Gunn Carpentry

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.

Learn about the important contributions made to Boston and our nation by the African American community at The Museum of African American History. This institution offers insight to the struggles, the triumphs and the stories of African Americans from the Colonial Period and throughout the 19th century. Exhibits feature important African American figures like Colin Powell, Barack Obama, and Nelson Mandela, and also showcase art works and artifacts.

Spend some time playing on the Charles River. Enjoy some water recreation by renting a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from Charles River Canoe & Kayak. The company also offers kayak tours of the river and the Boston Harbor.

See the city from its streets and from the water with Boston Duck Tours. You'll take a ride on the amphibious DUCK vehicle and see important Beantown landmarks like the Boston Common and the Prudential Tower, and then you'll drive straight into the Charles River and see the city skyline from a distance. All the while, you'll have a tour guide telling you all about everything you're seeing.