The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is an awesome tradition here in New York City.
Sad to say, many of us New Yorkers tend to flee the city on July 4th weekend, but lucky for you that means some cool places to view the show.
The fireworks show is usually at 9:20pm and they’re fired from eight barges on the East River, each barge is packed with 5,000 shells.
Scores of people line the FDR Drive so they can watch the fireworks up close and personal. The roadway is closed to traffic from 7pm until 10pm from 14th Street to 42nd Street. Pedestrian access is typically at 23rd Street, 28th Street and 42nd Street. Many people bring blankets and chairs and food. Of course, the NYPD changes the rules on what you can and can’t take into the viewing area, so check out the NYPD website for the most up to date information. It gets super crowded, so you need to be there by 7 pm.
I’ve never watched from the drive, but I’ve seen the crowds and wow … I could never do it! Besides, there are no public toilets along the drive and that could be pretty uncomfortable.
Here are some options other being shoulder to shoulder along the FDR Drive.
Roosevelt Island
That’s where I live. The island is a small strip of land in the middle of the East River. Every year, Roosevelt Island hosts a small gathering for island residents and tourists alike. The tickets cost $18, but you’re guaranteed a seat, a chair and pre-fireworks entertainment. There’s even a food court. You can buy tickets online, but hurry, because they go fast. To get to Roosevelt Island, you can take the Tramway (which I love) from 59th Street and 2nd Avenue. The Tramway only takes MetroCards, and you can buy one at the station. Each trip is $4.00. Or, you can take the F train toward Queens and get off at Roosevelt Island. The roundtrip price by MetroCard is also $4.00. Whatever you do, leave your car! Roosevelt Island is not vehicle friendly and the one and only garage on the island is $20 a day.
Long Island City, Queens
Another cool place to watch fireworks is along the Long Island City waterfront at the Gantry Plaza State Park. This is a public park, but it gets crowded early and the NYPD sets up entrance barriers.
You can drive, but why would you want to fight for a spot?
Take the 7 train to the Vernon Boulevard/Jackson Avenue stop and walk west 2 blocks. You can also take the G train to 21st Street/Jackson Avenue and walk 3 blocks west.
Liberty State Park
This is a great place to hang out any time of the year, but especially during the 4th of July. Liberty State Park is in Jersey City, New Jersey, and less than 2,000 feet from the Statue of Liberty. To get there from Manhattan, take the PATH train from Herald Square at 34th Street to either Pavonia/Newport or Hoboken.
From there, take the Light Rail to Liberty State Park. The PATH trains cost $1.75 each way and the Light Rail is $1.90 each way.
Empire State Building
For a luxurious way to watch the 4th of July Spectacular, you can head to the Empire State Building. Tickets are $175 and include an open bar and snacks. You need to book early, because this event only holds 150 people. Call 212.736.3100 to buy your tickets.
Cruises
There are so many cruises to choose from for the 4th of July, so I will just focus on two of them.
The Circle Line anchors near the Statue of Liberty on the 4th of July for an awesome view of the fireworks. There’s a DJ and a dance floor. The bar is cash only, but there is a buffet dinner. The ship leaves the South Street Seaport at 5:30pm and returns at 11 pm.
Tickets cost $165. You can go to the company’s website for more ticketing information.
The New York Water Taxi also offers a water view of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks.
The ship leaves from historic Greenwich Village at Pier 45. The cruise will take you up the Hudson River past off of my city’s famous landmarks, then anchors near the Statue of Liberty so you can watch the colors flash through the night sky.
Your $80 ticket gives you a boxed dinner and access to a cash bar with wine and beer. The cruise leaves at 7pm and returns at 10pm.
Have fun!!!
