Dubbed by Bostonians (and Back Bay-ers) as "The Charles", the river is a scenic part of Boston. The Charles seperates Boston's Back Bay from Cambridge and downtown from Charlestown.

There are two main bridges that run across the Charles in Back Bay, the Mass. Ave Bridge and the Salt and Pepper Bridge. Yes, those are nick names.

The Charles has lots to offer. There are a million things to do along the Charles River Esplande. For water lovers, there are Boston Duck Tours, canoe rentals, sail boating, and rowing. Duck Tours are land/water tours of Boston on a specialized converted army vehicle that can transport through any medium. People can rent canoes for an hour, or take a night tour if they desire. Throughout the summer, sail boats take to the Charles in leisurely rides or races on a windy day. For the faint of sea, the Esplanade houses summer concerts and plays, many of them at the Memorial Hatch Shell. The Fourth of July brings vendors and thousands of firework seekers from near and far to set up shop along the river's edge and listen to the Boston Pops perform at the Hatch Shell. Through rain, snow and shine- runners trot the paths to prepare for the Boston Marathon. There are also playgrounds for the kiddies.