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New York City is extravagant, and never more so than on Independence Day.
In fact, the annual Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks is the biggest in the US, and this year they're celebrating their 40th anniversary on the East River on Monday, July 4.
But you don't have to be in Manhattan to catch the pyrotechnic displays.
A quick call to 311 tells us that actually, the best unobstructed views are in Brooklyn and Queens. And if you don't want to watch Macy's displays, you have other options, such as Coney Island's Fourth of July celebration or Jersey City's 3rd annual Freedom & Fireworks Festival.
Most shows start around 9 p.m., but it's suggested you get there earlier to secure a good viewing spot. If you're unsure whether your chosen park is open, you can give 311 a call the day of your preferred show to verify.
That said, here are 12 great, free places where you can catch the fireworks this July Fourth:
Brooklyn Bridge Park has one of the best views of the Macy's July Fourth Spectacular. You can catch the show at any one of the piers, but Pier 5 and Pier 6, as well as the main park, will give you the best views.
The closer you get to the Brooklyn Bridge, the closer you will be to one of Macy's barges.
Brooklyn Bridge Park.
According to the Macy's website, there will be designated ground-level viewing on Broad St as well as upper-level viewing on Old Slip St. and via the FDR Drive on Pearl and Frankfort streets in the Seaport District.
The Seaport District will also be hosting the Festival of Independence, a two-day festival filled with art, music, and food.
See more detail at the Macy's website.
It will essentially have the same view offered at the Brooklyn Bridge Park, since it's coming from the same barge.
Seaport District New York City.
Along the pier is the Brooklyn Heights Promenade in Downtown Brooklyn, another good spot to catch the barge near the Brooklyn Bridge.
This location is elevated so you might get a better view — but it's also a lot smaller, so you might have to jockey for position.
See this is my place to be #nyc #skyline
Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
Another destination suggested by Macy's for their show is near the East River Park on East Houston St. in the Lower East Side.
This location is near the barge near the Brooklyn Bridge as well as one of the four barges near midtown Manhattan, so you might be able to see fireworks on both sides.
East River Park.
The prime locations are located along the FDR Drive on East 16th St., East 23rd St., East 34th St., and East 42nd St.
You'll be able to catch one — or all — of the four barges from Macy's along the FDR Drive.
If you go farther north, you can catch the show at Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side in Manhattan.
The bridge will probably be in your sight line, but it'll still be amazing.
If you want the sick views without getting stuck in the crowd, you can try the Grand Ferry Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
It's across the river from the East River Park, so you might be able to catch the barge near the Brooklyn Bridge as well as the ones near midtown Manhattan.
A look across the river. #eastriver #manhattan #williamsburg #grandferrypark
Grand Ferry Park.
Another good location in Williamsburg is the East River State Park — not to be confused with the East River Park in Manhattan, which is just above Grand Ferry Park.
You'll get a good view of the New York City skyline as well as fireworks from all four barges.
🔷 Picture perfect city 🔷 #NYC #skyline #capturethemoment
East River State Park.
If you're in Greenpoint, there's another good viewing spot at the WNYC Transmitter Park.
This park is at the tip of Greenpoint, right next to the East River.
WNYC Transmitter Park.
If you're in Queens, you can get a good view at the Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City.
You'll be able to catch all four of Macy's barges here.
Gantry Plaza State Park.
Battery Park is a smart location to catch fireworks from the West Side.
It's a good spot if you want to completely avoid the Macy's crowd. You'll be catching the show from the barges at the Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
There's even a show in Staten Island, hosted by the Staten Island Philharmonic at the Alice Austen House (2 Hylan Boulevard).
Read more at the Alice Austen House website.
They're offering a free concert before the fireworks show.
Staten Island.
Coney Island in South Brooklyn will also be having their own fireworks display this year.
It's the perfect location for your July Fourth fun — if you go early you can catch the hot-dog eating contest hosted by Nathan's, enjoy the beach, and grab a good seat for the show.
Coney Island.
Happy Fourth, New York.
Carl Schurz Park.
Jessica Mai Editorial Intern Jessica Mai is currently the Your Money intern at Business Insider. She loves finding the best and easiest ways to save you money. Jessica graduated from Stony Brook University's School of Journalism. Read more Read lessncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyvsdZmsKiqm2KwqsDYZp2iqpWsvLO30mahrqSpYrOwwdGtn2ZqYGaDboI%3D