Hatch Memorial Shell, Boston

Situated by the lovely Charles River Esplanade, this fantastic concert venue is both visually striking and acoustically impressive. They built it back in 1939, and every year, it's where you can catch the famous Boston Pops' July 4th concert – a shorter, more energetic version of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. But that's not all it offers. Throughout the summer, it hosts all sorts of free events, from classical music performances to music festivals, movie screenings, and more (you can find the schedule on their website), and the bonus is you get a fantastic view of the Charles River and the Cambridge skyline.

They call it the Hatch Shell because, well, it looks like a big, fancy seashell. Whether you want to park your behind on a cozy blanket or rent a chair like the VIP you are, it's all good.

Now, if you're into some peaceful moments, here's an extra tip: Show up early and grab a bench facing the Charles River. You'll create your own relaxing playlist as you watch kayaks and sailboats drift by while the sun sets over the river. Just a heads up, though – bring some bug spray for that extra peace of mind.