GWB, my 17 yr old son and I will be in NYC on the 4th of July, staying at the Hampton Inn Chelsea, on W 23rd; we get into hotel around 5pm on the 4th, plan to eat at possibly Elmo's or Don Giovanni's and was hoping to watch the fireworks over the Hudson. My question is where in that 24th street to 59th is the best place to view, without being toe-to-toe with thousands of people? Is there a park nearby or open area? any other suggestions? I've read Macy's recommendations, but not knowing anything about NYC, your expertise would be appreciated!

It is hard to tell because this is a new location this year but the likelyhood is that if your are as late as you say you are going to be you will not have a very good viewing spot and no matter where you go there will be thousands of people. People who have never been to one of these and think they are like the fireworks back home in the local ballfield unfortunately are sadly mistaken. In the past people would start lining up early in the day and the police would shut off various entrances as they got too crowded. You may get lucky but don't be disappointed if thousands of people beat you to your desired spot.

Good luck.

thanks, bilmin09...I was afraid of that...never having been to your lovely city, that in itself will be quite the experience! think we might just find a doorway or street corner to stand, along with all the others..some maps that I've seen shows a "Chelsea Park"..is it truly a park, or just a residential area with trees??

There are all sorts of little parks around the city, usually referred to as pocket parks. The problem with any given location is that the line of sight could very easily be blocked by tall buildings. The best thing to do is to get as far west as you can (near the hudson river) and see what you can see. Fireworks are shot off at various levels and you may only be able to see the highest ones from where you end up. I would skip dinner and go directly to the fireworks after you check in. We eat very late in New York City and if you can wait till 10pm to eat (having snacked during the day) you will find lots of places open and then you can get back to your hotel. The more time you take to find a spot for the fireworks the better off you will be. I would also go on the Macy's web site for the fireworks and see what they advise. I myself live in Brooklyn and that's where I'll stay-- I'm not fighting that crowd but if I were you I would definitely want to experience it once in my life , its a great show.

Bilman-

You say that alot of the access areas may be blocked later on in the day if it gets too congested with people. You may not know the answer to this, since the fireworks have not taken off on the Hudson for quite awhile, but will it be difficult to access the 46th st / 12th St location for those that have passes to board the Intrepid?

Again you may not have this info, but if you do great.

You are correct--- I don't know since it is a new venue this year... The reports are that it will not be as bad as it has been on the FDR Drive when access was limited but rest assured there will be tons of people there since A. It is on a Saturday and B. the weather looks like it might cooperate. I would just allow lots of extra time to make your way through the area.

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