Fourth of July is quickly approaching, and in its mist lies the expectation for outstanding fireworks that spark romance and excitement. However, one must first decide where to watch the fireworks in order to fully experience their beauty. Portland contains an abundance of locations to view fireworks in celebration for the upcoming holiday! Here are a few recommendations to spark your interest.
One of the most obvious places to see the fireworks would be the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This park is beautiful even without fireworks, and with fireworks included, the scenery becomes even more outstanding. I recommend taking a blanket and a picnic and settling on the grass overlooking the Willamette River. As the fireworks shoot off, they will have a pristine reflection along the river, creating a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere.
Another outstanding spot to watch fireworks is the Hawthorne Bridge. It’s near the waterfront, high above the Willamette River, and you can walk the bridge while fireworks light up the night. Here, the fireworks explode along the blackened sky with city lights beaming along the horizon. This makes for great panoramic photos as the fireworks go off, and you can get a nice walk in as well.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and have a bite, Northwest 23rd Avenue is a great place to sit down outside at either Salt & Straw or Little Big Burger and watch the fireworks from a distance. It’s just a 20-minute ride on the streetcar from campus, and you can eat to your heart’s content with a view. This is a great spot if crowded places during the holiday aren’t your thing, especially since it’s not near the main firework show. The fireworks won’t be as big, but a burger or ice cream will fill the void of a less vibrant show.
My final recommendation would have to be Oaks Amusement Park. If you’re a couple, a family or just flying solo, what better way to celebrate independence than by consuming sweets and going on rides? Oaks Amusement Park hosts a great view of the fireworks, especially if you get on the Ferris wheel at just the right time. This isn’t the most relaxing place to watch, but if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, it might just be perfect for you.
Fireworks in Portland is a beautiful thing. Portland itself already has so many scenic destinations, and when you add fireworks in the sky, it mesmerizes the entire community and brings everyone together for a fantastic show. Whether you attend the fireworks at the Waterfront (my personal favorite) or watch from a distance on Northwest 23rd, the experience is all the same.
Let’s light up, Portland!