• Introduction
• 1. Boston
• 2. Cape Cod, Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard
• 3. Chicago
• 4. Mount Rushmore
• 5. Philadelphia
• 6. Queen Mary 2
• 7. San Diego
• 8. San Juan Islands
• 9. U.S. Virgin Islands
• 10. Washington, D.C.

Boston

A city that cradled the American Revolution and once threw wild tea parties, today Boston hosts a party of a different kind, as one of the nation’s premier July 4th destinations. More than 200 events make up a fun-filled 6-day calendar during the annual Boston Harborfest, which kicks off on June 30th and continues through the Independence Day holiday. This patriotic celebration focuses on the city’s strong maritime and colonial heritage, and unfolds, as such, along the waterfront, on the Harbor Islands, and in the city's downtown. Expect a slew of events (many of them free), ranging from fireworks, concerts, kids’ days, cruises, tours, and more. Some of the festival’s highlights include Chowderfest, during which some 11,000 participants chow down to select the best chowder from Boston-area restaurants; the annual turnaround of the USS Constitution; and the reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House. The other major component of Beantown’s Independence Day festivities is the free Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular; arrive early with beach chairs or blankets to guarantee good seats.

See Boston Travel Guide | See Cape Cod Travel Guide | See Chicago Travel Guide | See Halifax Travel Guide | See Martha's Vineyard Travel Guide | See Nantucket Travel Guide | See Philadelphia Travel Guide | See San Diego Travel GuideSee U.S. Virgin Islands Travel Guide