Boom!    (Photo: Getty Images)

Brooklyn Heights Promenade
For a romantic view of the pyrotechnics, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is the best seat in the house. You’ll have to camp out early to nab a decent spot, but the stunning East River vistas (and the corresponding Instagram opportunities) make it worth it.

South Street Seaport
The Seaport’s post-Sandy rebirth has been gradual but strong. Gone are many of the shops and tourist attractions (most notably Pier 17), but the views of the Brooklyn Bridge are still among the city’s most picturesque.

Brooklyn Bridge Park (Piers 1–6)
While most New Yorkers will flock to rooftops on the Fourth, seek lower ground under the Brooklyn Bridge. You can’t get much closer to the action — with fireworks in front of and behind them, spectators often say they don’t know where to look first. Brooklyn Bridge Park’s grassy lawns were made for sprawling out on. Grab a blanket, lie back, and watch the sky come alive.

Gantry Plaza State Park
4-09 47th Rd., at Center Blvd., Long Island City; 718-786-6385
With Hunters Point South Park acting as the event’s command center — and therefore closed to the public on July 4 — its neighbor to the north will be swallowing some of the crowds heading to Long Island City for this year’s show, which includes five barges blasting fireworks between 24th and 41st Streets in midtown.

FDR Drive
Public viewing sections in Manhattan will be available on elevated portions of the highway with entry points at Houston, 18th, 23rd, 34th, and 42nd Streets and in lower Manhattan at Broad Street (ground level), Old Slip (upper level), and Pearl and Frankfort Streets. Arrive early to secure a spot as spectators will be redirected to other locations as it gets crowded. Check here, as access points and viewing locations are subject to change.

Classic Harbor Line
When: Departures from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.
What: Choose from five three-hour cruises aboard 1920s-style yachts on which you can enjoy passed hors d’oeuvre and an open bar.
Price: From $428 per person.

Hornblower Cruises
When: Boarding from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
What: Hornblower offers four cruises from Pier 15. Three include a picnic-style buffet, while the other features a six-course seated dinner, and all have an open bar as well as an on-boat DJ.
Price: From $300 per person.

Bateaux New York
When: Boarding at 5 p.m.; cruising 6 to 11 p.m.
What: The party begins dockside during boarding and continues for five hours while sailing alongside the city. A three-course dinner and live music will accompany the percussive fireworks celebration.
Price: From $450 per person.

New York Water Taxi
When: Boarding from 5:30 to 6 p.m.
What: Four cruise times offer on-the-water fireworks viewing that won’t break the bank. New York Water Taxi will provide passed and stationary hors d’oeuvre, a light buffet, dessert trays, soda, juice, and water and a cash bar for beer and wine.
Price: $199 per person.

Manhattan by Sail
When: Departure at 5:30 p.m. on two boats.
What: Get up close and personal with the fireworks on this four-and-a-half-hour cruise, with an open bar with specialty cocktails and a barbecue buffet featuring southern fried chicken, ribs, and more.
Price: From $400 for adults and $325 for kids.

North River Lobster Co.
When: Boarding at 5 p.m., sailing from 6 to 11 p.m.
What: Tickets on this casual sail include an individual lobster (with bib!), a buffet with all the fixings, and a standard open bar. A DJ provides entertainment.
Price: $321 per person

Hudson's at Pier 81
When: Boarding at 5 p.m., sailing from 6 to 11 p.m.
What: Choose between an five-course seated dinner with a premium open bar and a more casual buffet option with a standard open bar, as the boat sails down the Hudson to position itself by the Brooklyn Bridge for fireworks.
Price: $275 to $464 per person