Boston's 4th of July: How do I get there?

How do you get there?

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular takes place along the Charles River in between the Longfellow Bridge and the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge on both the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river.

Walking:

If you’re planning on walking to the July 4 event, you can get to the Esplanade from Beacon Street via Berkeley, Clarendon, Dartmouth and Fairfield Streets, as well as Massachusetts Avenue. For the preshow, held on July 3, attendees must take one of the footbridges to cross Storrow Drive.

MBTA:

The MBTA is a great alternative to driving to the event. There will be extra bus and subway service on July 4. The two closest T stations on the Boston side of the Charles River are Charles MGH (Red Line) and Arlington Street (Green Line). On the Cambridge side of the Charles, the Kendall MIT station and Central Square station (both on the Red Line) are close. More information: MBTA.com

Note: After 10:30 p.m. on July 4 all MBTA buses and trains will be free to the public.

Driving/Parking:

The 100 Clarendon Street garage is within walking distance to the Esplanade. It is recommended to take public transportation to the event.

Handicapped parking:

Boston side: Parking for people with disabilities is available at the Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary on July 4. To get to the lot, take Storrow Drive outbound from Leverett Circle and exit at the Charles Circle off ramp. The parking entrance is to the far left of the beginning of the ramp.

A shuttle, offered only on July 4, is provided from lot. It runs from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., or until the area is full. It will return all attendees to the lot after the concert and fireworks show.

Cambridge side: A reserved handicapped section is available along Cambridge Parking on July 4 after 5 p.m. Vehicles can enter the security checkpoint at Land Boulevard and Binney Street.

Note: A handicapped plate or placard is required to enter the handicapped parking areas on both the Cambridge side and Boston side of the Charles River.