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4 Spots to Watch the Fireworks for 4th of July in San Francisco

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The following article is a guest post, courtesy of Bronson Farr

Hey  CMBers!
Watching the fireworks over the bay is an exciting event for 4th of July in San Francisco each year. While Fisherman’s Wharf is where the big celebration is going to be at, we have also picked out some spots in the city where it isn’t as crowded and still enjoy the show.
1) Front Row Seats: Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is where to get the front row seats for the firework spectacular over the water. The Fourth of July Celebration Pier also features two live bands in the afternoon if you want to make it an all day event.

4th of July in San Francisco

The best place to watch fireworks in San Francisco is Fisherman’s Wharf.

WHAT: Fourth of July Celebration At the Pier
WHERE: Fisherman’s Wharf (Pier 39)
WHEN: Thur., July 4th; Live band performances from 12-2pm & 4-7pm, Fireworks show @ 9:30pm

2) Most Intimate: Bernal Heights Hill 
If you want to show your date want a great view of the fireworks this Independence Day, and also want some intimacy, look no further than Bernal Hill. The view isn’t like that of Twin Peaks, but it is definitely one of the best views that overlooks the City.

4th of July in San Francisco

A great view of San Francisco from Bernal Heights Hill

3) Most Outdoorsy: Land’s End Trail (From Legion of Honor to Sea Cliff)
Land’s End Trail offers great views of the ocean and San Francisco Bay, but if you want to watch the fireworks check out the section of the trail that goes from the Legion of Honor to Sea Cliff. Not only does this portion face the Golden Gate Bridge (where the show will take place), it also gives you a nice view of the Bay Area. The trail is also surrounded by trees, giving it “the great outdoors” feel.

4th of July in San Francisco

While the Legion of Honor is a sight to see in itself…

4th of July in San Francisco

…the view is even more amazing.

4) Least Crowded: Alta Plaza Park
Facing the bay, this park directly overlooks San Francisco’s Marina district. This spot is far enough from the crowds at Fisherman’s Wharf, but still close enough to get a great view of the show. Be sure to arrive early as it is close to downtown as well as a residential area.

4th of July in San Francisco

Alta Plaza Park overlooks the Marina district out onto the bay.

fireworks couple 2

4 Ways to Watch the Boston Pop Fireworks Spectacular

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The following article is a guest post, courtesy of Catherine Nguyen

Although the Boston Pop Fireworks Spectacular won’t be televised nationally this year, it’s all the more reason for you to get off your couch and watch the fireworks live! Check out these 4 ways to catch the sparkles live for a romantic 4th of July in Boston.
Best Way to Actually Attend
This famous Boston affair will be launched at 10:30pm over the Charles River. If you’re looking to catch the actual Pop performance, the Oval seating area in front of the Hatch Shell opens at 4pm on July 3rd and 9am on July 4th. Come decked out in your best red, white & blue gear, as this affair can get really patriotic.
boston pop fireworks
boston pop

Most Low-Key 
If you want to watch just the fireworks, the best spots are typically on the Longfellow or Harvard bridges. Pack your picnic basket and head over there early, as these popular hot spots tend to fill up fast.
Charles River
boston pop fireworks

Most Romantic & Intimate
Looking for something a bit more intimate to catch the Pop performance? Reserve you and your date a spot at the Top of the Hub for a dressier, high-rise experience of Boston’s fireworks.
top of the hub
boston pop fireworks
Most Comfortable 
If you really want to cozy up in your sweats and watch it from the couch, then check out our recent post on how to throw a fun 4th of July party in your own home. Thankfully the Boston Pop Fireworks will be televised locally, so Bostonians aren’t missing out from the comforts of their home. Might as well go out with a bang!

great date spots in DC

A 4th of July in DC, Fireworks-Edition

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The following article is a guest post, courtesy of Catherine Nguyen

Hey DC Bagels,
If you’re willing to brave the crowds this Independence Day, check out these 3 great date spots for a patriotic, fireworks-filled 4th of July in DC!
1. Most Popular Spot – National Mall Fireworks
Pack your picnic blanket & basket, and break out the lawn chairs & glow sticks. This location is notoriously a patriotic experience in and of itself, so check it out if you’re new to DC this summer. Fireworks will be launched from the reflecting pool area at 9:10pm.
great date spots in DC
More Low-key Spots to Catch the Mall Fireworks
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a more low-key spot, check out the hill below the Navy Annex at the end of Columbia Pike, looking down at the Pentagon.
Pro Tip 2.0: Another low-key spot frequented by the locals is Cardoza High School, located at 1300 Clifton Street, where there is a large hill with a perfect view of the National Mall.

2. Fireworks & Entertainment – A Capitol Fourth Concert
If you’re looking for something more than fireworks, check out the Capitol Fourth Concert at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Hosted by favorite TV-personality & “Dancing with the Stars” host Tom Bergeron, this concert will feature a live concert by the National Symphony Orchestra, Darren Criss from “Glee,” Megan Hilty from “Smash,” and other musical artists. Entirely free & doors open at 3pm!

great date spots in DC

Watch Megan Hilty work it on the front stage!

3. Rooftop View & Drinks – Rock & Roll Hotel DC
Hit up the Rock & Roll Hotel DC on July 4th for a “Freedom Jams! A Celebration of American Made Party Music” party with a live DJ, crazy patriotism, and deals on beer! With an outdoor bar you’ll have a perfect view of the fireworks coming out from the Mall and awesome drinks to accompany. The bar is conveniently located on 1353 H Street, NE and admission is free! 
great date spots in DC

great date spots in NYC

Pregame 4th of July in DC with 3 Great Date Ideas

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The following article is a guest post, courtesy of Catherine Nguyen

With expectations for patriotism at an all-time high in ‘Murica’s Capitol, it’s either go big or go home this 4th of July in DC. That’s why we came up with 3 great date ideas  to fill up your day before the firework celebration at night! They’re all conveniently located so you can turn your daytime date into a nighttime show.
1. Embrace Folklife: Check out Smithsonian Folklife Festival, a free outdoor festival held in National Mall, from July 3-7 (post-game July 4th anyone?) by the Smithsonian Museum, celebrating diversity & tradition through arts & crafts, music & performances, and of course yummy ethnic cuisines!
great date spots in DC
great date spots in DC
What: Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Where: National Mall, Washington, D.C.
When: Wednesday, July 3 – Sunday, July 7 @ 11am to 5:30pm

2. The Night Before: Who says you can’t start July 4th celebrations early? Party it up with the Midtown Liberty Bar Tour on the evening of July 3 in Dupont Circle, where your ticket will contribute to Team USO in support of America’s Troops & their families. Bar-hop around DC’s best 20+ bars, featuring $2 Coors Light & $3 Blue Moon specials, patriotic food specials, & fun giveaways!

great date spots in DC

Can’t go wrong with Red, White & Blue gear in America’s most patriotic city.

great date spots in DC
What: Midtown Liberty Bar
Where: Dupont Circle, 1716 I St. NW
When: Wednesday, July 3 @ 5pm to 10pm

3. Get Cultured on the day of with DC museums. The Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, the International Spy Museum, Newseum, Corcoran Gallery of Art, The Presidents Gallery by Madame Tussauds and many more will be open for viewing on Independence Day. Whether you’re culturally curious or in need of a quick AC break on this hot DC day, the DC museums will be open for all!
great date spots in DC
great date spots in DC

What: DC Museum Hoppin’
Where:  Along Independence Ave (see map above)
When: July 4, all day!

great date spots in NYC

3 Places to Watch Fireworks for a 4th of July in NYC

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The following article is a guest post, courtesy of Catherine Nguyen

Nothing is more romantic than cuddling with your Bagel to watch the July 4th fireworks. In honor of Independence Day, we will be launching a series of posts focused on firework hot spots in your major city throughout the week, starting with NYC!  So, grab a picnic blanket and a beer or two, and hit up these great date spots for a romantic 4th of July in NYC.
1. Macy’s Parade: The best spots to view the parade (other than on the comfort of your couch) is on 12th Avenue between 23rd and 42nd Street. This year the show, “It Begins with a Spark,” will be collaborated with Grammy artist Usher so don’t miss out on this free show!
great date spots in NYC

great date spots

Pro Tip: Try to snag a spot before 5pm as it can easily get crowded very fast!

2. Empire State Building: One of the most iconic buildings in the U.S., nothing screams ‘AMURICA’  and summer romance more than the Empire State Building. Centrally located in downtown Manhattan on 5th Avenue with top notch viewpoints from the 86th and 102nd floor, the Empire State Building provides the perfect venue for patriotic fireworks viewing. Tickets can be purchased here for admission and complimentary light refreshments.

great date spots

Maybe you’ll find love here like Tom Hanks did in Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

great date spots in NYC
3. Cruising the Hudson: For a fun night full of drinks, dancing, a live DJ, and a perfect view of fireworks shooting off straight from the Hudson, check out the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise. Tickets are also available for purchase here but get ’em quick before they sell out, as this tends to be a popular and classy affair.
great date spots