Dragon Chef

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.

Enjoy a performance by the talented actors at the American Repertory Theater. The theater has garnered many accolades since being founded in 1980, including a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize. Most of A.R.T's shows are American plays and musicals or new takes on classic stories, along with some provocative programming that's known to push the envelope. A few past productions hosted by the company include Cabaret, Paradise Lost, Donnie Darko, Oliver Twist, Romeo & Juliet, Oedipus, and many others.

Spend some time hanging out in the country's oldest park. The 50-acre Boston Common is the anchor for the Emerald Necklace park system and is the starting place of the famous Freedom Trail. There are quite a few monuments throughout the park, and several outdoor events take place in the Common throughout the year.

Head out on a Boston Lobster Tour to fish for lobster and learn about the Boston Harbor. Along with a narrated history of the area, you'll get to see lobsters, sea urchins, star fish, and crabs up close. Bring your camera because your trip on the water offers some pretty great views of the city.