You can see it from any location around the lagoon. I usually watch from the area near Internation Food and Film Festival as it is less crowded but any place is fine. I just prefer being on that side of the lagoon rather than the Earthquake side. I like that side because I like watching the projections on the NY buildings. If I'm on the Amity/SanFrancisco side, I can't see those projections. But the globes and fireworks can be seen on either side of the lagoon.