For nearly half a century, the Fourth of July fireworks have been one of New York City’s most beloved summer traditions. Each year, thousands gather along the waterfront for a glimpse of the dazzling display, but few know the secret to experiencing them in comfort, style, and total serenity.
This year, the 49th annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks will launch from the Brooklyn Bridge and four barges on the East River near the Seaport District. The show promises to light up the Lower Manhattan skyline in spectacular fashion. And there is simply no better place to take it all in than from the sweeping lawns of Collective Retreats Governors Island.
Just eight minutes by ferry from downtown Manhattan, Collective Retreats Governors Island is a luxury outdoor retreat that feels a world away from city crowds. Here, you will enjoy unobstructed, panoramic views of the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty, giving you a front-row seat to every sparkling moment of the fireworks show without the hassle of busy streets or packed parks.
The evening starts with an intimate, multi-course dinner on the Sunset Terrace, where you will savor dishes crafted with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. As the sun dips below the skyline and the city begins to glow, you can toast the night with signature cocktails, crisp rosé, or celebratory bubbles while taking in views that stretch from Lower Manhattan to the harbor.
As the fireworks begin to burst above the Brooklyn Bridge and East River, you will set off on an experience unlike anything else in New York. At 9 PM, grab your showtime snack pack including sparklers, house-made truffle chips, and specialty cocktails, then hop a golf cart for a quick ride to Outlook Hill. This elevated vantage point on Governors Island offers unparalleled views of the fireworks display, with sweeping sightlines across the harbor and skyline.
After the show, return to Collective Retreats Governors Island for late-night s’mores roasted over wood-burning campfires and espresso martinis enjoyed under the stars. With live music setting the perfect tone, it is an evening that blends excitement, indulgence, and comfort into a celebration you will never forget.
The magic does not have to end when the fireworks fade. By staying overnight at Collective Retreats Governors Island, you can continue your Independence Day adventure in a luxurious Summit Tent or Journey Tent designed to blend rustic charm with modern comfort. Enjoy plush beds, beautifully appointed furnishings, and thoughtful touches like private decks and en suite bathrooms in select accommodations.
Waking up on Governors Island after the city’s biggest night feels like having New York all to yourself. Begin your morning with sunrise yoga overlooking the harbor, savor a leisurely breakfast surrounded by nature, and explore the island’s car-free pathways and historic architecture without the usual crowds. Staying overnight turns your Fourth of July into a complete getaway where you can truly unwind, reconnect, and experience the beauty of New York from a new perspective.
This exclusive Fourth of July experience at Collective Retreats Governors Island is limited in availability and sells out quickly each year. If you are ready to celebrate America’s birthday with the best views in the city and an unforgettable overnight retreat.
