5 Best Places to Watch 4th of July Fireworks by Boat in 2025 + Must-Know Safety Tips
Community
Jul 3, 2025
Where to Drop Anchor for the Best 4th of July Fireworks—and How to Stay Safe Doing It
Watching fireworks from your boat on the 4th of July? That’s top-tier summer. Open water, glowing skies, and the sounds of celebration echoing across the waves—it’s hard to beat. We’ve pulled together some of the best places in the U.S. to catch the show from the water this year.
We’ll also help you plan smarter—so you can stay connected, share the moment, and avoid any surprises along the way.
SeaPeople is the perfect app to:
Track and log your trip
Let friends and fellow boaters know where you are on the water
Chat with other boats nearby
And share your fireworks photos from shows happening all across the country
Make sure to download the SeaPeople app to see where the best local spots are!
🎇 Boston Harbor, Massachusetts
Boston’s 4th of July fireworks are legendary, and there’s no better seat than one floating in the harbor. The show launches over the Charles River, but the harbor fills with boats catching both the spectacle and the city skyline.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a good anchorage near Spectacle Island or Deer Island. Local authorities may set no-go zones, so monitor the Coast Guard VHF Channel 16 and check the latest navigational restrictions.
🌴 San Diego Bay, California
The Big Bay Boom is the West Coast’s largest fireworks display, launching from multiple barges around the bay. It’s a favorite among SeaPeople members for its panoramic waterfront views and easy access to anchoring spots.
Pro Tip: Plan your approach through the channel carefully and anchor outside the no-wake zones near Shelter Island or Harbor Island. Expect heavy traffic and bring fenders to avoid bump-and-drift scrapes.
Note: There is a 300 yard safety zone around the firework barges and the Coast Guard, Harbor Police, and special patrol vessels will be in charge of water safety.
🌆 Lake Union, Seattle, Washington
Lake Union’s Fourth of July celebration is perfect for boaters who want a lively atmosphere with a backdrop of city lights. Fireworks shoot off from a barge in the center of the lake, drawing both sailboats and paddleboards alike.
Pro Tip: Be aware that mooring spots are limited and raft-ups are common—make sure your ground tackle is solid, and communicate clearly with nearby boats. Visibility is excellent, so you don’t need to be right on top of the launch site.
⚓ Annapolis Harbor, Maryland
A classic East Coast sailing town, Annapolis delivers charm and patriotic energy in equal measure. The fireworks are launched from barges in the harbor, making for a picturesque evening cruise and viewing.
Pro Tip: Drop anchor in Spa Creek or Back Creek early in the day, and be prepared for shifting currents. Keep a sharp eye out for kayakers and dinghies post-show.
🗽East River, New York City
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are back on the lower East River this year, and watching them from your boat? Absolutely iconic. But there are a few things to know before you head out.
The U.S. Coast Guard sets a regulated safety zone around the fireworks launch area. During the show, recreational boats aren’t allowed inside that zone—so you’ll want to anchor outside of it and keep your radio on.
📻 Tune into VHF Channel 16 for live updates during the event
🗺️ Check the latest safety map for exact zone details before leaving the dock
Once you’re set up and in position, you’re in for an unforgettable NYC moment.
A map of regulated area's provided by the USCG:
Getting Home in the Dark
After the fireworks end, there’s usually a big shuffle as everyone heads out at once. It helps to:
Double-check your nav lights before sunset
Have your route planned so you're not figuring it out on the fly
If you’ve got offline maps or paper charts, even better—cell service can be spotty when everyone's trying to post videos at the same time.
The Not-So-Fun-But-Still-Important Stuff
Nobody wants to think about gear checks or safety rules when they’re packing the cooler, but it’s always better to be over-prepared than under. Quick things to have on board:
Life jackets (even the good kind you’ll actually wear)
Working radio
Fire extinguisher
First-aid kit (just in case someone gets too excited with the snack knife)
If you’re rafting up or cruising with a group, a quick “who’s got what?” check goes a long way.
A Note on Fireworks and Drinks
We get it—boating and celebrating go hand in hand. Just remember:
Launching your own fireworks from the boat = cool in theory, very illegal (and not worth the risk)
Some harbors are dry zones during holidays, so it’s worth checking local rules before you stock up
Hydration is your best friend, especially under the July sun
No lectures here—just a few friendly reminders so the biggest thing you have to worry about is getting the perfect fireworks photo for your SeaPeople post.
