A Revolutionary Visit to Boston

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in luxury at the Boston Harbor Hotel

Boston: A city that’s steeped in history yet continuously evolving in culture and modernity, where Victorian brownstone homes and cobblestone streets mingle with towering skyscrapers and bustling diverse neighborhoods. If there’s ever a time to visit this dynamic city, it’s now. July 4th will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and what better way to celebrate than with a visit to the birthplace of the American Revolution.

This three-day guide supplies you with the perfect itinerary to explore and commemorate Boston’s rich heritage while also enjoying the many other facets the city has to offer.

Boston Harbor Hotel’s captivating combination of glamourous amenities, attentive hospitality, and historical immersion make it a superb homebase for your East Coast excursion. As Boston’s only waterfront Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond rated hotel, its grand edifice has stood proudly on the harbor’s edge for decades, a staple landmark along the illustrious cityscape. The minute you approach the elegant, brick façade (whether by land or by water with the Boston Water Taxi) and stride through the hotel’s tremendous archway, adorned with a billowing American flag, you are embraced by New England’s air of class and congeniality.

Located in the city’s charismatic downtown, it is surrounded by notable sites on every side. From the famous wharf of the Boston Tea Party at its front to the 2.5-mile Freedom Walk just a few streets behind, guests are literally steps away from history at all times. Inside, the marble halls, mahogany accents, and guestrooms embellished in shades of blue flawlessly capture the maritime ambience of the harbor. A stay at Boston Harbor Hotel ensures the culture and heritage continue beyond your sightseeing and follow you all the way back to your room.

Enjoy a slow first morning soaking in the panoramic views from your lavish guestroom and savoring an indulgent breakfast of lemon ricotta pancakes and lobster omelets at Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, before taking advantage of the property's prime location on the harbor’s edge and exploring the surrounding area. Make your way to the site of the Boston Tea Party, one of several historic events that contributed to the American Revolution, just a quick 10-minute walk away from the hotel’s doorstep.

Continue across Fort Point Channel and you will find yourself in the Seaport Neighborhood. Trading old-world charm and tradition for sleek, urban architecture, this bustling district is home to a surplus of upscale shops and trendy dining options. Art lovers can stop by the Institute of Contemporary Art, and depending on the season, you may find outdoor entertainment or pop-up markets scattered throughout the area (check out Snowport for winter visits or Cisco Brewers Seaport during the summer). For lunch, Row 34 boasts one of the city’s best lobster rolls and a lively mood housed in a renovated warehouse setting.

For dinner, reserve a table at 1928 Rowes Wharf. With a menu featuring a selection of both American and French cuisine, as well as a cozy yet elegant setting reminiscent of timeless Bostonian hospitality, the restaurant has become a favorite for visitors and locals alike. If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, stop by The Beehive for some groovy live jazz and unique cocktails, or enjoy a nightcap at Carrie Nation Restaurant and Cocktail Club, where the mysterious allure and vintage design reflect that of the Prohibition Era. Keep an eye out for the velvet curtains that mark the secret entrance to the club’s famed speakeasy, a true homage to 1920s.

Start off your second day early, grabbing a quick coffee and pastry at Dandelion, Boston Harbor Hotel’s attached café and marketplace, before embarking on the famous Freedom Trail, which begins just a few streets behind the hotel. This 2.5-mile walk throughout the city connects 16 different landmarks, most of which are significant revolutionary monuments. The Paul Revere House, encountered about halfway through the trek in Boston’s North End (also known as “Little Italy”) is the perfect point for a snack break. Grab an Italian sub at Monica’s Mercato, a casual, order-at-the-counter spot, or for a more upscale option, check out Neptune Oyster for some fresh seafood. After, go for a coffee at Café Vittoria, the first Italian café in Boston, or some traditional Italian treats at Mike’s Pastry – you deserve it after all that walking.

After a successful morning of sightseeing, you’ve certainly earned yourself a massage. Fortunately, Boston Harbor Hotel is home to the recently refurbished Rowes Wharf Health Club, where you can choose from several wellness treatments and therapies designed to fit your desires. Spend the afternoon rejuvenating in the infrared saunas and indoor pool, or, if you have some extra energy, get a workout in at the incredibly equipped fitness center.

Before heading out to dinner, stop at the hotel’s on-site cocktail lounge, aptly named The Dark Bar due to its moody lighting and refined atmosphere. Exuding East Coast sophistication, it’s the perfect place to channel some of that enduring historic charm while sipping on Scotch from one of the city’s largest collections. Dinner will bring you back to the North End for some Italian cuisine. Two delicious options are Carmelina’s, where a bit of Mediterranean flair is added to their Italian traditions, or Lucca, a more high-end establishment with an intimate ambience and classic dishes.

A trip to Boston doesn’t have to revolve around history; the city is also a huge hotspot for art, music, sports, and culture. For those who may not be total history buffs, this day is for you. Spend the morning on Newbury Street perusing shops ranging from designer labels to eclectic boutiques to thoughtfully curated art galleries, all housed in those charming brownstone buildings that never cease to please the eye. If you need a mid-morning pick me up, Tatte Bakery is right around the corner and offers a divine selection of coffees and snacks.

For lunch, book a table at Saltie Girl, where you can curate your own tinned fish platter (or go for another lobster roll). If you’re a fan of all things savory, be sure to try the Saltie Martini, complete with a Castelvetrano olive, pickled onion, and, of course, a dollop of caviar. The restaurant’s light pink and teal hued interior creates a delightfully retro feel, making for a dining experience that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious. After lunch, wander the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill to admire more 19th-century architecture and embrace the quaint atmosphere of Boston’s most historic neighborhood.

For your last evening, choose from a selection of quintessential Boston experiences to end your weekend in a fitting manner. If you’re in town during baseball season, grab tickets to a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Or, opt for a sunset harbor cruise. During the summer, you will even find live music right outside Boston Harbor Hotel, as part of the annual Summer in the City entertainment series. Boston has something to offer all year long, so be sure to keep an eye out for seasonal events depending on when you choose to visit. Finish off your visit with a delectable dinner at Rowes Wharf Sea Grille. Dishing up classic New England dishes with a sumptuous twist, the on-site, waterfront restaurant encapsulates the coastal allure of Boston Harbor Hotel and allows you to soak in the city’s scintillating spirit one last time.