Best Spots To Watch Fireworks in 2024

These four cities host the nation’s most spectacular July 4th fireworks

The weekend before the Fourth of July is typically one of the busiest air travel times of the year. With the Fourth falling on a Thursday in 2024, the quieter early weekdays should sustain even more air traffic than in years past.

But when you charter a private jet with Global Air Charters, crowded airports are no concern. We make departure a seamless experience, catering to your schedule and travel requirements.

We think these four major metropolitan areas offer the best chance to see a Fourth of July celebration you’ll never forget. Contact our flight coordinators to reserve your airframe now.

Washington, D.C.

You can’t beat the nation’s capital on the nation’s birthday. The National Mall Fireworks display is expected to draw over 700,000 people to D.C. over the Fourth. The best viewing spots are on the Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The U.S. Capitol lawn is also a good vantage point and is often less crowded.

While you’re there, make a reservation at Lutèce in Georgetown for bistro classics like steak tartare and Parisian gnocchi, or right near the Mall, The Bazaar by José Andrés, where the global superstar chef serves tapas and Spanish classics with an avant-garde twist.

Arrival Airport: Dulles International Airport (KIAD)

New York City

The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks traditionally sparkle over the East River, but in 2024 organizers have switched sides to the Hudson River. Now, the best viewing spots are on the Hudson roughly between West 14th and 34th streets. It also means that across the river, waterfront spots in Jersey City and Hoboken will have a front-row seat to the spectacle.

You probably have a handful of favorite NYC restaurants, but if you don’t, we’re loving a couple newer Italian places: Ci Siamo next to Hudson Yards for aperitivi and their famous focaccia, or I Sodi in the West Village for delicate pappardelle and heavenly tiramisu.

Arrival Airport: Teterboro Airport (KTEB) in New Jersey is just 12 miles from Midtown and offers a much easier arrival and transportation than LaGuardia or JFK. If your lodging is elsewhere in the NYC metro, there are several regional airports to choose from.

Boston, Massachusetts

The cradle of the American Revolution still puts on the nation’s most beloved Independence Day program. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular defines the traditional fanfare of the Fourth, with a concert full of John Philip Sousa, The “1812 Overture”, and other patriotic anthems.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Fireworks Spectacular, held at the DCR Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade. The oval in front of the bandshell opens at noon, and the best spots will be taken by early in the evening.

You can also head across the Charles River to Cambridge and take up a viewing spot on Memorial Drive. It will be much less crowded, and not far away is the local outpost of Row 34, where you can eat Island Creek Oysters (Massachusetts’ finest, from just down the bay in Duxbury) at the best raw bar in town.

Arrival Airport: Logan International Airport (KBOS)

Chicago, Illinois

The Navy Pier Fireworks display is a spectacular tradition, but viewing areas on the pier itself are often too crowded. We prefer to head south across the river and watch from Maggie Daley Park. The Adler Planetarium is another great choice for panoramic views of the Chicago skyline with a perfect angle on the fireworks.

While you’re in Chicago, grab a seat at either of Rick Bayless’ River North restaurants — Topolobampo or Frontera Grill — and end the night at Three Dots and a Dash, a speakeasy on the same block where some of Chicago’s best bartenders serve rum-soaked tiki drinks.

Arrival Airport: Our clients often choose Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK) in the suburb of Wheeling for a fast and easy connection to ground transportation.

Where to See Fireworks 2024

Wherever your summer holiday plans take you, Global Air Charters offers a travel experience as enjoyable as the destination. Our fleet of ultra-long-range Gulfstream airframes have the space and amenities to comfortably transport your traveling party to celebrations in the U.S. or around the globe.

Contact our flight coordinators for more information on making your summer travel unforgettable with a private jet charter.