If you’re planning your NYC July 4th visit, I’ve got some great cruises to see the fireworks from the water for the most spectacular views of the famous skyline, in this post, and where the best free spots to stand are.
As we get closer to the date, I will be adding new July 4th events for couples, families, friends, including some tips for the best hotels to stay in too.
The 2024 Macy’s July 4th fireworks was on the Hudson River. They’ve switched it from 2023 when it was the East River, so come back again when the location is announced and I’ll have the best spots.
However, there’s NOTHING more spectacular than being on the harbor when the 60,000 shells create colorful displays in the night sky, so below I’ve listed a few fab dinner cruises with live DJs for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
And if you hate crowds but don’t want to miss out, I’ve put together this post of hotels with rooftops or rooms with a view at one of these fab New York hotels.
But before you get to the evening, start your Independence Day off with brunch at one of these great brunch spots in NYC and fortify yourself for the day – and night – ahead!
*This post contains some affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Take a harbor cruise to see the NYC fireworks
The very best location to see the 4th of July fireworks right up close, is on the river. You can take a cruise with champagne, dinner and DJs to celebrate our independence with a bang.
• Check out the Cornucopia Princess for a family-friendly fireworks cruise. It includes a live DJ, dinner buffet (think trad picnic food like brisket, chicken, mac and cheese, mash, etc) and an open bar. It departs at 7pm (boarding from 6pm) and returns at 11pm.
• The biggest July 4th party will be onboard Hornblower Infinity for your front row spot on the harbor of the fireworks over the NYC skyline. Live music, premium open bar and a delicious buffet dinner. Tickets from $199. Departs 7.30pm from Pier 15, boarding from 6.30pm. Returns 10.30pm. Open to all ages.
• The best value fireworks cruise is onboard the Liberty Belle on their party boat. You get a live DJ, premium cocktails from their 3 bars onboard, and buffet dinner of roast chicken and trimmings. Tickets from $179. Departs 7.30pm from Pier 36, 299 South Street (board from 6.30pm). Retuns 10.30pm. Family friendly.
• This is the top rated of all fireworks harbor cruises, aboard the Cornucopia Majesty. It departs from Pier 40, 353 West Street for a fun family cruise on a 30,000 square-foot yacht with an All-American buffet. Party and dance on the 3 decks including the huge skydeck with that skyline to live DJ music and enjoy the 4-hour open bar. Departs at 7pm (board from 6pm), returns at 11pm. Tickets from $219.
• The most upscale cruise has to be onboard The Atlantis. This premium fourth of July cruise is on a private yacht with a delicious buffet and unlimited drinks. It’s a family-friendly cruise with amazing fireworks views. Departs from Pier 81, 12th Avenue & West 41st at 6pm. Boarding from 5.15pm. Returns at 11pm.
• All aboard the mega-yacht Horizon’s Edge for a great family-friendly cruise this Independence Day! Dinner will be an All-American BBQ buffet. The three decks offer a dance floor, open bar, live DJ and reserved seating for the duration, so you can sit back and watch the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks when you wish. Departs from Pier 81, 12th Avenue & West 41st at 7pm. Boarding from 6pm. Returns at 11pm.
• Get your tickets to party this July 4th on the Emerald Princess with reserved seating for your buffet dinner. Live DJ, open bar, and a dance floor for family-friendly fun as you cruise to the best viewing spots for the fireworks.
• Join the Serenity NYC Yacht for the 48th annual Macy’s July 4th fireworks show. It’s family-friendly and includes a 3-course buffet dinner on both decks, plus an open-air deck for amazing viewing. Enjoy the premium open bar, live DJ and reserved seating. Departs from Pier 15, 78 South Street (at Fletcher Street) at 7pm. Boarding from 6.30pm. Returns at 10.30pm.
• All aboard Harmony Yacht, for a fun and more budget-friendly harbor cruise with all the fireworks. You’ll have a live DJ, open bar and family-friendly fun on the water. Departs from Skyport Marina, 2430 FDR Drive at East 23rd at 7.30pm. Boarding from 6.30pm and back at 10.30pm.
• Board the Timeless Yacht for your river view of the fireworks. This family-friendly event includes live DJ, a buffet and mid-shelf open bar over three decks. Departs from 36, 299 South St at 7.30pm. Boarding from 6.30 and home by 10.30pm.
See the July 4th Fireworks from New Jersey
If you’re not ON the water, then the next best thing is to be BESIDE the water, looking at that iconic NYC skyline. The best views to see it all – fireworks plus the epic night time scene – is from New Jersey.
This event will be held on Jersey City’s waterfront. There will be coach pick ups in Manhattan. It’s a hop-on-hop-off tour. Check out the details and buy your tickets here >
Empire State Building
As one of the most famous (and romantic) landmarks in New York City, the Empire State Building is our ultimate favorite spot, with more than 3 million hashtags on Instagram.
On Independence Day, the Empire State hosts their annual celebration from 7pm – 10pm. This exclusive event (closed to the general public and available by ticket only) offers prime views of the firework displays from the 86th floor, as well as gourmet food, DJ music and a premium open bar.
Guests have private access to the open-air observation deck for the best fireworks viewing in the city and an awesome 4th of July soundtrack. Get your ESB July 4th tickets here.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt July 4th party
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one of the event tickets on July 4th from SUMMITOne Vanderbilt, this party includes two premium drinks and a food package and you can roam all three floors to your heart’s content, taking as many selfies as you can fit on your phone.
It really is a must-visit any time in NYC. It’s bonkers and breathtaking and perfect for selfies.
Buy tickets to SUMMITOne for a tour any time and make sure you save some money for a rooftop drink, like I have below. They’re not cheap!
Rooftop at Elsie’s
For land-loving party people, get a ticket to the July 4th party at Elsie Rooftop. There will be a live DJ and cash bar (so ticket prices are low). Note: there won’t be fireworks views here.
Elsie de Wolfe was the world’s most famous decorator, and she was also famous for throwing extravagant parties. Enjoy cocktails and music 25 floors up near Bryant Park.
FREE views of Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks
For the best views of Macy’s annual mega 4th of July fireworks display with celebrity performances, get yourself to the Hudson River where five barges laden with dynamite are set to entertain you!
You want to be around the Chelsea Piers.
What else is there to do in New York?
Stay in one of these hotels with river view rooms to see the fireworks from the roof, your room or even your bathtub!
Try one of these fabulous NYC rooftop restaurants with views of the East River for a cocktail along with your fireworks! Especially look at Harriets and Westlight.
New year’s eve in New York is another epic date to be here for the annual ball drop and fireworks too. This post covers the best places to be to see that in Times Square, and has links to all the best parties.
Where to go for the best brunch spots in New York any day of the week!
Where to find great shopping in NYC from malls to vintage neighborhoods.
Awesome flea markets in New York to get your bargain hunting on in Manhattan and Brooklyn, then walk the Highline 🙂
If you’re looking for the best USA playlist to go with your picnic, you can download my USA playlist for free from Apple (you need to have an Apple Music account).