Declare Independence! Boston's 2009 Fourth of July Planner

1 City Hall Plz, Boston, MA 02201 (map)

Lest the waterfront hog all the festivities, the city counteracts with Harborfest at City Hall Plaza. A family-friendly festival spanning from June 30 to July 5, the celebration includes a slew of events on each day (from walking on Freedom Trail tours to watching harbor seals frolic with their handlers at the Aquarium), plus encompassing main events: Opening Ceremony, Children's Day, Party on the Plaza and, our favorite: Chowderfest on July 5 ($10 adults, $7 children under 12). Here, under the blaring sun, collectively taste more than 2,000 gallons of creamy clam chowder to vote "Boston's Best Chowder" from a cadre of restaurants and chefs.

21 Monsignor Reynolds Way, Boston, MA 02118 (map)

There's beauty in mingling with the masses as you fight for a quality space on the esplanade, but there's also something to be said for peace of mind, too. Entry to the gated party at the Charles-hugging Community Boating complex on July Fourth from 4pm on includes a gourmet-burger summer cookout, family-friendly activities and an unobstructed waterfront view of the fireworks. The affair is complete with DJ sounds and WBZ's broadcast of the Boston Pops concert. Reserve tickets ($65 adults, $25 children ages 4-12) in advance, and the only thing you're really left to worry about is slapping on sunscreen.

On the Esplanade, Boston, MA 02114 (map)

The swarming crowds emanating from the Esplanade is a good hint, but if you needed solid clarification, the Hatch Shell is where everything goes down for the city's celebration. On July 3rd at 8:30pm, the beloved Boston Pops play their traditional, open-air Independence Eve concert to rapt listeners. Then, on Saturday, the gates open at 9am, with independence-lovers amusing themselves for the day (there are music broadcasts, concessions and merchants) in anticipation for the Boston Pops' second performance at 8:30pm. All this leads to the icing on the patriotic cake: the Pops-backed fireworks showcase at 10:30pm. It never, ever gets old.

24 Beacon St Ste 195, Boston, MA 02133 (map)

Start your July Fourth bright and early with sneaker-shuffling at the annual three-hour "Footloose on the Freedom Trail" tour conducted by Boston by Foot. Beginning at 9am at the gold-domed State House perched high on Beacon Hill, the guided walk meanders down the red bricked path that demarcates the infamous trail. Say "hi" to Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere at the Granary Burying Ground, and mentally time-travel back to 1776 during a reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House. No reservations; just show up a few minutes early to buy tickets ($15 per person).