July 4 in NYC: The Best Unofficial Spots To Watch The Fireworks

NEW YORK, NY — Everything is bigger in New York City, including its birthday parties. The nation's largest Independence Day celebration is being hosted on the East River with hundreds of thousands expected to watch it in person or on TV.

As New Yorkers crowd riverbanks and other vantage points to watch more than 70,000 fireworks light up the night sky on July 4, there are a few select places to get a particularly incredible view – if you can snag a spot.

And Patch knows where they are.

The city released a list of official locations to watch the Macy's sponsored event, scheduled to start at 9:20 p.m. But a selection of more intimate viewing spots include:

One World Observatory: 285 Fulton Street, Manhattan

Tickets are on the expensive side at $75-$325 a pop, but the 360 degree view from 1,776 feet up in the air is one that will stay with you forever. The tickets will grant you access to the hundredth floor where there will be an open bar and hot dogs.

Southpoint Park, Roosevelt Island

The island off Manhattan has fantastic views of the city skyline and the fireworks. Southpoint Park has an annual party every year for the celebration.

Fornino, Brooklyn

Fornino might have some of the best pizza in New York City, but it's also blessed with being in an almost perfect location to watch the Independence Day spectacle in 2019. The majority of the fireworks being shot off this year will be done so from the Brooklyn Bridge, and Fornino sits directly in the Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Tickets for the event are going quickly – and they're not cheap at $250.

South Street Seaport, Manhattan

With one of the firework launching barges position in the East River just in front of the South Port Seaport, the lower Manhattan is a fantastic spot to watch the spectacle unfold. People will also get to enjoy live music and food from the Festival of Independence going on at the location from 1:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Gantry Plaza State Park, Queens

The 12-acre state park on the East River is one of the best possible destination for Queens' residents looking to get a view of the July 4 firework show. The location however does fill up fast every year, so get their early if you want an optimal viewing spot.