On July 4th all spectating vessels must be in their designated spectator areas by 6:00 a.m.  and must remain in these areas until the conclusion of the parade unless they have permission to move from the COTP.  Upon conclusion of the parade, vessels may depart their spectator areas when deemed safe by USCG and local Law Enforcement.

These spectator areas will open on July 3rd at 3:00 p.m. and will close on July 5th at 8:00 a.m.

The Nation's 250th Birthday and FIFA World Cup 2026 are set to occur in the Port of New York/New Jersey from 13 June to 19 July 2026. From July 1-9, the port will host an International Parade of Sail, International Naval Review, an International Aerial Review, and multiple fireworks shows, including the 50th annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks display. These events will draw an estimated one million spectators expected to watch from the water and along the store to view over 100 U.S. and foreign military vessels and tall-masted sailing ships parade through New York Bay, watch 150 fixed-wing and rotary military aircraft fly over the Hudson River, and attend and participate in World Cup activities, including a quarterfinal match hosted in New Jersey on July 5th.

Please be advised that restricted areas will be in effect. You may not enter the security zones or restricted areas described unless authorized by the USCG Captain of the Port (COTP) or a designated representative. There will be an increased law enforcement presence. All mariners are required to follow navigation rules and always maintain a safe distance from security ones/restricted areas. All vessels operating within the port are required to adhere to established security zones to ensure maritime safety and security. Specifically , designated tall ships maintain a 50-year security zone. and foreign naval vessels require a 100-yard security zone during all phases of transit, anchorage, or mooring. All vessels transiting Regulated Area 'B' must do so at a slow no-wakes peed when within 100 yards of any designated vessel.

The International Naval Review Parade of Sail will be held Saturday, July 4, 2026. The best viewing time will be approximately 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Ships can be seen along the Hudson River from Battery Park to just south of George Washington Bridge.

Yes, USS Arlington (LPD 24) a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, will be available for a public ship tour in Manhattan at Pier 88 July 6, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(For patrons on foot, please enter the specific gate for Pier 88 at West 48th St. and 12th Avenue (Hudson River Greenway.)

Visitors are encouraged to show up early and be aware that lines to visit ships may be closed at least an hour prior to end of visiting hours so everyone in line has an opportunity to complete their tour.

Tours of operational military vessels are free.

We have coordinated a great tour route that gives you a sneak peek at how the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps serve our nation while at sea. A ship tour will take approximately 30 minutes. Allow a little longer if you have questions or plan to buy something from the ship’s merchandise table at the end of your tour. Ships accept different forms of payment, so we recommend having both cash as well as a credit card.

Visitors should look for clearly marked entrances. Everyone must go through a security check prior to accessing any ship. The security check is similar to what is present at most airports and consists of a walk-through metal detector and/or wand scan.

There is no age requirement to tour ships, however, adult visitors over the age of 18 are required to show a valid state or federal issued picture I.D. Tours may not be appropriate for small children or those with certain medical conditions. There are steep ladders (stairways) to climb and uneven surfaces to traverse during a ship tour, and thus, tours may be difficult for parents carrying young children. Touring ships is not advised for individuals with mobility issues.

Visitors should wear comfortable clothing; ladies should wear pants or shorts. If you are bringing a bag or camera case, it will be searched prior to entering. A ship is an industrial environment. All guests should wear flat, rubber-soled shoes. No high heels, open-toed shoes or bags that will be too heavy to carry comfortably.

Strollers or baby carriages are permitted on the pier but are not allowed on the ships.

Ships are not handicapped accessible; however, pier facilities - including the exhibit, observation, refreshment, and restroom areas - are handicapped accessible.

There may be steep ladders (stairs) to climb and narrow passageways to traverse during a ship tour. These tours may not be appropriate for individuals with heart conditions, breathing difficulties, or other medical conditions that will impact an ability to navigate such challenges.

Small hand-carried items such as handbags, small cameras, diaper bags and clear, plastic water bottles are permitted. All personnel will be screened, and all bags will be searched before entering the ship.

The following are not permitted: electronic smoking devices, bottles, water bottles, cans or glass containers of any type; banners, posters or signs of any type; mace, pepper spray, or other defensive sprays or chemicals; knives, firearms, fireworks or any explosive; illegal drugs or paraphernalia; flammable liquids or aerosol spray cans; club weapons; and animals. All electronic devices are subject to examination for functionality. The U.S. Navy, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Coast Guard reserve the right to prohibit other items not listed above.

Pictures of U.S. Navy ships are allowed on the pier prior to boarding and at a few designated locations on the ship. When you are onboard taking your tour, the tour guide will tell you where and when you can take pictures. Until then, we ask that you keep your camera/cell phone secured in a pocket, purse or backpack. Individuals who violate this policy may be asked to leave. Photo and story sharing is encouraged on all social media platforms. Whenever possible, please use #INR250 on photos/videos posted to social media.

The public can enjoy a variety of US and partner nation military band concerts and aviation events located on the U.S. Navy 250 Events page.

For your safety and the safety of the people who fly our Navy aircraft, we can not let people in our planes and helicopters. This also applies to other military vehicles and equipment. Static displays, however, can be photographed but you will need to remain behind the ropes at all times.

No. There is no smoking, including electronic smoking devices, aboard any ship or anywhere on the piers.

No food is available on these ships, but visitors are able to purchase water and some food items at concession stands nearby. Please note that outside water bottles will not be allowed past the security checkpoint.

Yes, many ships have various memorabilia and merchandise available for sale – be prepared to have cash in case credit cards are not accepted.

Operating drones in New York City is strictly prohibited around vessels participating in International Naval Review 250.