Everything Tastes Better Down by the Water

88 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210 (map)

How are your rock skills? Good? You'll be able to hone whatever blunt-object talent you have when faced with a pile of ginormous Jonah crab claws and a heavy stone for whacking them open on this seafood shack practically floating in the Fort Point Channel. The mood is sunny, silly and skyward with casual fare (e.g. clam roll, oyster po' boy) and a solid selection of steamed lobsters or crabs. And if you need some festive audio to go along with your clambake visuals, a live music calendar is lined up all season.

40 Edwin H Land Blvd, Cambridge, MA 02142 (map)

There are times when you have to step back to truly take in the breathtaking view--in this case, back all the way to Cambridge. From Dante's patio, perched right on the shore of Charles River's flowing expanse, diners witness the Boston skyline sparkle beyond as dusk deepens and darkens. Nestled among the herb gardens, you can munch on plates from the Italian-accented menu da favola--the pesce del giorno, perhaps? If the temperature drops unexpectedly, the staff has thick blankets on hand for cozying up.

100 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210 (map)

The gleaming ice-cube of the ICA--its cantilevered design dangling precariously over the pier--uses its brilliant architecture to make the most of the water: Every glassy sightline is about the calming waves below. The wraparound planked boardwalk is a blank canvas for human activity, from roaming around to plunking down to dining at Wolfgang Pucks' Water Cafe, which also allows one to indulge in a fresh salad or sandwich (no museum admission required) with million-dollar views.

510 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110 (map)

The curvilinear harbor-facing facade of the Intercontinental Hotel, where Provencal brasserie Miel takes residence, mimics the shape and flow of a ship's sails. Take refuge among the waves aplenty (architectural and real), where you can sup on your scallop roquette salad or creme brulee right on the luxurious strip that abuts a bona fide water ferry stop (talk about cruise-in, cruise-out people-watching). Another touch of surrealism: Peer across the channel for sight of the enormous milk bottle anchoring the Children's Museum.

70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110 (map)

Five-star luxury doesn't necessarily have to necessitate a night's stay--unless developments get really, really interesting during your meal at the Boston Harbor Hotel's Rowes Wharf Sea Grille. But anything on this enormous 90-seat patio, with live music almost every night during the summer, will most likely surpass your expectations. There's service round the clock, from breakfast to tea hour to dessert, with entrees focusing on modern-spun seafood, like pan-seared silver hake cake or grilled striped bass with edamame.