Where to Watch the Fourth of July Fireworks -- New York Magazine

Firecracker Fact Sheet

This year, Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks moves to the Hudson River in honor of Henry Hudson’s voyage 400 years ago. Here are prime places to catch the show.

By Randi Eichenbaum
Published Jul 1, 2009

(Photo: iStockphoto)

ON FOOT

West Side Highway
Choose from one of the many entrances below 59th Street along Eleventh Avenue and post up before the show’s approximate 9:20 p.m. start time.

De Witt Clinton Park
Eleventh to Twelfth Aves., between 52nd and 54th Sts.
The park is ideal for spreading out on a picnic blanket and watching the show.

Piers 54 and Pier 84
West St. and 13th St. / West St. and 44th St.
These two piers are the only ones that Macy’s recommends going to for a clear view of the show.

ON A BOAT

Water Taxi Cruise
South Street Seaport, Pier 17; 212-742-1969
There are still a few spots left for Water Taxi’s annual Fourth of July cruise. The $100 ticket includes munchies, and there will be a cash-only bar selling beer and wine. Leaving from the South Street Seaport, the ship will head west to see the spectacle. For tickets, go here.

Paddlewheel Queen
23rd St. and FDR Dr.; 212-288-1975
Groups of ten or more receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne when buying tickets ($125 per person) for this Fourth of July cruise on the Paddlewheel Queen. There is also going to be a top-shelf open bar, finger food, D.J., and a disposable camera will be distributed to each guest. You'll need to drop by their office at 354 East 83rd Street to reserve a spot; call ahead for a given day's hours.

Clipper City
South Street Seaport, Pier 17; 212-518-4604
Touting itself as the largest passenger sailboat in the U.S., the Clipper City, which is modeled after an 1854 tall ship, is going big for the Fourth. For $250, expect grilled meats off a BBQ pit, a full bar, and a D.J. spinning classic rock. There’s also the option to reserve a private charter boat for up to six people.

UP ON THE ROOF

Plunge
Hotel Gansevoort, 18 Ninth Ave., at 13th St.; 212-660-6736
Plunge Rooftop Bar at Hotel Gansevoort is offering VIP-style views. A reserved seat requires a bottle purchase for every two guests, starting at $275 a pop.

Highbar
251 W. 48th St., nr. Eighth Ave.; 212-956-1300
For a $30 cover, the newer rooftop soirée is offering unlimited beer, wine, and well drinks — plus burgers and hot dogs — from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

Hudson Sky Terrace
The Hudson Hotel, 356 W. 58th St., nr. Ninth Ave.; 212-554-6303
While the farther-west Hudson Terrace is all booked up, the Hudson Sky Terrace is taking walk-ins on a first-come, first-serve basis. They'll be doing food service from the hotel's restaurant, Hudson Cafeteria, until 8 p.m., and there's a $300 minimum for every six people.