If you're looking for the best place to watch fireworks this year, you won't run out of options. And if you can't watch the show in person, you can catch it live on your phone.
For the third year in a row, the "Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular" will be on the East River, making for great spots across three of New York City's five boroughs (and on TVs everywhere on NBC). But there will also be some pretty great displays in other parts of the city and throughout the tri-state.
Despite all the options, revelers will face crowds as tens of thousands look to the skies. Here are some of the area's best places to see the displays:
Brooklyn
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO: This is considered the “golden spot” for seeing the display, offering breathtaking looks of the fireworks and the lit-up Manhattan skyline. It’ll get crowded quickly, so be sure to get there early.
- Brooklyn Heights and the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade: Another couple of spots that offer sweeping views of the Macy’s display, but you’ll have to stand.
- Berry Park, Greenpoint: The venerable watering hole off McCarren Park features a roof deck that should offer great views of all the barges. You’ll need to buy a drink to stay for the display, but the bar has a wide selection of German and Belgian brews and a fully stocked bar.
- Fornino Pizza, Brooklyn Bridge Park: This pizza shop offers sweeping views of lower Manhattan that should make for a great fireworks display. Tickets for the roof deck are already sold out.
- Brooklyn Grange, Greenpoint: The sprawling rooftop farm offers spectacular views of both Manhattan and the fireworks display. Tickets have already sold out.
- The Ides Rooftop Bar at the Wythe Hotel, Williamsburg: There’s a $25 cover charge, and doors will open at 7:30 pm.
- Grand Ferry Park, Williamsburg: The waterfront park in tony Williamsburg is sure to be crowded, but you should get a great look at the fireworks coming off of barges near midtown.
- MCU Park, Coney Island: You won’t be able to see the Macy’s spectacular from the Cyclones’ park, but the stadium will be shooting off fireworks after the team’s game against the Williamsport Crosscutters. You should also be able to see that display from other parts of Coney Island.
Manhattan
- South Street Seaport: The Manhattan attraction has been voted the best viewing spot in the city. Like the popular spots in Brooklyn, get there early to assure a spot.
- The Battery: You should be able to catch the Macy’s spectacular and the Freedom and Fireworks Festival in Jersey City
- FDR Drive: How often can you say you got to walk on the FDR? There will be several entry points along the highway, which should offer some unique views.
- East River Park, Lower East Side: The large park should be another great place to see the display.
- Circle Line: Another fireworks cruise option. Tickets start at $149 a person and boats board at Pier 83 starting at 5:15 p.m.
- NY Water Taxi: This sightseeing cruise service is offering a couple of cruise options. Tickets start at $199.
Queens
- Gantry Plaza State Park, Long Island City: One of the few places in Queens to catch the fireworks, so get there early.
- Flagship Farm, Long Island City: This rooftop party will include music from DJ Mickey Perez and food from Butcher Bar. Tickets are $75 and still being sold.
- Z Rooftop Bar, Long Island City: The bar near the Queensboro Bridge should offer some great views of the northernmost fireworks barges.
Staten Island
- Richmond County Bank Ballpark: Catch the Staten Island Yankees and a show for $9-$18.
New Jersey
- Liberty State Park, Jersey City: A huge carnival with some concert acts will precede a fireworks show with the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan.
- Hoboken, Weehawken and other towns: Get away from the New York City crowds, and still catch some great displays.
- Atlantic City: Fireworks will be shown on the Boardwalk and Marina District starting at 9:30 p.m.
- Long Branch: A huge, all day family friendly festival with music, food, and fireworks at 9 p.m.
- Wildwood: Fireworks will be shown on the beach starting at 10 p.m.
- Point Pleasant Beach: Fireworks will be shown at Jenkinson's Boardwalk.
- East Rutherford: Bring the family to State Fair Meadowlands for a carnival, live entertainment and evening of spectacular fireworks. The fair will begin at 2 p.m., and tickets cost $11 for adults and $9 for children.
- Camden: Fireworks will be shown at Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival at 6 p.m.
- Seaside Heights: Head to Seaside Heights for an evening of fireworks on the oceanfront at 9:30 p.m.
- Margate City: Celebrate Independence Day with a beach fireworks display at 9 p.m.
Long Island, Westchester and the Hudson Valley
- Jones Beach: Finish off a day at the beach with a fireworks display.
- Several towns will be offering their own fireworks displays, so check your town’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
