The 4 Best Place to Watch Fireworks in NYC for the Fourth of July!

Jan 03, 2024

The 4 Best Places to Watch Fireworks in NYC for the 4th of July! | Fireworks NYC Schedules
By Westgate Resorts

The 4 Best Places to Watch Fireworks in NYC for the Fourth of July 2024!

  • One World Observatory

  • Pier 15 On South Street Seaport

  • Harbor Cruise Past the Statue of Liberty

  • Westgate New York Grand Central

"Independence Day will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival … It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” – John Adams, 1776

“We shall go wild with fireworks … And they will plunge into the sky and shatter the darkness.” – Natsuki Takaya

Looking for the best places to watch fireworks in NYC for Fourth of July 2024? Perhaps actor James Lafferty said it best when he remarked, “I always have the most fun on the Fourth of July. You don’t have to exchange any gifts. You just go to the beach and watch fireworks.” Fortunately, visitors to New York City can enjoy a myriad of Independence Day choices beyond the beach when it comes to enjoying spectacular fireworks for Fourth of July 2024 (although the annual Coney Island fireworks display is actually quite impressive and follows the legendary Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest earlier in the day!).

If you really want to experience some explosive eye candy on Independence Day 2024, take a break from the mundane (and from the weird things to do in NYC at night) and check out these four best places to watch fireworks in NYC for the Fourth of July:


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1 | Enjoy Dazzling Fourth of July Fireworks Views from the One World Observatory | Nothing beats viewing NYC fireworks on the Fourth of July high above the Manhattan skyline at One World Observatory, which lies at the top of One World Trade Center (AKA the Freedom Tower) and rises 1,776 feet tall (symbolizing the year that American colonists declared their independence from Britain), making it the tallest building in the United States.

Packages for the Fourth of July Celebration at One World Observatory range from the conventional All-Inclusive with an open bar and “all-American fare” to the much pricier Ultra Experience (featuring a more extensive liquor selection, of course).

Note: Tickets must be purchased well in advance of the Fourth of July to guarantee your spot.

WHERE: 117 West St, New York, NY 10006 | WHO: 1-844-696-1776

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2 | Celebrate Fourth of July at Pier 15 Along the South Street Seaport | Ideally located in the historic waterfront district in Lower Manhattan, Pier 15 on the South Street Seaport offers its annual Freedom Fest, which offers not only a fun-filled slate of family-friendly activities but a great vantage point to view the fabulous Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Show.

Billed as “the blockbuster event of the summer,” Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Show launches from four massive barges in the East River near the Brooklyn Bridge. Believe it or not, a total of more than 70,000 pyrotechnic shells will be launched into the night sky during the world-class fireworks extravaganza, which is the largest Fourth of July pyrotechnic celebration in the United States and draws more than two million spectators.

WHERE: 175 Front St, New York, NY 10038 | WHO: 1-212-509-9576

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3 | Take a July 4th Harbor Cruise Past the Statue of Liberty | Don’t miss the opportunity to hop aboard a harbor cruise on the Fourth of July and view the majestic Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island as it becomes illuminated by awe-inspiring fireworks in all directions.

Many harbor cruises offer special Fourth of July fireworks excursions (for a wide range of prices depending on how extravagant you want to get!) that will let you experience the fireworks, as well as enjoy spectacular views of the New York City skyline.

In addition, several of the NYC cruises even offer Fourth of July buffet-style dinner excursions with open bars featuring unlimited beer, wine and champagne, as well as live DJs and dance floors.

Popular NYC Fourth of July cruises include Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Spirit of New Jersey Cruise, Hudson’s Dinner Cruise, Spirit of New York Cruise, American Princess Cruises, Audubon Yacht, Shearwater Classic Schooner and Hornblower Cruises among others.

WHERE: New York, NY 10004 | WHO: 1-212-363-3200

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4 | Make it a Fourth of July Weekend at Westgate New York Grand Central | Why not make your Fourth of July plans a getaway that includes a stay at Westgate New York Grand Central?

Not only is Westgate New York Grand Central a great spot to watch Fourth of July fireworks, but its prime locale places you within easy walking distance of some of Midtown Manhattan East’s most iconic landmarks such as Grand Central Terminal (just two blocks away), United Nations Headquarters (only one block west), Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Bryant Park, Times Square and Rockefeller Center among others.

In addition to beautifully decorated rooms and suites (some of which feature balconies), Westgate New York Grand Central offers a casual eatery called Tudor City Tavern, a state-of-the-art fitness center and valet parking.

Declare your independence from all the crowds along the East River jostling for position to see the Fourth of July fireworks and instead enjoy a relaxing Independence Day weekend stay at Westgate New York Grand Central. It’s the perfect headquarters for your 2024 NYC Fourth of July getaway!

WHERE: 304 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017 | WHO: 1-212-986-8800

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Still Wondering Where To Watch the Fireworks in NYC?

If you're still stressing about the best place to catch all the Fourth of July fireworks NYC has to offer, get busy making your plans now. Whether you're making moves in Midtown East NYC or you're looking for things to do in NYC, we've got you covered here on our Westgate travel blog!


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