July 4th in New York City

July4th in New York City has become one big block party. From river to river, north to south, everyone will be gearing up for the Macy's July4th Fireworks Extravaganza and trying to find the perfect viewing spot. There are many places on land where you can get a good view of the show, in New Jersey- Liberty State Park, Manhattan- the FDR Drive will be closed to traffic all the way to 63rd Street and you can enter at Pearl Street. Come as early as you can., Brooklyn and Queens have some great viewing and there are parks along the water front that are perfect for picnic suppers. All of the viewing spots have numerous restaurants that will be open and offering specials and you can bet the New York street vendors will be out in droves offering up any kind of food you can possibly imagine. July 4th, with the Statue of Liberty illuminated by thousands of fireworks is beautiful and inspiring. Even when the fireworks are over, you will not want to leave.

New York Waterways has several cruises, departing from both New York and New Jersey on July 4th. Which ever cruise you choose, you will get fantastic views of the Macy's Fireworks. Both of them are like having a July4th picnic on the water. The Basic Cruise has a radio simulcast of the festivities. Food and drinks (hot dogs, chips, snacks, soda, beer, wine, water, etc.) are available (for a charge) on board. These boats depart from both our New York and New Jersey terminals (including Belford. The Special Cruise is an all-inclusive party. It comes complete with a fully stocked bar with soda, water, beer, wine, mixed drinks and a picnic menu that includes hot dogs, finger sandwiches, salads, chips &dip, cookies, apple pie, and fruit salad. There is also a live DJ on board. Be sure to check each one of the cruises. They depart at different times. New York Waterway Tours
4800 Ave at Port Imperial Weehawken, New Jersey 070861-
800-533-3779

Circle Line is one of the most famous of the tourist cruise companies in New York and they also will have cruises going on July4th departing from Pier 83, West 42nd Street
Enjoy a close-up view of Lady Liberty and see the awesome fireworks light up the night sky as you create your own sparks dancing to our dynamite DJ. Food and drink available onboard for purchase .Boards at 4:30pm. Sails from 5:30pm - 11:00pm.212-563-3200

Skyline Cruises does things a little bit different, with a
Fireworks Dinner Cruise that features a full buffet, dessert, coffee, tea, disc jockey entertainment, free parking at the marina and a full cash bar for all beverages.
4th of July Party Cruise 6p.m.- 11p.m. Be sure to be here early for boarding. Skyline Cruises, 1 World's Fair Marina, Flushing, Queens; New York 718-446-1100

Seastreak is another cruise company with a July4th special. They depart from New Jersey, the Conners Ferry Landing in Highlands. Hot dogs, snacks and cash bar will be available for purchase throughout the cruise or you can bring dinner on-board. SeaStreak America, Inc. 2 First Ave. Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716