The big July 4 fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m. You can stake out a spot anywhere along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from Logan Circle to Eakins Oval. The entire street is shut down in honor of the celebration.

There are two fireworks shows over the Delaware this year, starting with a display at 9:30 p.m.on Saturday, June 29 and another (same time) on Monday, July 1. Both are held after free concerts by the The United States Army Band. The grand finale will be on July 4 on the Camden side of the river, but they’ll be visible from Penn’s Landing, also at 9:30 p.m.

Paine's Park on the Schuylkill River Trail is set slightly beneath the festivities on the Parkway, so it offers a unique vantage point for the Parkway fireworks. Add to the skaters and bikers flipping tricks during the show (Photo: Bittenbender)

MLK Drive offers spectacular views of the city, regardless of the time of year, but the Fourth of July is amazing with reflections off of the Schuylkill and outside of the crowds of the concert. It's a winner if you’re planning on checking out the Parkway show.

Yes, it will be packed with people wanting to see the fireworks, but the Schuylkill River Trail should be your go-to spot. Get there early with your chair(s) and blanket(s) and simply enjoy the show and the scenery.

Boathouse Row/Kelly Drive is one of the best spots for Parkway fireworks—if you get there early enough to grab a spot on the grass. Views of the Schuylkill River and the majestic boat houses are almost unbeatable.

Imagine catching a glimpse of a firework or two while snuggling with your S.O. in a hammock down at Spruce Street Harbor Park. Get there early to snag a seat/sling for the nights of fireworks on the Delaware River Waterfront (see No. 2).

You probably need to be roller skating while the Delaware River fireworks explode in the sky behind you. That may be a life experience you need to have.

Check out the fireworks show over the Delaware from this grassy space. Parking might be an issue but you won't get better sight lines of the Delaware River, Ben Franklin Bridge, and those boomers.

The triangle in and around the Yards Brew Co. makes a great spot to stop and watch the fireworks. It's walkable to NoLibs and Fishtown and is close enough to the action (plus, you can really get into the spirit of Philly with a local brew).

If you're in New Jersey or want to take a trip, the Camden Waterfront is where it's at for the Delaware fireworks. Take the ferry. There's unrivaled vantage points, skyline views and plenty of room up and down the riverside. Bring your camera. On the actual fourth, the city will host its own fireworks extravaganza at 9:30 p.m. (see No. 2).

No, we don't want you to go inside the Dockside. The landing on Columbus Boulevard near Chart House, while noisy due to traffic and crowds, offers a great vantage point. Hop back into the city over the connection bridge at South Street.

Washington Avenue Green is also an underrated spot to catch the fireworks. It's close to Queen Village and Pennsport, so you can catch them before or after dinner and drinks.

If you're sticking around West Philly for the 4th, Drexel Park is the place to be for the Parkway show. The small park on a hill offers big views of the city skyline, so you can be sure to catch a great (and less crowded) show.

Located on the 57th floor of One Liberty, this viewing deck may offer some of the craziest views of the Penn's Landing fireworks on June 30 and July 4. You'll have to buy a ticket and space is limited, so you might want to call ahead.