Yesterday, we went to West Seattle to spend the holiday with my parents (because we love them–not their great view). We took the 4 downtown, stopped at the Market for food and flowers, and then headed down to Pier 55 to catch the Elliott Bay Water Taxi. We got to my parent’s place at about 5:45 and spent the evening cooking, watching soccer, and eventually, watching the fireworks shows. When the shows were over, we ate ice cream, said our goodbyes, and caught the last ferry back downtown. Lucky for us, the ferry lined up perfectly with the 4, and we were in the house before midnight.

Even without Elliot-Bay-adjacent parents, the water taxi is a great way to see the fireworks. The ferry takes you right to Seacrest Park, which is a prime firework-watching location (you can see both shows). Yesterday it ran on a Saturday schedule, which means it ran once an hour, leaving Pier 55 on the half hour, and leaving Seacrest park on the hour. The last run out of Seacrest Park left at 11:00–about half an hour after the show was over.

Try it next year. I think you’ll find it preferable to driving. There’s no searching for parking, no leaving before the show’s over to beat traffic (I actually saw lots of people doing this yesterday), no camping out all day just to claim a decent parking spot (unless, of course you feel like barbecuing or people-watching, in which case you can take an early ferry). The best part: A nighttime boat ride across Elliott Bay is pretty romantic. Instead of paying Argosy for their fireworks cruise, you can get all the romance (minus the touristy silliness) for the low, low price of $3–free if you happen to be one of those fabulous types with a bus pass.