First time in Boston - July 3rd and 4th

Family of four (girls 15 and 20) will arrive in Boston on the afternoon of July 3 and depart the morning of July 5. (Our stay in Boston was supposed to be longer -- it%26#39;s the end of a two week trip, and we have to return home earlier than originally planned. So I%26#39;m trying to make the best of it.)

We%26#39;re staying at the Sonesta in Cambridge and hope to be able to see the fireworks from there -- we don%26#39;t do well in crowds, so that%26#39;s as close to the Esplanade as we%26#39;ll get.

Any ideas on how best to use our limited time, and what we absolutely must see?

We%26#39;re thinking of doing the Trolley Tour on July 4, starting at 9:00. But I don%26#39;t know what to do on Thursday evening.

Any suggestions for our visit would be appreciated!

First time in Boston - July 3rd and 4th

How wonderful - visitors from our youngest states to one of our oldest! Luckily, Boston doesn%26#39;t scrimp when it comes to festivities for the 4th!

Check out the available activities on this website: http://www.bostonharborfest.com/

This list is extensive and will probably have more than you%26#39;re able to take in!

Between the turnaround for the Constitution, the fireworks AND the chowderfest, there%26#39;s plenty enough to do. I think the trolley tour is a great overview of the city, from the main neighborhoods and the river and all the spots in between. Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are always fun, with shopping, eateries and plenty of street performers. The city is brimming with folks from out of town so be prepared.

The Sonesta is a great spot to be; I wouldn%26#39;t be surprised if they have arrangements for guests for special access for viewing. If not, within a 15 minute walk is the campus of MIT with some prime viewing spots along the river. My fave spot is the square right in front of the Dome.(Killian Court)

First time in Boston - July 3rd and 4th

Hi,

My advise is not to even bother with the trolley on July 4th. Too many people and too much going on to hop on the trolley. Not sure, but I think the trolley has an amended route due to the people along the river. Head to the Fanueil Hall area and enjoy some good Independence Day themes and excitement.

If your not busy on the 3rd, head over to the Esplanade and take in the Boston Pops ';rehearsal'; for the 4th. It%26#39;s usually much more accessible than trying to see them on the 4th.

Royal Sonesta and the general area are a great spot for the fireworks. Stay on that side [Cambridge] of the river if you wish to avoid the biggest crowds. It will still be loaded with people, but it%26#39;s nothing like the Boston side. The Sonesta has a 4th. of July BBQ. Avoid it. The food is dried out and not worth the price if you stumble upon it outside. Across the river will be the Esplanade where the main events happen. Have a radio handy if you wish to see the fireworks in sequence with hearing the music.

Very nearby the Sonesta is the Boston Museum of Science. A good bet for the girls. Lots of cool exhibits to learn and explore. Be sure to spend the extra couple bucks on the Butterfly Exhibit. Very cool.

Since your on the Cambridge side of the river, be sure to visit Harvard and Harvard Square. Many hip, cool shops and sights. Like Fanueil Hall in Boston, the square has street performers to enjoy. The girls will also love the Museum of Natural History. The glass flowers exhibit is so beautiful, many people can%26#39;t believe they are fake and made of glass.

Thanks for the suggestions!