I sadly have no idea- Happy Fourth!

The prime seating area in front of the stage is open and there is no cover from the sun. There are trees around the perimeter and towards the back of the performance area. You would be sacrificing view for comfort, but I would go for the comfort. I'm not sure how early they allow people in to the area, but as soon as it opens, it fills quickly. If you're part of a small group, you can put a blanket or chairs down and hold the space for yourselves. You can all take turns leaving for food, restroom breaks, walk a bit, etc. Good luck! It's been years since I've done the Esplanade on the 4th. I hope you enjoy it.

Bostonians take the Fourth of July serious and have been known to show up as early as 4:00 a.m. since they banned overnight camping. I believe the City now attempts to regulate this at 6:00 a.m. There is limited space and a major Holiday here. We show up after dusk and sit on the river in front of the barge to watch the fireworks. The Pops concert is played from speakers close to the hatch shell if you don't get a seat in front and people bring radios up and down the river. Remember there is limited viewing of the fireworks from the Hatch Shell and little shade during the day. Google what the Hatch Shell looks like as there really are no "gates". They put up barriers around the area of the Shell where the best viewing is, which is a large section of grass with a walkway around it. It is not an enclosed area on a regular day. This will give you a better idea of what your options are. It's a fantastic way to spend the 4th. Boston has a sense of pride and tradition on the Fourth of July that you will not find anywhere else and it's contagious! Even if you don't get a seat in front of the Hatch Shell you'll have a blast.

I cannot give a specific answer because this is a very subjective question, which depends on what criteria are important for selecting the "best" spot. Typically the events at the hatch shell are extremely popular, drawing large crowds well in advance. Depending on weather conditions and time availability, a 2-3 hour time period before the event is very advisable. This is somewhat comparable to Tanglewood where the gates typically open two hours before an event.

You can park on streets parallel to newbury street or in the garage and then take footbridge to the esplanade. There is no parking there.