Where to See Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in New York City 2011

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks will light up the night sky on the west side for the third year in a row. On Monday, July 4, crowds will flock to the Hudson River to watch the spectacle, which will celebrate our nation's independence as well as the Statue of Liberty's 125th birthday. (She doesn't look a day over 100.)

Macy's display will burst forth from six barges floating on the Hudson River, with a synchronized soundtrack of patriotic tunes. 

Where do you go to see the sparklers? Here are the best places to catch Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in New York City.

The Basics

The fireworks take place between 20th and 55th Streets on the Hudson River, and start after 9pm, usually around 9:20pm. The show lasts for 25 minutes and will be broadcast live on NBC.

Of course, you need to claim your viewing spot long before sundown. Plan to arrive around 5pm or even a little earlier. Let's hope for picnic weather!

Best Viewing Locations

Twelfth Avenue and the West Side Highway
Beginning at 6pm, Twelfth Avenue and the northbound lanes of the West Side Highway from 23rd to 59th Streets will be closed to traffic and turned into a giant block party. Access points will be at the following streets: 24th, 26th to 30th, 34th, 40th to 44th, 47th to 52nd, and 54th to 57th.

De Witt Clinton Park
This is the only officially recommended spot with a playground and grassy lawns. De Witt Clinton Park is located between Eleventh and Twelfth Avenues from 52nd to 54th Streets. Bring a sheet to mark your territory, and then let your kids play while you wait. This is a very popular spot, especially for families, so arrive extra early!

New Jersey
The fireworks will be just as breathtaking from Weehawken, Hoboken or other Hudson River towns. See our recommendations for where to watch the fireworks in New Jersey.

Riverside Park South
Macy's advises that there will be very limited viewing of the fireworks above 59th Street. That said, Riverside Park South should be open and (presumably) less crowded, so you may want to try staking out a spot here and then just hope for the best.

Battery Park City
Macy's also says Battery Park City won't offer views. You may actually be able to see some of the fireworks—they'll just be very far away. If you're thinking of watching Liberty State Park's fireworks from here, you're out of luck. Due to financial woes, Jersey City has canceled the display for the second year in a row. (Seems like many cities across the U.S. are doing the same thing.)

Where Not to Go

All Hudson River Park piers will be closed (or reserved for private events) except for 54 (13th Street) and 84 (44th Street), and they will only have limited access. Translation: Once they're full, they'll probably be closed, too.

Macy’s says that the Hudson River Park promenade and bike path between Houston and 59th Streets aren't viewing areas either, so we suspect they'll also be closed, or you just won't be able to see much of anything.

Paid Viewing Options

The Intrepid is a prime spot, and as such charges for it. For $100 per person, you get VIP seating on the aircraft carrier's flight deck, with a simulcast of the concert, a DJ and access to the museum.

Another option is to hop on a boat. New York Waterway's 4th of July Cruises cost $80 for adults and $70 for kids ages 3 to 12. Children under 2 are free. The vessels set sail from Hoboken or Weehawken in New Jersey.

Water Taxi's 4th of July Fireworks Cruise costs $100 per person (no kids' price), and departs from Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport. Snacks (though not dinner) are provided.

The Circle Line's 4th of July cruise is already sold out. However, the company is partnering with World Yacht for a 4th of July Pier Party. For $85 a pop (no kids' price), you get an amazing view of the show from land.

Spirit Cruises, World Yacht and Manhattan by Sail also offer cruises, but they're all well over $200!

Of course, you can always make friends with someone who lives in one of those tall luxury high-rises overlooking the Hudson in midtown west. If you do, invite us too!

Fore more information, visit Macy's 4th of July Fireworks website.