Enjoy the natural beauty of the area at Arnold Arboretum. The arboretum is part of Boston's Emerald Necklace park system, and at 265 acres, it's the second largest part of the “necklace”. Throughout the park, you'll see a variety of plant species and animals like turtles, racoons, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and a variety of birds and insects. There are a number of tours to choose from, leaving you with plenty of options for exploring this outdoor destination.
America's fight for independence began in Boston, so what better way to celebrate Independence Day than in the place where it all started? The Boston Harborfest is the city's week-long celebration of American independence, and on July 4th the festival moves to the Charles River Esplanade for a great view of fireworks and patriotic music by the Boston Pops.
Head to Spectacle Island for some fun and recreation in the sun. From hiking and biking to swimming and boating, there's a variety of things you can do here that will get your blood pumping. Before or after your workout, stop by the visitor center to explore exhibits about the island's history and development. You can also get a great look at the city from the hilltop.