250
www.july4th.org

Date: July 4, 2013 at 8 p.m.

This is one of the nation's largest Fourth of July parties ever. Enjoy mingling while listening to the open-air concert before dusk, take in spectacular views over the harbor from anywhere along the Charles River or hop aboard a boat along Boston Harbor. The "Overture of 1812," performed by the Boston Pops, can be heard for miles. Arrive early and plan the day for Boston Harborfest, a six-day-long  bonanza of activities leading up to the grand finale at the Hatch Shell.

puleofwcbs
Marblehead Fireworks (Photo Courtesy: Joseph Puleo)

Fireworks Forever & Harbor Illumination
Marblehead Harbor at Fort Sewall
Fort Sewall Lane
Marblehead, MA 01945
(781) 631-0000
www.marbleheadfireworks.org

Date: July 4, 2013 at 8:45 p.m.

From 1776 to 2013, the community of Marblehead has come together to count down this nation's birthday with fireworks and festivities for all, beginning with the harbor illumination, a panorama that makes your mouth water in anticipation. The firework barge is set once again at the mouth of the harbor and will begin to ignite shortly after. Absolutely every point along the coast provides a spectacular view of the celebration. Leave your car at home and walk to your viewing location. There is a safety zone for boaters to be aware of and permission to anchor anywhere outside of the zone is approved in and around surrounding harbors.

needham
(Photo from Needham Exchange Club)

Grand Parade and Fireworks
Needham Memorial Park
92 Rosemary St.
Needham, MA 02492
(781) 444-3924
www.needhamexchangeclub.org

Date: July 4, 2013 at 9 a.m.

Needham residents and their guests don't need to battle the crowds inside and along the Charles River. Follow the grand parade to Needham Memorial Park, the last stop for music, face painting and food. Settle into a lounge chair, gather a blanket, don new glow in the dark fourth of July memorabilia and get ready for activities of all kinds. Join in an old-fashioned baseball game, catch a pony ride and sing and dance along with new musical groups for the family event of the season.

Fireworks
(credit: Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Cape Ann Independence Day Celebration
Stage Fort Park
Hough Ave.
Gloucester, MA 01930
(978) 283-1601
www.capeannvacations.com

Date: July 3 through 4, 2013 at 6 p.m.

Bring on Gloucester's Horribles parade, settle in for the Rockport Firemen Parade or camp out on Back Beach before the festivities burst into full gear. Seeing bonfires lining the coastline for the first time sends the sensation of something spectacular to the brain, permanently charging the air with excitement. Boston takes our nation's birthday seriously. Settle in for a celebration that will be remembered for years to come.

Fireworks
File Image (Photo credit should read JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP/Getty Images)

Plymouth Waterfront Concert & Parade
Cordage Park Marketplace
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 747-7174
www.seeplymouth.com

Date: July 4, 2013 at 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

The history never stops, and neither does our ability to appreciate fireworks bursting in the air over Plymouth Harbor. Begin the family excursion with America's Home Town Parade. Stay entertained with clowns, fried dough, beach pizza and tons and tons of fun. Excitement is hard to escape during this day's events in the town of Plymouth. Only those who have been able to attend in the past can have an idea of what to expect. Minuteman hats, old glory and automobiles of a past age and era will delight all age groups.

Related: Fourth of July Fireworks Photo Gallery

Freelance Writer Corinne Costantino brings the "Best of Boston" to New England. Her work can be found on Examiner.com

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.