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Haute couture gets matched with equally haute cuisine at Armani Café. On the patio tables there’s San Pelegrino and tuna tartare; on the patrons there’s lots of black Giorgio.

Climb to the capstone to see all of Charlestown, Cambridge, and Boston laid out before you. (see Bunker Hill Monument).

Thirty miles (48 km) north of Boston, the granite brow of Cape Ann juts defiantly into the Atlantic – a rugged landscape of precipitous cliffs and deeply cleft harbors. In Gloucester, the cape’s main harbor, a waterfront plaque memorializes the 10,000 local fishermen who have perished at sea since 1623, and the Cape Ann Historical Association Museum (27 Pleasant St) displays some of the world’s finest maritime paintings. The picturesque harborfront of adjacent Rockport is an artists’ enclave and is lined with galleries and sweet shops.

Connected to the mainland via an earthen causeway and crowned by the c.1851 Fort Independence, Castle Island is New England’s oldest continually fortified site (see Pleasure Bay). Aside from exploring the fort’s bunkers and tunnels, visitors can take in fine panoramic views of Boston Harbor.

The Charles River Dam controls water levels in the basin below and maintains separation of the river from the harbor. An ingenious series of locks permit boats to pass from one body of water to the other. Call for tour schedule.

Splendid harbor and Downtown vistas.

Surrounded by lush greenery, Charley’s patio feels remarkably secluded despite its prime Newbury Street frontage. Simple bar staples like burgers, chicken wings, and massive salads attract a raucous after-work crowd.

Featuring an Italian marble sculpture of the seafaring Genoan, Christopher Columbus Park is among the North End’s best-kept secrets. Vine-encrusted arches, manicured gardens, and sweeping harbor and skyline views make this a place to linger.

Ciao Bella is a favorite stop for star athletes, who come for the hearty portions of no-frills Italian cuisine and the sizzling alfresco scene.

Views of Downtown don’t get much better than those from this recently revitalized beach and park area in East Boston. A clean beach, picnic areas, and lifeguards make this a favorite with families.