The Macy's Fourth of July fireworks display will be back on the East Side of Manhattan, with seven barges anchored in the East River between 23rd and 40th Streets, producing over 3,000 shells and effects per minute, for the duration of 25 Minutes, shoot. The entire program lasts about two hours - from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the fireworks display starting around 9:25 p.m. The entrances to FDR are at 23rd, 34th and 42nd Streets.
This year there are new effects to look out for, neon pinwheels and pulsating hearts, swirling water fountains and brocade ponytails, to name a few. Fun fact: At a height of 300 meters, the light show effects reach about 3 times the height of the Statue of Liberty.
If you haven't booked a fireworks cruise ticket, you can watch the spectacle with three million other people in a public place on both sides of the river, in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn . Here's a rundown of my favorite places to watch the fireworks .
FDR Drive
The highway will be closed between the Brooklyn Bridge and East 63rd Street, but the best locations are near the 23rd, 34th and 42nd Street entrances. I stood on 23rd Street last year, and although you can't do much for a long time (you're not allowed to lay out blankets or bring chairs here), the front row views are great and it's not nearly as claustrophobic you might expect that. The 18th Street entrance at Avenue C is an official Macy's location. The NYPD opens the “gates” at 5 p.m. The show starts at 9:25 p.m.
Gantry Plaza State Park And Hunter's Point
The other first tier is in Long Island City, and this year that includes the just-opened second phase of Hunter's Point Park, which, although no longer has lawns, features a beautiful promenade and several elevations. Been warned that much of the waterfront is being taken over by NBC and Macy's, but last year Gantry Plaza was wide open, and the well-maintained grassy "bowl" south of Pepsi is a good bet. For me it's the best choice because you can see the skyline in the background.
Newtown Barge Park
The view here is great but the area is limited. Most of those who watch the fireworks from here are locals and they arrive early, so I wouldn't recommend this park but you might get lucky and get a great spot.
Pulaski Bridge
Although you're a little too far away to feel the explosions in your chest from here, the viewing elevation is perfect near the middle of the Pulaski Bridge, the span that connects Greenpoint to Long Island City over Newtown Creek. Both the pedestrian path and bicycle paths will likely be full. More for the hobby and professional photographers among you.
Transmitter Park, Brooklyn
Transmitter Park, located right on the East River at the end of Greenpoint Avenue, was open last year (but not the pier that stretched over the water), as were the dead ends on India and Java Streets. This is also a good place to just "escape" after the show, especially if you 're staying somewhere along the G-Subway.
Marsha P Johnson State Park
The green space offers many opportunities for recreation and relaxation at Marsha P. Johnson State Park and in my experience this is the most comfortable as it is the largest of the viewing spots, but who can predict that in New York?
Alternatives
The new Domino Park and East River State Park are usually crowded on a normal weekend, which might be the case on the Fourth of July, but you're also far enough south of the main event that real fireworks fanatics will be put off.
Finally, there's the Lower East Side, where the best neighborhood parties take place every year along East River Park next to Alphabet City. Here, locals arrive early to snag the best picnic spots and host lavish all-day barbecues and buffets. Sure, you're about a mile from the action and the view isn't good, but if you want to get a feel for the Fourth, NYC style, stroll here.
Last but not least Cony Island, yes you read that right. The Coney Island Fourth of July Fireworks is a free event that takes place from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on the Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn and is just as good as in Manhattan.