If you want a great view without paying for one, Shoreline Village is one of the best spots in the city. We sit right on Rainbow Harbor, looking out toward the Queen Mary, which is the part of the water where the fireworks go off.

Location is the whole thing. Shoreline Village runs right along Rainbow Harbor, with open water and a clear line of sight across to the Queen Mary. When the fireworks launch over the harbor, you’re looking straight at them from the boardwalk, with no tall buildings or trees in the way.

It also helps that you can make a full evening of it. Get here in the afternoon, grab dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants, let the kids ride the carousel, and walk the boardwalk while the sun goes down. There’s plenty to do along the harbor to keep everyone happy until showtime. By the time 9 PM rolls around, you already have your spot along the railing and you’re not fighting for parking in the dark.