4th Of July Activities in NYC: Fireworks & More!
So we are not impressed with America these days. With everything going on, it’s really hard to “celebrate” our country that is regressing. The fact that fundamental, basic, human rights are up for debate in today’s day and age is absolutely disgusting and I’m ashamed of how our government and the very people in charge of making these decisions. SCOTUS is a poor representation of the country’s wants and needs and that is final. I won’t go too much into political talks but now more than ever we need to support women and soon enough they’re going to go after the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and minority groups in America.
Celebrating America is a bit of an understatement; however, taking this as a 4 day weekend is perfect for relaxing, having fun, and taking care of our mental health. With summer in full swing, it’s time to take full advantage of the beautiful weather and endless hours of sunlight! Here is my list of fun things to do this Fourth of July weekend!
How to Prepare For the 4th of July Fireworks in NYC
- Plan Ahead: Figure out which location you want to go to and plan your day near that area so you can avoid the traffic and commuting issues that will come from the crowds
- Pack Lightly: You’re going to be in tight quarters with a lot of people so to avoid losing your belongings and pickpocketers, I would recommend packing lightly. Some bags I would recommend are backpacks and fanny packs so your valuables are close to you
- Bring Food & Water: Just like every event, they charge an arm and a leg for necessities at events like this. Also when you leave to get food and water you lose your spot to view the fireworks fo be careful of that.
- Drink Carefully: as mentioned before, leaving to get food is the same as leaving for the bathroom- nobody is saving your spot for you!
- Live In the Moment: I cannot tell you how many photos and videos of fireworks I have. At the end of the day, they look the exact same so just live in the moment. Snap a picture of two and hey maybe a video, but then put the phone away!
- Share Locations With Friends/Family: I have my location shared with my close friends and family just in general, but share it with the crowd you go with just in case you guys split up!
- Arrive Early: Fireworks start at 9:25 so if you feel like showing up at 9:25 LST (Latino standard time) you are either going to miss it or see the back of someone’s head the whole time!
Where to Watch the 4th of July Fireworks in NYC
Because nothing is better than pops of color flashing with the city skyline in the background. Fireworks seem pretty basic, but it’s one of those things that are fun every time no matter what. Macy’s puts on one hell of a show so if you have the opportunity to go, I would highly recommend it! Because crowds are overrated, you can also broadcast the fireworks show on NBC from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4 and stream on Peacock as well. Learn more about the schedule of events here. The fireworks start at 9:25 so make sure you plan ahead and stake out your spot so you can get the best views of the fireworks show! Now the next question, Veronica, where are the best places to see them?- ready for it- LET’S GO
Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks Showing Locations
Lower Manhattan
- Broad Street and Water Street
- Pearl Street and Dover Street
- Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and St. James Place
- Pearl Street and St. James Place
- Montgomery Street and Cherry Street
- Pike Slip and Cherry Street
- Market Street and Cherry Street
Midtown Manhattan
- East 42nd Street & FDR Drive (Entry at 1st Avenue and East 42nd Street)
- East 34th Street & FDR Drive (Entry at 1st Avenue and East 34th Street)
- East 23rd Street and FDR Drive (Entry at 1st Avenue and East 23rd Street)
Brooklyn & Queens
- Gantry Plaza State Park (Long Island City)
- Transmitter Park (Greenpoint)
- Bushwick Inlet Park (Williamsburg)
- Marsha P. Johnson State Park (Williamsburg)
Where to NOT Watch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks in NYC
The following locations are NOT RECOMMENDED for viewing: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Brooklyn Grand Ferry Park and Domino Park in Williamsburg.
Jersey City Fireworks
For my West siders and downtown folks in Manhattan, the jersey city fireworks seem like the best bet for you! The jersey city night market will have events going on throughout the night along with food trucks, drinks, and shopping!
- Hudson River Walkway
- The north field at Liberty State Park,
- The north end of Jersey City in The Heights.
Coney Island Fireworks
If you really want to avoid the busy city, head down to Coney Island for a fun beach day, witness the Hot Dog Eating Contest, and get excited about the 4th of July fireworks afterward! You’ll want to ride the Wonder Wheel, grab a bite at Ruby’s, and enjoy the fireworks along the boardwalk! Looking for more things to do in Coney Island, look no further!
Other Ways To Celebrate 4th Of July
1. Honorable William Wall
The Honorable William Wall (aka the “Willy Wall”) is a floating barge that is a part of the Manhattan Yacht Club. I’m pretty sure they are all booked for this 4th of July, but you can still get in the spirit with a boat ride on the 2nd or 3rd and enjoy the beautiful Manhattan skyline!
2. Historic Richmond Town’s Independence Day Celebration
To my Staten Islanders, oh how we forget about you! If you are not trying to leave the island, head over to the Historic Richmond Town‘s Independence Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a parade, and homemade ice cream, festive costumes and crafts for the kids!
You’ll even be able to sign an “oversized Declaration of Independence with a quill and ink”. Lastly, enjoy a demonstration behind fireworks with The Unexcelled Firework Company $15 per person and free for members.
3. The Edge
If you’re feeling a bit bougie, I mean when are we not, head over to The Edge for a 4th of July Celebration. With each ticket at a steep $185, you will get 2 drinks, champagne for 21+, and unlimited popcorn! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can witness the July 4th fireworks from the side of a skyscraper in NYC!! Welcome to the Edge’s City Climb, where you can watch from 1200 feet in the air with a “completely unobstructed perspective” of both NYC and New Jersey fireworks!
4. Summit One Vanderbilt.
Presenting one of the newest observation decks, the Summit One Vanderbilt, and their spin on 4th of July celebrations! Guess what, they are taking 4th of July to a new level. For $300 (yikes) , experience a premium open bar, snacks, and exclusive access to all three floors of the observation deck. That’s not even including the killer views of the Macys fireworks!
5. 4th Of July Boat Parties
Enjoy the night out with friends and enjoy a night out on a boat sailing around the greatest city in the world! Luckily for you, I scored some cheap options- so let’s do it!! The fever app is soo convenient and has just about everything you need. Check out the link and start planning your weekend!
6. Play Some 4th of July Trivia to test your knowledge on American history!
7. The Skyline Drive-In
The Skyline Drive-In overlooking the East River is hosting a 4th of July celebration! Check it out here!
8. Go On A Hike
Hiking is one of my favorite pastimes and if you’re not really big on “celebrating” America – me either sis- then enjoy the outdoors and go on a hike!! I have a post with my favorite hikes in New York state and trust me, there is one for all levels and it’s organized based on distance from NYC (because we love close hikes to NYC!!)
9. Have a Beach Day
This summer weather is looking AMAZING so get that summer glow and spend it relaxing at the beach, soaking in those UV rays (after applying sunscreen of course) and go crazy!! Here are the best beaches in NYC!!
- Rockaway Beach
- Brighton Beach
- Coney Island
- Jones Beach
- Fire Island
10. Somewhere Nowhere Presents: July 4th Indepen-Dance Day Celebration!
Looking to party this 4th of July, look no further than Somewhere Nowhere. I honestly think this is a great idea because going out for $100 gets you entry plus 4 drinks on your tab (which would total to $100 anyways).
11. Latina Party Independence Day Weekend
To all my Latinas out there, listening to reggaeton screams USA so why not do it on a boat!! Have the best time with your girls and celebrate America!
There You Have It
There you have it, your ultimate guide to the 4th of July celebrations and fireworks in NYC! I hope you take full advantage of this weekend and spend time with loved ones. I know the political state of this world and especially this country makes it hard to celebrate our country, so know that my heart is hurting for everyone that has been personally affected by SCOTUS’ decision to overturn Roe V Wade. It’s naive to say that I am not worried about the future of this country but the best thing to do is to take action and take it day by day. We owe it to ourselves to take time to cope, heal, and work towards a system we will be proud to be a part of, because the system now is RIGGED. Thanks for sticking to the end and I wish you all a lovely weekend! What are your 4th of July plants? Let a girl know!
what do you think?