As an international kid, I’ve seen my fair share of Independence Day celebrations around the world.  But last year, I learned that nothing quite beats Boston on Americas birthday.

When John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail Adams in 1776 he said, “The Declaration of Independence ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more,” Bostonians answered the call.

John Adams hometown, Boston, puts on a party that according to the ever so reliable World Wide Web is THE “premier” party to attend in the USA and is the event CBS chooses to cover year after year.

So how do you celebrate the best Independence Day ever?

•    RENT A BOAT: If you can get your hands on a boat, raft, Jet Ski, sailboat or anything that will float for 5 hours on The Charles River – DO IT! It is an unforgettable experience that you will want to do year after year. Last year a couple friends of mine and I packed up the boat with beer, burgers, hot dogs, chips, peanut butter and jelly and a grill for your all American cook-out on the water. It is tricky getting there because there are about 5,000 boats trying to get to the same place you are, so navigating around the Charles is a little tricky, but once you get there it is an absolute dream. Anchor up and relax and enjoy the festivities as they unfold on the esplanade.  

•    ESPLANADE: Undoubtedly the Esplanade will be packed, but it is a ton of fun. The fireworks over the river are amazing and the Boston Pops plays live from the Hatch Shell (they set up speakers up and down the Esplanade so you can hear). Get there early, set up a blanket, bring a picnic dinner.  It’s well worth the wait.

•    SUMO SECRET: 

o    If you want to avoid the crowd and tone it down a little bit, but still want to experience the ambiance of the Esplanade, grab a beach chair and some food and head to the Mass Ave bridge. It’s usually closed off for the celebration. 

o    If you hate crowds and you still want to see the incredible fireworks, one of the best kept secrets is Summit Park up in Brookline. From here you can overlook most of the city and get a perfect view of the Charles. Bring fun games and your picnic, this park won’t be too crowded. 

o    If you want to be in the middle of things and be amongst the younger crowd, take part in the event over on the Cambridge side. Its less crazy and usually attracts the young 20 something’s. From there you can hit up the swanky Cambridge bars to close off the night.

So If you want to be a part of Americas best 4th of July party, experience the fireworks, the fly over, Tchiakovskys 1812 Overture, howitzer canons, church bells and Bruce Springsteen, be sure to be on the Charles in some way, shape, size or form on July fourth.

Hope the see you somewhere on the water in Boston.

For more information go to  www.july4th.org