When the Rockets Red Glare Meets Salem Flair!
July 4, 2025 - Everyone says Memorial Day is the “unofficial kickoff to summer.” But for me, it’s the 4th of July week in Boston and Salem that feels like the real beginning. The weather has warmed up, the harbor is buzzing, and the entire region seems to come alive with fireworks, festivals, and waterfront dining. If you’re lucky enough to be here during this week, it’s one of the most magical times to soak up all that the North Shore and Boston have to offer.
And the beauty of it is that you don’t have to venture far from the Witch House to enjoy it.
This year, we had family visiting from the Midwest, so we took a very touristy approach by day, and fell in love with the history of Boston all over again. In the evenings, we chose to stay local in Salem and Swampscott for the fireworks because the large crowds of Boston are a little too much for the young kiddos we were hosting.
I have to say that our itinerary was pretty PERFECT!
On July 3rd, we drove into Boston and found street parking near the Charlestown Navy Yard. We began our day by taking a tour of the USS Constitution aka “Old Ironsides.” At 227 years old, she is the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat and a living piece of American history. The tour was free and it was such an amazing experience. Active duty sailors stationed on board lead the tours, offering incredible insights, sea stories, and historical details. As you navigate the ship you can go below deck to see the living quarters, captain’s quarters and cannons. The kids loved it!
***For an extra special experience, either purchase tickets to board the Constitution for her turnaround cruise or visit Castle Island on the 4th of July. (To get tickets for a USS Constitution turnaround cruise, you must book them through a Boston boat tour operator.) The highlight of the sail is the battle reenactment. As she glides across the harbor, the Constitution fires her ceremonial cannons in a display that echoes back to her victories in the War of 1812. Sometimes, she even “trades shots” with a modern Navy vessel or the cannons at Castle Island, creating a symbolic meeting of past and present.
Crowds gather all along the waterfront—from Castle Island to the Seaport—to watch her pass, and you’ll hear cheers as the booming cannons reverberate across the water. It’s an awe-inspiring reminder of the history Boston Harbor has witnessed and the role this ship played in it. It is the kind of patriotic memory you’ll never forget.
We worked up quite a hunger, touring Old Ironsides, so we walked over to grab some lunch at the Warren Tavern. Established in 1780, it’s one of the oldest taverns in Massachusetts and a favorite of George Washington and Paul Revere. Today, it serves classic New England pub fare—think chowder, burgers, and hearty sandwiches—in a setting steeped in Revolutionary history. It’s the perfect spot to refuel while staying immersed in Boston’s past.
Just up the hill from the tavern (and I mean up a steep hill, which was no easy feat in the July heat after devouring a plate of fish tacos) stands the Bunker Hill Monument, commemorating one of the first major battles of the American Revolution. The towering obelisk is 221 feet tall, and if you’re up for it, you can climb the 294 steps to the top for one of the best panoramic views of Boston. Even if you don’t climb, the surrounding park is a beautiful place to stroll and reflect on the city’s role in America’s fight for independence. During the week of the 4th, tour guides were on hand to give detailed accounts of the history and the impact that Bunker Hill had on the revolution.
After a full day in Charlestown, we decided it was time to head back to Lynn. Our visitors wanted to retire early for the night, so TJ and I got cleaned up and decided to go enjoy the Fireworks in Swampscott, a mere 8 minute drive from the Witch House. (the drive home was quite a bit longer due to the traffic/road closures and crowds)
Swampscott celebrates with fireworks over the water on the 3rd, and it feels like the whole community comes out to watch. For the best view (and a little luxury), we headed over to Mission on the Bay. Their roof deck is one of the most coveted spots along the North Shore. With a cocktail in hand and a panoramic view of the fireworks exploding over the ocean, it’s the perfect mix of festive and relaxed. It was a wonderfully relaxing way to cap off our evening.
Our guests decided to visit Salem Willows park on the evening of the 4th of July - which has the absolute best view of Salem’s fireworks over the water.
In my opinion, outside of the Halloween months, the week July 4th is the absolutely best time to visit this beautiful city and surrounding areas.
