The 11 Absolute Best Places to Watch the Fireworks in NYC

• Address: 4-09 47th Road, Long Island City

Located in Long Island City, Gantry Plaza State Park is most known for its large and recognizable Pepsi-Cola sign. The park has great views of Midtown Manhattan and the East River and features four different piers, a mist garden and riverside benches and chairs making it the perfect spot to catch the fireworks display. Gather your friends, a cooler and some snacks and head to one of the piers early to grab a spot close to the river.

• Address: 3 Commercial St., Brooklyn

This small park in Greenpoint has been an official viewing point in years past, so it’s a pretty safe bet for scoring a front-row seat in 2025 as well. Its got beautiful views of the East River, framed by Midtown Manhattan’s iconic skyline. Note: Lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are not permitted at official viewing points, so we highly suggest getting there early to scope out someplace to sit and packing a small bag with some snacks or water.

• Address: 41 Fulton St, New York

Another hot spot to catch the show is at South Street Seaport Museum downtown. There are multiple events with truly unparalleled views right on the water in front of the museum, with tickets starting at $75. You can also snap up food and drinks from Cobble Fish to snack on all throughout the evening, including classics like hot dogs and burgers as well as lobster rolls and Margaritas

• Address: 1 Water Street, Brooklyn

Brooklyn Bridge Park is definitely one of the best places to get up close to the action for totally unobstructed views, but just know it’s not so simply as showing up early to stake out your spot. You’ll need a ticket to enter the park, which you can obtain for free through a lottery system. The park will be closed for the day, opening at 6:30 pm only for those lucky enough to score tickets.

• Address: 60 Furman St., Brooklyn

Looking for an extravagant Fourth of July celebration? Reserve a room at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge where you can catch the fireworks show. Here you’ll find Harriet’s Rooftop, an open-air garden and bar with view of the Manhattan skyline that’s ideal for unique cocktails and light bites. You can also catch the fireworks from the comfort of your hotel room while relaxing in your pajamas with a glass of bubbly. Check out the hotel’s website for special room packages and viewing party details.

• Address: 1 FDR Four Freedoms Park

Is riding the famed Roosevelt Island tram on your New York City bucket list? If so, head to FDR Four Freedoms Park this Independence Day to explore the island and watch the fireworks show. P.S. the island is easily accessible via subway, car and ferry so the tram isn’t your only transportation option.

• Address: Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park

Calling all pizza lovers. Fornino in Brooklyn Bridge Park is the perfect place to watch the Fourth of July fireworks if you want wood-fired pizza at your fingertips. With a stunning rooftop and terrace, the restaurant overlooks the East River with a menu structured as a historical investigation into pizza. There are also other menu favorites including meatballs, Italian hero sandwiches and fun cocktails. Be sure to make a reservation in advance for your party to get in on all the action.

• Address: 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn

Marsha P. Johnson State Park is a seven-acre waterfront park located along the East River in Brooklyn where you will find unobstructed views of the fireworks this Fourth of July. Formerly known as East River State Park, this space offers barbeques, a play area and green space for a more secluded and calmer holiday. You can easily spend the day here while waiting for the show to start and exploring the park’s native plants—and that might just be your best bet for scoring a spot for your lawn chairs.

• Address: 111 N 12^th St., Brooklyn

Take your Fourth of July celebration to the next level at Westlight, located in Brooklyn at The William Vale. Hang out on the rooftop deck while you listen to live DJs, enjoy bottle service and a menu of small bites. You’ll be able to dance the night away under the fireworks while taking in the incredible views of lower Manhattan. Be sure to reserve your table in advance and pick from various event packages.

• Address: West St. between Kent St. and Greenpoint Ave.

A quaint waterfront destination, WNYC Transmitter Park in Brooklyn is the ideal spot to watch the fireworks with a waterfront esplanade, pier, a large open lawn, a separate children’s play area and plenty of seating. Pack your beach blankets, coolers and sunscreen and plan to spend the day taking in all that the park has to offer since this Greenpoint, Brooklyn haven is an official viewing location for the show. In other words, show up early.

• Address: Varies, depending on rental

What better place to watch fireworks in NYC than where everything is *actually* happening? Of course, diving into the river may sound refreshing given the sweltering summer temps, but we have a better idea: rent a boat. Boatsetter allows you to charter a boat (captained or not) for as little as $130/hour. Round up a crew of friends and grab the best seat in the house. If you don’t want to fork it over, there’s still good news. Companies like Circle Line are hosting Fourth of July river cruises leaving form Pier 83. Did we mention there’s an open bar, buffet and live DJ? You can also check out July4th.com, which has tons of cruise options with firework views to choose from in NYC. Take your pick.