NYC fireworks- what time?
 

Hello! Though we live in NYC, we've never done the whole fireworks hoopla. However, we have friends in town for the 4th this year, so it seems like the right time.

Ideally, we'd like to find a nice park with a good view of the show, and get there early with a picnic, etc. I'm thinking about East River Park, but I've never been there so I'm wondering if anyone can offer opinions?

Also, what time would you suggest for the picnic? Would 5:00 be too late to stake out a nice spot for the afternoon?

Thanks all!

I think they usually go off around 9.

Just remember, if you're thinking East River Park so is everyone else.

I used to be able to see them from my apartment in Hoboken. If it's a clear night, they go off high enough that you can see them above the city from across the Hudson.

When I have seen them in the city it's been from the FDR drive.

(This is a little Cliff Clavenish of me but Burton LeFland, the bankruptcy judge that approved Macy's exit order in 1994, put into his order a requirement that Macy's continue their fireworks on the East River - which turns out was the view from his apartment. Feel free to impress your friends with this bit of useless trivia.)

Thanks! I love useless trivia :)

Topping... any other suggestions?

If any NYers have suggestions other than East River Park, that's great too. We know it will be crowded everywhere, but are looking for a somewhat enjoyable picnic! :)

Well, we watched them one time from the East Side/FDR. We went up the ramp from like 34th St. They close the h/way at about 7PM. Better get there early to get a position. But beware. At the end hundreds of thousands of people will be leaving at the same time. They srtart a little after nine. Better check Macy*s website.

The only problem with a picnic at 5pm, is no access to a bathroom until well after the fireworks at 10pm, I see a problem there.

How about the South St. Seaport and have dinner around 5 then stake out a spot to see the show. From there you can see all 3 barges. And you might want to bring a radio to tune into the music that is simulcast not sure which station, but I'm sure someone else will know.

Have a GREAT time.

from today's N Y Post....

THAT the best spot to watch July Fourth fireworks will be the new waterfront hotel Ravel in Long Island City, which is throwing an all-day bash . . .

Thanks so much! I hadn't thought about South Street Seaport, I'll look into that.

Also thanks for the NY Post article!