Pack up hot dogs, hamburgers, cupcakes and chips, and head to Brooklyn Bridge Park to claim your spot for the fireworks. Get there early enough to soak in some sun and check out Jeppe Hein's public art installations (one of which incorporates spurts of water you can cool off in), and bring some comfy blankets to settle in for the long haul. That view of the Manhattan skyline will be worth it.
Freedom is best when celebrated for free, right? Whether you're watching the 4th of July fireworks in NYC, heading to one of the top 4th of July events or going to one of the best beaches, you're in for a red, white and blue extravaganza. Here's our favorite picks that won't cost you anything at all so you can spend more money on inflatable eagles and star-spangled swimsuits.
RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of the 4th of July in NYC