Best place to sunbathe

Although most New Englanders think a "tan" is what happens when, after 10 minutes in the sun, their pale, scrod-white flesh turns as red as the chitin of a rapidly boiling lobster, folks still seem to know where to go to perfect that irradiated look. And it isn't very far from home: most respondents informed us that their backyard was the best place to sunbathe. If you're living in a high-rent apartment and consider yourself lucky to have a "balcony" large enough to store a potted rosemary plant, then obviously you're not accustomed to sunbathing at home. That's probably why the second most popular choice of places to sear tender skin is on one of the many rooftops in Boston. Since brownstones have those lovely flat roofs where people gather to watch the Boston Marathon, drink beer on summer nights, and light dangerous fireworks on the Fourth of July, why not worship the sun there, too?

Not everyone is fortunate to have an understanding (or unwitting) landlord, so other venues have become favorites as well. For starters, try the Esplanade, which seems to be the place for just about everything. If the lawn area is just a bit too rough for your sunburned back and your mouth is watering for a tart tequila sunrise, buy some aloe vera gel and head up to the Colonnade Hotel's roof deck (see Best Swimming Pool). Judging from our poll, you won't be alone.

Colonnade Hotel, 120 Huntington Avenue, Boston. (617) 424-7000.