Over 30 tall ships — rigged sailing vessels from around the world — can be viewed from the Hudson River waterfront up to the GW Bridge on the 4th of July
The MIRCEA, a 269-foot, three-masted barque, is homeported in Constanta, Romania, on the Black Sea and has 23 sails and sail area of 18,837 square feet.
By Greta Vassallo | July 1, 2026
If you have ever taken the ferry to visit Manhattan or been on a sailboat, the tall ships coming to New York and New Jersey are those two things combined, on a much grander scale. While the ferry is only about 100 feet long, some tall ships can be up to 3 times the size with massive sails. While these may remind you of pirates or an exploration for land, these ships are actually coming to the ports in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.
This summer, the Fourth of July the festivities are grander and expand farther than ever before. In addition to viewing the fireworks show on both sides of New York City and surrounding areas spectators have the unique opportunity to witness maritime history for the holiday.
Sail4th 250 will bring tall ships from over 20 countries to the Hudson River between New York and New Jersey. Tall ships have extravagant sails and hold many officers, crewmen, sailors and more. While some of the tall ships were built more recently, many are pieces of history that were first made in the 1930s and 40s. Sail 250 began the celebrations early, with events and tours that started in May. They first went to New Orleans, then Norfolk, Virginia, and then to Baltimore, Maryland.
Now, beginning on July 3rd and ending July 7th, the tall ships can be viewed in the NYC area for a variety of events. Most importantly, the tall ships parade on the Hudson River can be viewed from the Hoboken waterfront on July 4th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Over 30 ships will sail from the Verrazzano Bridge to the George Washington Bridge. Additionally, Navy Grey Hull Ships from across the globe will dock along the Hudson River and can be seen earlier in the day, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
One U.S. ship you can look out for as you watch is the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, at 295 feet long and training cadets since 1946. Eagle will be leading the parade of sails. Another historic ship is the Elissa, which is the official tall ship of Texas, 141 feet long, and is designated a historic landmark. Additionally, the Clearwater, a full sized replica of the Hudson river sloops from the 18th century, was created by environmental activist Pete Seeger to experience the beauty of the river and engage with protection efforts.
One of the largest international ships sailing through the Hudson is the Bap Union from Peru, a 378 foot steel sail training vessel. Others to spot are the Dar Mlodziezy from Poland, a 354 foot ship with a sail area of 32,000 square feet, the Juan Sebastian de Elcano from Spain, at 371 feet long and holding 300 sailors, and the Amerigo Vespucci, which is 329 feet long and has been active since 1931, apart from WWII.
Hoboken will offer some of the best views of the tall ships across the Hudson. Hoboken uniquely has open access across a majority of the waterfront that allows for clear sights of all the activity on the river. While some surrounding areas where large structures may block your view of these great ships and the fireworks shows later that night, the Hoboken waterfront allows the Hudson and its features to be enjoyed and appreciated. Residents and visitors have the opportunity to walk along the waterfront walkway that spans across the city or grab a spot in one of the parks throughout the whole parade if they wish.
Fund for a Better Waterfront has strived to have the waterfront remain open and accessible to the public, advocating to the City since 1990 for a continuous waterfront park in Hoboken. The 1990 referendum victory over Pier A allows this park to be one of the best spots to watch the ships. You could watch from the side benches, on a blanket in the grass, or on the steps closest to the water. In addition to experiencing the tall ship parade, Pier A hosts an all-day block party on the 4th with music, food trucks, and activities for all ages.
Another great spot to watch the ships is Maxwell Place Park. Maxwell provides a calm and open space to get a close view of all the different ships. Whether you are walking through, getting some sun, or relaxing under the shade, this is a great area to settle in and watch the ships from across the world sail by.
Finally, Pier 13 offers an exceptional waterfront view uptown. Starting at 12:00 p.m. on July 4, Pier 13 will have food trucks, DJs and family activities to enjoy. One could spend the whole day here, watching the tall ships parade in the early afternoon and the fireworks show at night.
The access to the Hoboken waterfront remains in order to view the tall ships and fireworks on the 4th. However, due to the anticipation of large crowds and traffic, the city is taking preventive measures to limit the congestion and outside visitors. Restrictions and road closures will begin as early as 8:00 a.m. with access mainly limited to Hoboken residents, business owners, working commuters, transit vehicles, and those with pre-paid reserved parking in garages. Any sales of pre-paid parking will close on Thursday, July 2 by midnight. Sixteenth Street between Willow and Park Avenue and Sinatra Drive between Newark and 11th street will close at 8:00 a.m, with officers at the points enforcing the restrictions. The only parks that will be closed that day are Pier C, Sinatra Park Soccer Field, and Sgt. William Feskens Little League Field.
In addition to viewing the tall ships along the Hudson River on the morning of the 4th, one can get an even closer look at them from July 5-7. Interested parties can book a free tour and board these various ships at the Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Intrepid, the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, the South Street Seaport, and Staten Island Waterfront Park. Soak up the opportunity to learn more and experience these ships on the Hoboken waterfront before Sail 250 moves up north to Boston.