July 4th fireworks at Jones Beach: Everything you need to know or know before you go
Independence Day fireworks explode over the water at Jones Beach State Park. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
With a whiz and a bang to a patriotic soundtrack, Independence Day fireworks will be lighting up the skies over Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh beginning at 9:30 p.m. on July 4.
More than 100,000 spectators are expected to head to the beach and boardwalk to watch the Garden State Fireworks-produced pyrotechnics in a 25-minute display of more than 5,000 shells with a red, white and blue theme, says State Parks Regional Director George Gorman, Jr. Radio stations WALK 97.5 FM and KJOY-98.3 FM will simulcast music during the fireworks. The fireworks are included in parking admission, $10 per car.
Here's all you need to know about ways to see the fireworks spectacular:
In the mood for dancing under the stars? The Moon Chaser, a double-decker dinner boat with a DJ and room for 100 passengers, leaves Captee at 7:30 p.m. on July 4. Beer, wine, soda and cold appetizer platters will be available, a cash bar for liquor. Board at 7:15 p.m.; $66 for adults, $56 for children, 631-265-1848, themoonchaser.com.
Freeport Water Taxi & Tours' 44-foot, 28-passenger American Yacht catamaran leaves at 8 p.m. for a two-hour cruise including a cash bar. Board at 211 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport; $60 for adults, $40 for children, reservations required, 516-521-7744, freeportwatertaxi.com.
The Capt. Lou Fleet also offers July 4 fireworks cruises leaving from the Freeport Nautical Mile. Dance to DJ music and enjoy a cash bar aboard The Captain Lou VIl, an 85-foot cruiser with a covered upper deck, climate controlled cabin and galley ($75). Or take a dinner cruise on The Starstream VIII, a 100-foot super-cruiser ($120). Board at 7:45 p.m. for 8 p.m. departure at 31 Woodcleft Ave., Freeport. Reservations are required and can be made online at 516-623-5823 or captloufleet.com.
