Fourth of July on a Boat

With so many different ways to celebrate the Fourth of July, how do you choose? If you're one of the 73 million boaters in the U.S., you'll probably want to watch the fireworks from your own aft deck. Here are a few cruising spots where you can get a front-row view of the festivities, courtesy of Discover Boating:

Austin, Texas: Rent a kayak or bring your own boat and enjoy beautiful symphony music while you watch the fireworks display on Austin's Town Lake. (July 4, 9:30 p.m., Zilker Park)

Chicago, Illinois.: From Lake Michigan you can see Chicago's skyline illuminated with background accompaniment by the Grant Park Orchestra and U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants. (July 4, 9 p.m., Grant Park)

Los Angeles, California: Head over to Marina Del Ray for free family fun and an exciting fireworks display. (July 4, 9 p.m., Marina Del Ray)

Memphis, Tennesse: The Beale Street Fourth of July celebration offers great food, live music, and, of course, a grand finale of fireworks over Tom Lee Park. (July 4, 9 p.m., Tom Lee Park)

Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Milwaukee's annual Summerfest returns to defend its title of Discover Boating’s "2006 Top City to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks from a Boat." Cruise out on Lake Michigan for the best view of the U.S. Bank fireworks show. (July 3, 9:30 p.m., Veterans Park)

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Broadway at the Beach has everything you need for a fabulous Fourth of July celebration. Check out the entertainment megaplex, featuring shops, restaurants, nightclubs, theatres, a miniature golf course, Ripley's Aquarium, and a 23-acre lake. (July 4, 10 p.m., Broadway at the Beach over Lake Broadway)

New York, New York: Prepare to be dazzled by Macy's half-hour celebration featuring more than 35,000 pyrotechnic shells. It's the biggest Fourth of July fireworks display in the nation. The best view is from the East River. (July 4, 9 p.m., East River between 23rd & 42nd Streets)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.: July 4 isn't just about music, fun, and fireworks in the city of our nation's birth, it's also about history, which you can honor by visiting the Liberty Bell and Independence Mall before cruising the Delaware River to witness a roaring fireworks display. (July 4, 8:30 p.m., along the Delaware River)

These are fun ideas, but I'm sure you have a few of your own. How do you plan to celebrate, and what is your idea of the perfect Independence Day bash? Do you have a traditional way of spending the the Fourth of July, or memories of past celebrations that stand out? Please share with us!