Things to do on 4th of July Weekend in NYC

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show is an annual event that takes place in New York City. Each year, millions of people line the Hudson River to watch the spectacular display of fireworks and celebrate Independence Day with friends and family. Macy's will be launching more than 75,000 shells from seven barges located between 24th Street and 40th Street along the Hudson River. The show is expected to last for 25 minutes and will feature a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, effects, and other surprises!

The Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show has been around since 1958 when it first began as part of the city’s celebration of its 350th anniversary. Over time, it has become one of America’s most beloved holiday traditions with over 3 million viewers each year!

Plus, Macy's isn't the only fireworks show in town. If you can't make it, or simply don't fancy it, you'll find fireworks displays all across New York, from the Empire State Building to the Brooklyn Bridge. Fancy a bite or a drink while you're out? You're in luck. Take a break from sky-gazing, and you're bound to find hot dog vendors, drinks stalls, and plenty more street-side. Don't fancy that? Dip into one of NYC's innumerable fast food joints for a quick fix.

Or, DIY it with a picnic, beverages, a football, and some games to play with friends, and get there early to score a good spot. 

There's no better way to celebrate Independence Day than visiting one of the most iconic symbols of American freedom. Visit both Liberty Island and Ellis Island to see the Statue of Liberty up close and explore the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. These activities are likely to be extremely popular during the holiday season. Be sure to make any reservations for pedestal tickets far in advance. 

Fourth of July celebrations are even more special at Luna Park on Coney Island. On this day, thousands of people come together to celebrate the holiday with fun rides, delicious food, and plenty of entertainment. The park has been open since 1903 and is one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States.

Visitors can enjoy classic roller coasters like The Cyclone and Thunderbolt roller coasters, and carnival games where guests can win prizes from stuffed animals to unique souvenirs. The fun is topped off with the fireworks at midnight above Brooklyn’s iconic beachfront area and the Atlantic Ocean.

Don't forget to visit Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, one of the oldest and most beloved places to eat at Luna Park. It first opened in 1916 and has become a tradition for people looking for a bite to eat during their 4th of July celebrations. While it serves up classic hot dogs with all the fixings, it also offers a variety of other tasty items like fries, burgers, and more.

A great way to see the city — from big-ticket attractions to hidden gems — is to hop aboard your very own bicycle. You'll get a local perspective of the city and be able to tailor your explorations to suit your interests. So, grab a bike rental, strap on a helmet, consult a map, and start exploring the city like a true New Yorker.

NYC has expanded its bike lanes in many parts of the city, so getting around on two wheels is easy in many areas. Many New York attractions are bike accessible, so make sure you hang onto the lock that comes with your rental. Then, stashing your bike during a visit to a museum or restaurant will be stress-free.

This popular free NYC event is beloved by locals and visitors alike -- those who know about it, that is. Taking place in Central Park, SummerStage offers a wide variety of music and dance performances. On the weekends around the 4th of July, you'll see performances that run the gamut from contemporary Jamaican to house music to soul and more.

Keep in mind that although most events are free, some do require tickets. If you want to explore the park after enjoying a bit of these free performances, consider a guided walking tour, which will highlight the most important landmarks and sites of this iconic urban park. 

For those looking to celebrate the Fourth of July in a unique way, why not take a cruise around New York City? NYC cruises during this holiday weekend offer visitors an incredible opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective.

There's a 4th of July cruise for everyone in NYC. From luxury yachts with open-air decks for sightseeing and dancing under the stars to more intimate dinner cruises featuring delicious food and drinks, all overlooking some of Manhattan's most iconic landmarks.

What better way to celebrate our nation's birthday than with an afternoon enjoying America's favorite summer sport? Though the Yankees don't typically play on the 4th itself, they do have scheduled games throughout June and July.

Love baseball, but simply don't have time for a game? Take a guided tour of Yankee Stadium to see this the many facets of this historic arena -- including Derek Jeter's retired number.