The best hotel parties, public vantage points, and river cruises for enjoying NYC's fireworks this 4th of July.

The 178th anniversary commemorating Los Angeles’ first Independence Day flag-raising on July 4, 1847, scheduled for 10-11 a.m. July 4 at Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial, 451 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, “per advice from public safety officials in light of planned political protest activity.” Email: [email protected]

In the weeks leading up to the holiday, Gary Souza and around 60 fellow pyrotechnicans are focused entirely on finalizing the 49th annual Macy’s show. But they are not strolling along the Brooklyn Bridge where it will take place, nor are they balancing aboard one of the four barges in the East River that will supply additional launch points.