Technically, the small park atop the highest natural viewpoint in the city closes at sunset, but the parks service usually extends hours on special occasions. You know the drill: Show up early and bring a blanket or sit on the ground.

The panoramic view from the 360 Bridge Overlook near Pennybacker Bridge is spectacular, and even more so when you add a perfect view of the evening’s fireworks to the mix. Word is out about that, by the way, so get there early. The parking lot for the overlook is located on north side of Highway 360 just before the bridge on the west side. Look for the roadside parking lot under a cliff just past West Courtyard Drive, and bring a blanket or chair.

Since St. Edward’s is a lesser-known viewpoint, it probably isn’t crucial for you to show up early, but if you’re late, do expect the field to be populated with locals and students in the know. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair, or plan to commandeer the bleachers.

Our sprawling central city park has many excellent vantage points from which to watch the very nearby explosions in the sky. Just like other fireworks-adjacent areas, though, it will be crowded and best reached by foot, bike, or bus if possible. Remember that there are, at least until that MLS team shows up, many nearby public areas with excellent viewpoints, including Shoal Beach, Sand Beach Park, Butler Park, Rock Island, Lamar Beach, Redbud Isle, and Deep Eddy Park.

You don't have to worry about cars on this bridge, of course, which is a distinct advantage. As always bears repeating, get there very early, as it will be packed way before the fireworks start. Also, it's generally bad form to bring a blanket or chair so as many people as possible can get a spot.

This will get you even closer to the action than the Congress Avenue bridge, but know that will need to have the whole time.

There are plenty of places along both shores of the lake that will put you practically underneath the fireworks (bring a flashlight for when it's time to find your way out, though). Bonus points for biking or walking to your destination rather than adding to the traffic and mess closer to the event. One exception: According to the Austin Symphony website, the lower portion of the Hike & Bike Trail on the north side of Lady Bird Lake (between the Seaholm intake structure and South First Street) will be closed as needed for safety. The upper sidewalk along Cesar Chavez will remain open.

This spot on the western edge of the Wild Basin preserve provides a great view of downtown that zooms right over the basin.