New York City's hustling and bustling streets take on a different character on holiday weekends as residents and visitors find their own ways to relax and enjoy the time off. From parks to beaches, Fourth of July in New York City provides activities and celebrations from morning to night.
Parks
Central Park offers hundreds of acres of activities for families or active individuals. Central Park features playgrounds, tennis courts, softball fields, running trails or picnic areas. Visit the Central Park Zoo or watch the Zon del Barrio perform as part of the Harleem Meer Performance Festival.
Beaches
"Sand and the city" means seven beaches to enjoy for games, sun bathing, barbecues and family time. Coney Island beach features entertainment from surfing to viewing Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. In existence since 1916, this event attracts international competitors with chow-down starting at noon. Rockaway Beach provides family-friendly activities including spots for fishing, volleyball, basketball and seven playgrounds. Water Taxi Beach has ample space for picnics and volleyball matches.
Music
Music lovers can enjoy a free jazz concert on the Fourth at the Louis Armstrong House Museum in celebration of jazz pioneer, Louis Armstrong, who was born July 4, 1900. This annual event is held in the museum's garden and features music, house tours and complimentary birthday cake.
Walking
New York is known for walking and its historical background. Big Onion Walking Tours offers two tours on the Fourth including the holiday tour, "Revolutionary New York". This tour visits sites in lower Manhattan that demonstrate New York's role in the early republic of the War of Independence. Historical sites associated with George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and the graves of Alexander Hamilton and General Richard Montgomery are visited. No reservation is necessary.
Celebrating
Macy's Fireworks is the largest firework display in the United States. This annual event occurs above the Hudson River with great viewing points on 12th Avenue below 59th Street. This show uses 55 times more fireworks than the average show in America. A total of 30,000 shells are used in the display, which is accompanied by music. The Macy's show can be seen live on television or in person. Special guests provide the music, with 1,000 shells bursting every minute.
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