It’s America’s big day and we're here for it. Head to one of Gotham’s best beaches, grab your sunscreen and your sunnies and prepare for some fun in the sun. After gorging on red-white-and-blue treats and drinks, head out for the night to watch the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks or sail around NYC.
RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of the 4th of July in NYC
A beloved New York City tradition since 1976, the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks are back for 2025 with a dazzling show on Friday, July 4.
The show returns to the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River for 2025. Specifically, the show will launch from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and four barges positioned on the lower East River in the Seaport District.
Here's where to watch.
Hold on to your guts—Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2024 is upon us! During the competition—which is now more than 100 years old—Frankfurter-eating legends race the clock and chow down on as many Nathan’s Famous dogs and buns they can swallow in ten minutes.
The race of legends goes down on Independence Day (Friday, July 4), typically from 11am to 1pm. Watch the glorious event at Nathan’s Flagship restaurant (1310 Surf Ave.) on the corner of Stillwell Ave at Coney Island, Brooklyn.
Don’t bother with Orlando. Coney Island is its very own magical kingdom, setting off free, sensational fireworks every Friday night all summer long. Grab a frank and get yourself a comfortable spot on the boardwalk to celebrate the end of the work-week every week.
Friday Night Fireworks run from Friday, June 20 through Labor Day. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:45pm and typically launch from the beach at West 12th Street, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the iconic boardwalk and amusement parks.
New York City beaches are now open for swimming and sunbathing. A visit to one—if not all—of the best beaches NYC has to offer is needed when temperatures become hot and sticky.
Whether you’re planning weekend getaways, a camping trip or just looking for ways to cool off or with friends, these beaches in New York are a quick subway, ferry or bus trip away. If you have a car and want to venture further out, we’ve also included off-the-beaten-track sandy shores that are less than two hours away.
Acting like a kid again is never a bad idea, and these amusement parks near NYC are the perfect places to get your adrenaline pumping.
Good ol’ Coney Island is right in your backyard with one of our fave Ferris wheels and the famous Cyclone wooden roller coaster, but it’s also worth venturing to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut for a fun day out.
Raise a glass to spectacular views and elevated libations at the city's best rooftop bars.
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