BOSTON -- As one of the original 13 colonies, it's no surprise that Massachusetts knows how to celebrate Independence Day in style, with everything from fireworks to parades to special ship tours scheduled for the holiday week.

Boston – The Hatch Shell

Good times never seem so good as they do on Fourth of July in Boston – especially when Neil Diamond is in town.

Diamond will join the Boston Pops at the Hatch Shell this year as part of Boston 4 Productions annual Independence Day festivities.

Diamond's song "Sweet Caroline" is a crowd favorite at Red Sox games, so he's been on the planning committee's wish list for some time, Boston 4 Productions spokesman Steve MacDonald said.

"We're just very excited to have someone that’s stood the test of time as far as his music," MacDonald said.

Some musicians will be put to their own test on Monday, when they participate in a 150-mile relay race from Boston to Tanglewood for the Boston Symphony Orchestra's first rehearsal there on July 1. So fans looking to see their favorite local musicians really in action, should stop by Monday at 2 p.m. to cheer them on.

After the Independance Day show, fireworks will light up the Charles River at about 10:30 p.m. with the help of more than 20 agencies and Liberty Mutual footing the bill to make sure that the show goes on even in these tough economic times.

The event is free and open to the public, but spots are first come, first served. Although speakers make it possible to hear the concert all along the Esplanade, spectators can show up the night before the Fourth for an 8:30 p.m. rehearsal concert.

Boston – The Harbor

This summer has been a wet one so far, but Bostonians can get ready to make yet another splash this summer when Navy Week, Harborfest and Sail Boston drop anchor in the Bay State.

Boston dives into its fifth annual Navy Week and 28th Annual Harborfest on June 30 with free public tours of the USS Constitution and an opening celebration in Faneuil Hall (complete with cake). But just when land-lovers get ready to pack it in at the end of the week, Sail Boston returns with Tall Ships for the first time since 2000.

Boston is one of 22 cities in the nation that was selected to host Navy Week for the second year in a row. Guests can visit the Charlestown Navy Yard to check out gun drills and take advantage of free public tours of the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat.

As part of Navy Week, sailors will participate in various patriotic activities, which include providing color guard for the Red Sox game and the Boston Pops concert at the Hatch Shell.

Harborfest kicks off the same day as Navy Week with State House tours, harbor cruises and patriotic tours ranging in topic from pirates to space exploration. Many activities require reservations, so guests are encouraged to book early.

The week concludes on July 5 with Chowderfest, when local restaurant chefs duke it out for the title of "Boston's Best Chowder." No need to sit on the sidelines, though. For $7-$10, guests can grab a spoon and eat up.

Last but not least, tall shipsare back in the harbor from July 8-13. About 4 million spectators are expected to visit 45 ships from around the world.

Cape Cod and North Shore

Bay-Staters can find fireworks throughout Massachusetts, but to experience a crown jewel, they should head toward Falmouth for a display named one of Travel and Leisure’s best Fourth of July fireworks displays alongside the displays in Mount Rushmore and Oahu .

Dedicated this year to the composer of America the Beautiful, Katharine Lee Bates, the celebration is completely funded by the community.

If that’s not enough, patriots should climb aboard the Island Queen ferry, where they can see fireworks displays from all around the cape at the same time. The special fireworks ride leaves from Falmouth Harbor and costs $18 per person.

Those looking for something a little offbeat should head to Gloucester, home of the Horribles Parade.

Founded 64 years ago, the parade used to involve farm animals and a parade marshal who rode on the back of a cement mixer atop a toilet seat, said Dave Tucker, who runs the parade. Now, the parade starts at 6 p.m. on the Fourth with bands, people in costumes and an estimated 75 to 80 floats.

Salem isn’t just a spooky Halloween destination. The family-oriented Independence Day celebrations include plenty of free activities for kids, Salem special projects coordinator Ellen Talkowsky said. With a DJ, arts and crafts, games, a pops concert and a performance by singer Sandra Lee, it’s a nice alternative to heading into Boston, she said.

“There’s an extra sense of patriotism just being on site,” Talkowsky said of the historic location.

Events start at 9 a.m. with a reading or the Declaration of Independence by Merrill Kohlhofer, a national park ranger, Talkowsky said. The night even includes an “awe-inspiring” flyover by the United States Air Force.

“The planes are just so close that you feel like you can actually reach out and touch them,” she said. “You can’t get any more patriotic than having a plane fly over you on the Fourth of July celebration.”