4th of July festivities in San Francisco and the Bay Area
Where, how and when to see July 4th fireworks in San Francisco and the Bay Area.
The highlight of San Francisco’s July 4th celebration is the annual mega fireworks show at the waterfront.
At 9:30 pm, fireworks are set off from the foot of the Municipal Pier and from barges north of Pier 39. The best places to watch the show: Aquatic Park (Jefferson and Hyde streets), the Cannery (Beach & Leavenworth), Ghirardelli Square, other waterfront spots at Fisherman’s Wharf and Coit Tower. With a little distance and in an overhead location, it is also pretty cool: Twin Peaks for sure or even Corona Heights Playground (right behind the Randall Museum) are definitely good spots. Head a bit further to Treasure Island (awesome except for the trafficonce you want to leave) or even futher to Angel Island.
Read more about 4th of July celebration at Pier 39.
Events all throughout the Bay.
You can also watch the Fireworks from the Bay. The USS Hornet based in Alameda offers a whole afternoon program and allows to enjoy the Bay show from the flight deck. Read more.
Another good scenario: try to book a table in one of the SF restaurants with a view on the Bay. Check our selection of restaurants with a view in the useful addresses.
If you’d rather escape from SF, below is our selection of some festivities all throughout the Bay Area:
In Sausalito, parade, festivities, picnic and… fireworks, for sure! Read more.
In San Rafael, it is going to start July 1st with the Marin County Fair and last until late July 5th with some... fireworks (that one was easy to guess!) Read more.
In Alameda, huge parade, famous all around the country, race and games. Read more.
In Berkeley, family activities and festivities all day long and fireworks will take place @ the Marina Pier. Read more.
In Foster City, local fireworks after a whole day at the lagoon in a very family friendly atmosphere. Read more.
And... on the other end of the Bay, in San Jose, attend the parade and Car show on Alameda Avenue - Rose, White and Blue parade - and like everywhere else, enjoy the Fireworks starting at 9:30pm presented by the Rotary Club.
Let's finish with the annual SF Symphony concert at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. A tradition!
In San Francisco, think Public Transportation to make your life easier. And keep in mind that on July 4th, the fog is a guest that you can’t anticipate but you may expect.
We wish you a great Independence Day!
