NYC July 4 Fireworks 2023: Where To See, Best Spots To Watch

NEW YORK CITY — July 4 fireworks are almost ready to burst over New York City.

For fans of fireworks and freedom, few places are better to be in during Independence Day than the Big Apple.

The iconic Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show is set to take off 8 p.m. from five barges in the East River.

Roughly 60,000 shells will explode and dazzle New Yorkers over the 25-minute show, which is entirely free. (Homebodies can watch live on NBC and Peacock.)

But New Yorkers looking to grab a good vantage point should know that even though the show is along the river, not all waterfront spots will be open.

Here are where access will be to the official viewing points:

• First Avenue and East 42nd Street, Manhattan
• First Avenue and East 34th Street, Manhattan
• First Avenue and East 20th Street, Manhattan
• Gantry Plaza State Park, Queens
• Newtown Barge Park, Brooklyn
• Transmitter Park, Brooklyn
• Marsha P. Johnson State Park, Brooklyn

And some locations are not recommended for viewing because the view is obstructed or they will closed to the public. Stay away from:

• Bushwick Inlet Park
• Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Brooklyn Heights Promenade
• Grand Ferry Park
• Domino Park
• Hunter’s Point South Park
• Roosevelt Island
• East 34th Street Ferry Landing

Revelers looking for another only-in-New York fireworks show can also head to Coney Island.

The Alliance for Coney Island will throw its free July 4 fireworks show on the beach about 10 p.m.

Organizers wait for the Macy's event to finish first before they launch fireworks from Coney Island.

And, if you miss either show but want to see some beachy fireworks, the Alliance for Coney Island will put on a show every Friday this summer through Labor Day.