Things To Do
NEW YORK CITY
Fourth of July Highlights Macy’s NYC Fireworks Brooklyn Bridge Park fireworks viewing South Street Seaport celebrations Rooftop fireworks parties Hudson River & East River fireworks cruises Liberty State Park skyline views Manhattan rooftop cocktail experiences
New York City
2026 Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday The 50th Annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks celebration will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026 with fireworks launching from both the East River and Hudson River for the first time. Festivities begin at 8:00 PM ET, with fireworks expected around 9:25 PM ET. Viewing locations and public access points will be announced closer to the event.
New York City
Luxury Experiences, Family Favorites & Fourth of July Fun Rooftop Experiences & Skyline Views 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar Starting Price: $$–$$$ One of NYC’s most iconic rooftops featuring panoramic skyline views and Empire State Building backdrops. Perfect for cocktails, groups, and fireworks viewing. Harriet's Rooftop Starting Price: $$$ A refined rooftop experience with incredible waterfront views overlooking Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Westlight Starting Price: $$$ Sophisticated Brooklyn rooftop perfect for sunset cocktails and elevated dining. Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge Starting Price: $$ A playful, energetic rooftop known for DJs, cocktails, and vibrant nightlife. Nubeluz Starting Price: $$$$ Ultra-luxury rooftop experience inside The Ritz-Carlton NoMad with dramatic skyline views and elevated cocktails.
NEW YORK CITY
Family-Friendly NYC Activities Central Park Starting Price: Free Perfect for picnics, carriage rides, playgrounds, row boats, and scenic walks. Top of the Rock Starting Price: $$ One of the best skyline observation decks in New York City. American Museum of Natural History Starting Price: $–$$ A favorite for families with dinosaur exhibits, space displays, and interactive experiences. Brooklyn Bridge Park Starting Price: Free Beautiful waterfront park with skyline views, playgrounds, food vendors, and fireworks viewing opportunities. The High Line Starting Price: Free An elevated park featuring gardens, art installations, and stunning city views.
NEW YORK CITY
Elevated & Romantic Dining RH Rooftop Restaurant Starting Price: $$$ Dreamy all-white interiors, chandeliers, and classic upscale dining. Peak Starting Price: $$$$ Luxury dining experience with breathtaking skyline views. Cipriani Downtown Starting Price: $$$$ Classic New York glamour and upscale Italian dining.
NEW YORK CITY
Family-Friendly Dining Serendipity 3 Starting Price: $$ A whimsical NYC favorite known for frozen hot chocolate and desserts. Ellen's Stardust Diner Starting Price: $$ An iconic Broadway-themed diner where singing servers perform throughout the meal. Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer Starting Price: $$ Known for oversized burgers and famous “CrazyShake” milkshakes. Carmine's Starting Price: $$–$$$ A lively Italian restaurant serving large family-style portions perfect for groups. Shake Shack Starting Price: $ A casual NYC staple for burgers, fries, shakes, and quick family-friendly meals. Pietro Nolita Starting Price: $$ A fun all-pink Italian café perfect for brunches and Instagram-worthy moments. Brooklyn Chop House Starting Price: $$–$$$ Family-friendly atmosphere with dumplings, steak, and fusion-style dishes. The Smith Starting Price: $$ A consistently crowd-pleasing option for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
NEW YORK CITY
Fun Group Dining & Nightlife Catch NYC Starting Price: $$$ High-energy upscale dining and nightlife atmosphere. LAVO Starting Price: $$$ A celebratory NYC dinner destination with nightlife energy.
Jersey Shore
Elevated Coastal Dining Pascal & Sabine French-inspired upscale dining with a romantic atmosphere. Watermark Oceanfront cocktails with floor-to-ceiling beach views. The Parker House A Jersey Shore nightlife staple with live music and outdoor cocktails. Porta Lively group-friendly atmosphere perfect for cocktails and pizza nights.
Jersey Shore
Jersey Shore Recommendations Beach Towns, Fireworks & Coastal Favorites Family-Friendly Shore Activities Jenkinson's Boardwalk Classic Jersey Shore boardwalk with arcades, rides, aquarium, mini golf, fireworks, and restaurants. Asbury Park Boardwalk Great for walking, shopping, dining, beach access, and live music. Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Family-friendly rides, water park attractions, games, and fireworks. Point Pleasant Beach Perfect for beach days, boardwalk fun, and classic summer shore experiences.
Jersey Shore
Jersey Shore Good Eats Martell's Tiki Bar Oceanfront dining with a casual beach atmosphere and live music. Jenks Club Boardwalk favorite with pizza, seafood, casual dining, and beach views. The Committed Pig Popular brunch and burger spot loved for pancakes and breakfast sandwiches. Pop's Garage Fun beachfront Tex-Mex restaurant directly on the boardwalk. Mogo Korean Fusion Tacos A local favorite for quick beachside tacos and Korean fusion dishes. The Shrimp Box Classic waterfront seafood restaurant perfect for family dinners. Mueller's Bakery Beloved Jersey Shore bakery known for crumb cake and pastries. Broad Street Dough Co. Fun gourmet doughnut shop perfect for breakfast runs or late-night treats.
New Jersey
Northern New Jersey Turtle Back Zoo Beloved family destination featuring animals, train rides, mini golf, and walking paths. American Dream Massive entertainment complex with indoor amusement parks, water parks, shopping, restaurants, and attractions. Edgewater A scenic Hudson River waterfront town known for skyline views, dining, shopping, and sunset walks. Topgolf Edison Interactive golf entertainment venue perfect for groups and nightlife. The Funplex Indoor and outdoor family entertainment center with rides, arcade games, and water attractions.
New Jersey
Western New Jersey Space Farms Zoo & Museum Classic roadside attraction featuring zoo animals and antique collections. Land of Make Believe Classic family amusement and water park ideal for younger children. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Perfect for hiking, kayaking, waterfalls, and scenic drives. Crystal Springs Resort Luxury resort destination known for golf, spa experiences, fine dining, and mountain scenery.
New Jersey
Central & Eastern New Jersey Six Flags Great Adventure One of the country’s largest amusement parks featuring roller coasters, safaris, water parks, and fireworks. Adventure Aquarium One of the Northeast’s top aquariums featuring shark tunnels, hippos, and waterfront skyline views. Liberty State Park Beautiful waterfront park with Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline views.
New Jersey
Restaurants Near West Orange Elevated Dining & Date Night McLoone's Boathouse Beautiful waterfront dining overlooking the reservoir with seafood, cocktails, and sunset views. The Highlawn Elegant upscale dining with NYC skyline views. Faubourg Chic French brasserie with beautiful interiors and elevated cuisine. Sapori Modern Italian dining with handmade pasta and refined ambiance. Felina Steak Stylish modern steakhouse.
New Jersey
Family-Friendly Favorites Chit Chat Diner Whimsical diner known for oversized desserts and brunch favorites. Primavera Ristorante Classic Italian restaurant with generous portions and family-friendly dining. Jimmy Buff's Legendary New Jersey spot famous for Italian hot dogs. Kim's Sushi Popular sushi restaurant with casual family-friendly dining. Star Tavern Iconic New Jersey pizza spot beloved for thin-crust bar pies. Casual Lunches, Drinks & Local Favorites SuzyQue's BBQ & Bar Relaxed BBQ restaurant with cocktails and outdoor seating. Bonds Tavern Laid-back tavern ideal for burgers and casual evenings. Fresco Da Franco Lively favorite for modern Italian dining and cocktails.
Transportation
Transportation Guide Traveling Between New Jersey & New York City Bus Service — Willowbrook Park & Ride Convenient NJ Transit express bus service directly into Manhattan while avoiding city parking and traffic. NJ Transit Train Service Popular departure stations include: Morristown Summit Montclair Secaucus Junction Newark Penn Station Uber / Lyft / Private Car Service Ideal for direct transportation, nightlife, rooftop dinners, and flexible schedules. Ferry Service Popular departures: Hoboken Jersey City Weehawken Perfect for scenic skyline views and sunset/fireworks experiences. Transportation Within New Jersey Rental Car Services Airport rental options available at: Newark Liberty International Airport LaGuardia Airport JFK Airport Popular companies: Enterprise Hertz Avis Budget National Alamo