Patriots' Day 2012: Best Places to Watch the Excitement of Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is the best marathon in the United States, and talented runners from all over the world travel to Massachusetts every year to become one of the winners of the prestigious race.

Aside from the normal 26.2-mile length of the race, there are many challenges the course poses, such as steep hills and hot temperatures.

Let's look at the best places to watch the Boston Marathon so you don't miss any of the excitement.

Newton Fire Station

Right around the fire station in Newton is a great place to bring the family to watch the action and catch a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants in the area.

This is the point in the race where the runners who are really going to make a push for the finish line do so. Once the athletes pass the Newton fire station, they head toward Commonwealth Ave. where the steep incline and the difficult challenge of "Heartbreak Hill" awaits them.

Chestnut Hill

One of the best spots to watch the race is Chestnut Hill, because it's where the runners go up "Heartbreak Hill," which really separates the contenders from the pretenders as the final stretch begins.

Since everyone knows this is a pivotal point in the marathon, the crowd really gets into it and the atmosphere is tremendous. This is probably the best spot for entertainment other than the finish line.

Boston (Boylston St. and Kenmore Square)

For the final two miles, the runners head into the city as they approach the finish line. I recommend getting to Kenmore Square before the Red Sox game ends because if you don't it's going to be hard to find a good viewing point of the racers as they run by. 

For a real great view of the finish line, head to Boylston St. and get a good spot early, that way you can see the finish line and hear the thrilling roar from the crowd as the runners make a final push for the win.

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