Whether you’re a Philly resident or an out of town visitor, get ready for yet another year of the city’s renowned Fourth of July celebrations. Philadelphia is a city that is anything but understated, and its commemoration of the nation’s Independence Day is certainly no exception.
With the Wawa Welcome America festival’s grand finale and the firework display over the Delaware River as a prelude to the Fourth, there’s no shortage of festivities in the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed. If you’re looking to get in on the action, here are some of the best places to view fireworks for the Fourth of July:
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
This one is fairly obvious. What better place to see the fireworks than at the celebration’s epicenter? As the 16-day-long Wawa Welcome America fest comes to a close, the party reaches its peak with the country’s largest Independence Day celebration. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway closes down to host a free celebration, featuring a firework show over the Philadelphia Museum of Art and performances from pop icons NE-YO and Kesha. The parkway is undeniably at the heart of the celebration.
Belmont Plateau
At the center of Fairmount Park sits Belmont Plateau, a greenspace with unbeatable views of the Philadelphia city skyline. Now imagine that skyline painted with an array of the flashing colors of fireworks and you’ve curated a gorgeous exhibition of the Independence Day celebrations. Belmont Plateau offers a unique vantage point of the festivities away from all of the noise. I can’t quite promise it offers an escape from the crowds – the Belmont plateau is a popular viewpoint that is sure to attract the masses. Arrive early with a picnic blanket and some light bites and settle in for a night in the park.
1800 Belmont Mansion Drive, myphillypark.org
Lemon Hill
On the other side of the Schuylkill River in east Fairmount Park is Lemon Hill, another classic, grassy space from which the fireworks over the Art Museum can be seen. Sit on the knoll which houses the historic Lemon Hill Mansion while you enjoy the show – surrounding yourself by nature to gaze upon the beautifully lit Boathouse Row as the fireworks fill the sky this Fourth of July. This picnic area provides a similar view as the Belmont Plateau, so if one spot feels a bit overcrowded, be sure to give the other a try.
Lemon Hill Drive, parkcharms.org
Kelly Drive and MLK Drive
The ride into and out of the city down Kelly Drive, with all of its twists and turns, has no shortage of greenery along its route. Pick a spot to park yourself right along the river, though finding a spot to park your car may not be quite as easy. A picnic on the Schuylkill is a wonderful activity on any regular day, but on the Fourth it is elevated by swarms of people eager to see the fireworks—and you will, from one of the best perspectives in the city.
Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk
Further down the Schuylkill River is the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk – a location that can provide a vantage point of the fireworks facing the other side of the Art Museum. Forget viewing the fireworks from along the water when you can view them standing over it. The Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk is a 2,000-foot-long walkway spanning from Locust Street to the South Street Bridge that has been open since 2014, so it’s been around for its fair share of Independence Day celebrations. Perhaps this year it’ll house yours?
Schuylkillbanks.org
The Loews Philadelphia Hotel
With their Red, White and Views Celeration, you’ll want to snag a reservation at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel in Center City. Tickets to the event include access to the hotel’s 33rd floor for a firework show viewing, as well as one complimentary drink ticket. To reserve your spot, go to Resy.com. For those of you who flock to Philly from out of town for the holiday, check out the Loews Philadelphia Hotel’s Red, White and Views package for a full experience.
1200 Market Street, Loewshotels.com
On a boat!
If you aren’t one for crowds but you still want in on the fun, consider renting a boat on the Schuylkill River as an alternative. Turn towards websites such as getmyboat.com to rent a boat by the hour with up to 6 guests. Or, for a more structured experience, board the Signature Philadelphia Dinner Cruise for a three hour ride including a dinner buffet, live entertainment, scenic Philadelphia views and more.
Fun before the Fourth
If you are eager for a celebration and can’t wait until the Fourth, you’re in luck. The Freedom Festival at the Camden Waterfront will be hosted on July 3, starting at 5 p.m. This event will showcase performances from Tara Hendricks and Gin Blossoms, followed by a firework show over the Delaware River scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Check out these locations to view the early Independence Day fireworks:
Wiggins Waterfront Park
With a breathtaking view of Philadelphia from across the river, Wiggins Waterfront Park provides a prime spot to watch some fireworks. Wiggins Park is where you can partake in the Freedom Festival fun, with food, drink, music and more. As the Philadelphia skyline fills the back of the The Roland Traynor River Stage and the music floods the atmosphere, you’ll feel perfectly in the spirit of freedom in the final few hours leading up to Independence Day.
2 Riverside Drive, camdencounty.com
The Battleship New Jersey
Let’s go back to that boat thing. On July 3, The Battleship New Jersey is offering tickets to see the Freedom Festival fireworks from aboard this historic ship. Though the Admiral VIP firework package tickets have sold out, you can still grab a General Admissions ticket on the Battleship’s main deck. The ship will offer live music, temporary tattoos, bar service and more. One of the most unique ways to view the fireworks is one you surely won’t want to miss.
100 Clinton Street, Battleshipnewjersey.org
Penn’s Landing/Spruce Street Harbor Park
Head back over to the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River to view the Camden Waterfront festivities from afar. Spruce Street Harbor Park is a fun way to watch the fireworks, with hammocks lining its trees and food vendors bordering its streets. This park guarantees family friendly fun, with features to appeal to people of any and all ages. For a wholly unobstructed view, find an empty spot along the river’s edge at Penn’s Landing to see the fireworks glisten over the water.
301 S Christopher Columbus Boulevard, delawareriverwaterfront.com
