The Fourth of July fireworks, at least the official ones, won’t be visible from Brooklyn rooftops this year as they’re being shot off over only the Hudson River. Prime views will be between W. 23rd and W. 59th streets, which means you’re headed to the far West Side or taking the PATH if you want to check out the display. Any way you slice it, group displays of patriotism can be a shitshow, so here are some tips to make sure you’re as prepared as possible to celebrate your independence.

By Land: The northbound lanes of the West Side Highway will be closed, as will 12th Avenue between W. 23rd and W. 29th streets, so everyone who wants to hoof it can access the closed-off areas via these streets: 24th, 26th through 30th, 34th, 40th through 44th, 47th through 52nd, and 54th through 57th.

By Sea: There are two options for those who want to watch the light display on the wide blue expanse of the Hudson River.The NY Water Taxi leaves from pier 17 at the South Street Seaport, Pier at 6:30 for a cruise around the landmarks of the skyline ($100, includes a boxed snack, 212-742-1969).

The NY Waterway Tour leaves at 7 from Pier 78 at W. 38th Street as well as a number of locations in New Jersey ($75, 800-533-3779).

By Air: With panoramic views of the fireworks, the Hudson Terrace (621 W. 46th St., betw. 11th & 12th Aves., 212-315-9400) is shaping up to be the top-notch destination on the 4th—if you pay the $125 that also gets an allyou-can-eat BBQ and an open bar. For $200 a person, your group can rent a private cabana for up to 15 people. On the other side of the Hudson, the Chandelier Room at the W Hotel in Hoboken offers a festive and expansive menu that night, including mozzarella, vegetarian and prosciutto pizzas to accompany summer cocktails (225 River St., at 3rd St., Hoboken, 201-253-2400).

For something more exclusive, 250 tickets, at $125 each, will be sold for the light show as seen from the 86th Floor Observatory in the Empire State Building (350 5th Ave., at E. 33rd St., 212-736-3100).