Top Spots to Watch 4th of July Fireworks

 

Slideshow

A fantastic boom of lights from the 2010 Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show.

Courtesy of Macy's

The fireworks will explode over the Hudson River.

Courtesy of Macy's

The show will include cascading fireworks in over 50 shapes and 17 different colors.

An average of 1,600 shells will be launched a minute.

Flickr/Barry Yanowitz

The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show promises to be the largest in the nation.

Flickr/Barry Yanowitz

The red, white and blue fireworks will be especially patriotic for the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty this year.

Flickr/Ed Yourdin

A grand finale promises to cover the Hudson River this year.

Flickr/Ed Yourdon

    1 of 7  

A fantastic boom of lights from the 2010 Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Macy's

RELATED ARTICLES

Advertisement

By Della Hasselle

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MANHATTAN — Macy's 4th of July fireworks show will light up the Hudson River again this year, disappointing those on the east side but offering stunning views on the west side between 20th and 55th Streets.

This year's "Gift of Freedom," show will include a special tribute to the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and will offer more than 40,000 fireworks, synchronized to a 25-minute musical performance.

Beyonce, Nick Lachey and other stars are part of the lineup.

For optimal viewing, fans should stick to Manhattan's west side and avoid going too far Uptown or Downtown.

Be sure to bring some water, because this year's 4th of July promises to be hot as its firecrackers. This Independence Day weekend will see a low of 67, but highs of up to 90 degrees on the Fourth, with mild chances of scattered thunderstorms.

The show starts at 9 p.m. Monday and lasts for 25 minutes, but Macy's recommends staking out spots from 5 p.m. Here are a few spots that are sure to offer spectacular sights.

ON LAND

Twelfth Avenue and the West Side Highway

Beginning at 6 p.m., Twelfth Avenue and the northbound lanes of the West Side Highway from 23rd to 59th Streets will turn into a giant block party for the nation's birthday bash. Access points will be at the following streets: 24th, 26th to 30th, 34th, 40th to 44th, 47th to 52nd, and 54th to 57th.

Hudson River Park: Pier 54 and Pier 84

People will pack like sardines onto Pier 54 and Pier 84, which jut out into the Hudson River and promise phenomenal views. Pier 54, located on West Street and 13th Street, will have limited access from 14th Street, according to Macy's website.

The Pier 84 dock is located between West 44th and West 43rd streets in Midtown West. Limited access will be available at 44th Street.

Circle Line and World Yacht 4th of July Private Pier Party

Circle Line will offer a 4th of July view of the fireworks from Pier 81 with a meal of hot dogs and cold beer. Tickets are $85 for adults, free for kids.

Chelsea Brewing Company

Located at Chelsea Piers, this is the only brewing company on the New York waterfront. The 12,000 square foot microbrewery has 24-foot ceilings and glass walls for a stunning vantage point of the fireworks. If the heat's too much, cool off with 20 hand-crafted premium beers.

BY SEA

Water Taxi Cruise

It's recommended to buy tickets in advance for a unique view of this year's pyrotechnics display. This Fourth of July cruise takes off at various points from the South Street Seaport. Tickets are $125 and come with complimentary snacks and a cash bar.

World Yacht Hudson River Party Cruise

This party cruise offers a huge deck and an inside DJ so revelers can boogie down for the national birthday party. The cruise leaves from the Destiny at Pier 81, and costs $99.

FROM ON HIGH

The Intrepid

Don't have a roof deck to watch the show? Don't worry. Celebrate on the Hudson River from the Flight Deck of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum located at Pier 86. This year's patriotic musical score will play as snacks are served. It's $90 for members and $100 for non-members, for the fireworks only.

The Sky Room in Times Square

Head to the Sky Room on the 33rd and 34th floor of the newly constructed Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Times Square. The white leather couches are complimented by a 360 degree span of the city, with stellar views of the Hudson. Tickets are $100 per person, and include an open bar from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Press Lounge at Ink48

To be patriotic in the poshest way possible, head to this bar at 11th Avenue and 48th Street. Get cozy on the wraparound terrace and stay sated with a four-hour open bar and hors d'oeuvres. Cover is $225.