The Macy's fireworks may be viewed from any area with an unobstructed view of the sky above the Hudson River. For the best views, head to 12th Avenue below W. 59th Street at the following access points along 11th Avenue: Access Points

24th-26th Streets

27th-29th Streets

33rd-34th Streets

40th-42nd Streets

44th-50th Streets

52nd-54th Streets

56th-57th Streets The following are NOT viewing areas for the 2012 show:

East River

Battery Park

Battery Park City

All Hudson River Piers (except limited access to Pier 84)

Hudson River Park promenade between W. Houston and 59th Street

Hudson River Park Bike Path between W. Houston and 59th Street

NYC's 4th of July fireworks begin around 9:20 pm. and last for about 26 minutes, and once again Brooklyn gets the shaft and NJ gets the goods on Independence Day, a Wednesday this year. So try to figure out a good spot by the West Side Highway (see above), or maybe consider Jersey. Maxwell's in Hoboken has Mike Peters of the Alarm playing after the Fireworks, and notes "the end of 11th St. by Maxwell's is one of the best places to view the fireworks!"

Another option: get on a boat. Rocks Off presents a Fourth of July Cruise aboard The Half Moon with DJ Buffalo Bill. it's $99 a person, but gives you a prime view complete with food and 3 hours of open bar, and it's probably more fun than Circle Line's "Private Pier Party." What other good spots do you know about?

You can also of course just stay home watch the fireworks on TV, complete with "performances" by Katy Perry and Kenny Chesney. Or not at all.

Meanwhile check out some fireworks in Coney Island tonight and every Friday. They rule and you can watch them from the beach.