Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Best Viewing Spots

It’s the biggest annual fireworks display in the nation, maybe on the planet, with more than 70,000 shells celebrating the birthday of the USA.

Here are the best viewing spots for the 43rd annual Macy’s 4th of July Spectacular.

The display is on the East River, between the Brooklyn Bridge and South Ferry, including a waterfall of fireworks between the towers of the iconic bridge.

There are four fireworks barges between South Street Seaport and Battery Park, so anywhere in between will give you great views.

The fireworks begin around 9:20pm and last around 30 minutes, with entertainment before.

Performers during the televised event include Country stars Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley and Maren Morris, plus Khalid, Ciara and dancer Derek Hough.

Wherever you decide to watch, stake out your spot early, especially spots closest to the center of the action at the Brooklyn Bridge.

See also:

NYC Museums open on July 4th.

Best Fireworks Views from Manhattan

The FDR Drive and streets along the East River between the South Street Seaport and Battery Park are being cordoned off as official viewing locations, but there are additional spots in Manhattan and Brooklyn from which to watch the display.

There are no public viewing spots at the Seaport itself.  Those are reserved for VIPs, TV camera crews and expensive private parties.

There are two official entry points for access to the FDR Drive: Broad Street & Water Street and Pearl Street & Dover Street.

These are the viewing points recommended by Macy’s:

Broad Street & Water Street

Pearl Street & Dover Street

Market Street & Cherry Street

Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place & St. James Place

Pearl Street & St. James Place

Pike Slip & Cherry Street

• This is at the Manhattan Bridge, with excellent views of the fireworks on the Brooklyn Bridge but limited views of the fireworks barges further south

Montgomery Street & Cherry Street

• This is north of the Manhattan Bridge, with limited views both of the fireworks on the Brooklyn Bridge and the fireworks barges further south

 NYC on the Cheap secret fireworks viewing tip:

• My choice is the small landscaped park known as the Elevated Acre. 
• The entrance is at 55 Water St., near Pearl St., at the top of the escalator alongside the office building.

There is an ADA Viewing area at the Murray Bergtraum HS Track and Field Facility at the base of the Manhattan Bridge.  Since this is north of the Brooklyn Bridge and the fireworks barges, this has a limited view.

Best Fireworks Views from Brooklyn

Anywhere along the waterfront with views of Manhattan south of the Brooklyn Bridge. 

That includes Brooklyn Heights Promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

There also are limited views from further north in Domino Park.

Here is detailed information about viewing at Brooklyn Bridge Park:

Entry to Brooklyn Bridge Park on July 4th will only be through NYPD bag checkpoints at these four locations:

Furman Street and Joralemon Street

Furman Street and Old Fulton Street

New Dock Street and Water Street

Atlantic Ave and Bridge Park Drive

General Information:

Grills will be closed all day on July 4
All concessions will close at 2pm
The Carousel will close at 4pm
No ferries will stop at BBP, including the ferry to Governor’s Island
All permanent restrooms will be closed. BBP will provide portable restrooms throughout the park
Dogs and coolers not recommended
Alcohol and furniture prohibited