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.
While you're hanging out in the Boston Public Garden, take a ride on the city's signature Swan Boats. The boats are the only ones of their kind in the world and they float the waters of the Public Garden lagoon. A ride on one of these boats is the best way to see all of the attractions in and around America's first botanical garden.
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.