West Side Highway
Choose from one of the many entrances along Twelfth Avenue, and be sure to get there early to snag a good spot. Macy’s recommends the views below 59th Street.
NEW JERSEY
Hoboken
The fireworks are launched just north of Hoboken, so Maxwell Place Park on the northern waterfront from 11th Street to 14th Street provides a spectacular view. It’s also a great spot to hang out, with its small beach, playground, and picnic tables, but be prepared for strict security checkpoints. Take the PATH to Hoboken, walk north along the waterfront to 11th Street.
Weehawken
Get a bird’s-eye view of the show from the top of the cliff at Hamilton Park, or watch from almost directly across on the water at Waterfront Park. Take N.J. Transit Bus 165 to Weehawken Boulevard East, walk five minutes along the river.
Jersey City
Take the elevator off the 9th Street-Congress Street Light Rail Station in Hoboken for an up-top view from Jersey City Heights. Take the PATH or N.Y. Waterway Ferry (Pier 79: 39th St. and Hudson River) to the Newport or Hoboken PATH stations, connect to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line.
Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum
One Intrepid Square, Twelfth Ave. and 46th St.; 212-245-0072.
When: 7 p.m.
What: Seating options aboard the Pier 86 Air and Space Museum range from the pier to the flight deck. Only the latter includes an hour-long tour of the ship, but all come with complimentary food and nonalcoholic beverages. This is a great family-friendly option.
Price: $175–$225; tickets available online.
Private Pier Party
Pier 81 at W. 41st St.
When: 7 p.m.
What: You can “literally feel” the fireworks at the Private Pier Party hosted by Circle Line and World Yacht (which also have cruises, below). There’ll be all-American cookout menus to select from, and all guests receive a complimentary future cruise. Seating is first come, first served, so get to the 7 p.m. event early to snag the best spot.
Price: $99–$104; tickets available online
Note: The Out NYC’s Declaration of Summer package includes two tickets to the Private Pier Party. Sip your “complimentary” glass of Champagne while enjoying the view. The deal also includes a room upgrade and late checkout.
Frying Pan
Pier 66, at 26th St.; 212-362-4453
When: Doors open at 6 p.m.
What: Get up close and personal with the fireworks on Pier 66 Maritime and Frying Pan. The café will be open, but get there early because admission is first come, first served.
Price: $25 general admission tickets for sale at Pier 66’s bar only; $225 premium rooftop tickets available online.
World Yacht Dinner Cruise
Pier 81, W. 41st St.
When: Boarding at 5 p.m., must be onboard by 6 p.m.
What: A five-course meal will be served to your private table during the four-hour cruise, which promises “spectacular” views of everything but the Statue of Liberty (because of Coast Guard restrictions).
Price: $231.95; tickets available online.
Independence Day Party Cruise
Skyport Marina, 23rd St. and FDR Dr.; 646-397-7660
When: 5:15 to 10:15 p.m..
What: Perhaps the topless girl on the event flyer says it all: This seabound bash aboard the Star of Palm Beach is ages 21 and over. There’ll be a three-hour open bar and full buffet.
Price: $110–$155; tickets available online.
Family Fireworks Cruise
Skyport Marina, 23rd St. and FDR Dr.; 646-397-7660
When: 5:30 p.m.
What: This kid-friendly cruise includes a buffet and open bar for those of age. A ride on the Cornucopia Majesty promises a view of the fireworks without the stress of scrambling for a family picnic spot.
Price: $175 per person, $685 for a party of four; tickets available online.
Circle Line Cruise
When: Boarding at 5 p.m., must be onboard by 6 p.m., cruise sails at 7 p.m. sharp
What: A full Liberty Cruise of the Hudson drops its anchor for a viewing of the fireworks. Beer, wine, and grill food are available for purchase, but D.J. spinning is included.
Price: $95; tickets available online.
Hudson Terrace
621 W. 46th St., nr. Eleventh Ave.; 212-315-9400
When: Doors at 6 p.m.
What: Come for the fireworks, stay for the all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet and open bar. This rooftop bash features D.J. Niko and a live performance by the Bar Top Bandits. Table service comes with replenished beer buckets and a premium bottle of liquor for parties of six or more.
Price: $22–$325; tickets available online.
The Sky Room
Marriott Fairfield Inn and Suites Times Square, 330 W. 40th St., nr. Ninth Ave.; 212-380-1195
When: Doors at 6 p.m., will call at 5 p.m.
What: The “highest rooftop lounge” boasts 360-degree views, for general gawking beyond the firework display. The five-hour premium open bar will wash down an American-style buffet; think grilled chicken and sliders.
Price: $125–$250; tickets available online.Note: Groups with twelve or more can rent a cabana for $250 per person.
Press Lounge
Ink48, 653 Eleventh Ave., at 48th St.; 212-757-2224
When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
What: This “private reception” includes an open bar and hors d’oeuvres, served over the panoramic views atop INK48 Hotel.
Price: $266; call or e-mail reservations@printrestaurant.com.
Plunge Rooftop
Hotel Gansevoort, 18 Ninth Ave., at 13th St., 14th fl.; 212-206-6700
When: 7 p.m.
What: Meatpacking gets patriotic at the penthouse of the Gansevoort, which is serving up a full menu with red, white, and blue cocktails alongside spectacular views.
Price: $50. A table reservation will run you $250. Reservations are available by calling 212-660-6736.
YOTEL
570 Tenth Ave., at 42nd St.; 646-449-7700
When: 5 p.m. to midnight
What: The endless all-American buffet on this giant terrace includes such truly patriotic options as fried chicken and peach cobbler. There’ll also be unlimited wine, beer, and red, white, and blue(berry) sangria from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Price: $75
STK Rooftop
26 Little W. 12th St., nr. Ninth Ave.; 646-624-2444
When: Doors at 1 p.m.
What: The “only existing rooftop grill in the city” is celebrating America’s birthday with an all-day party. D.J.’s will spin over the American grill menu and specialty themed cocktails like the Bomb Pop Martini, featuring pop rocks.
Price:$150 per person before 5 p.m., $250 after
Note: Ticket prices are applied to food. Reservations recommended.
PH-D at Dream Downtown
355 W. 16th. St., nr. Ninth Ave.; 212-229-2559
When: Doors open at 4 p.m.
What: The Dream Hotel’s rooftop lounge will be celebrating its view of the Hudson with chef specials like watermelon caprese salad skewers and pulled-pork sliders. Be sure to call ahead—reservations are required for tables on the outside terrace and inside for firework viewing.
Price: For table reservations, pricing available upon request. General admission is $50, email phdoffice@taogroup.com for tix.
For Fireworks Fiends
July 4th isn’t the only time to catch fireworks in the city (it’s fireworks season, after all). For a list of all the opportunities to peer at pyrotechnics, including Coney Island and Central Park, check the official 311 site. Happy viewing! Don’t forget to take an Instagram vid or two.