Bay Area July 4th fireworks: Where to watch them

Bay Area July 4th fireworks: Where to watch them

 

Update: Weather forecast for Wednesday, July 4, calls for sunshine along with some cloudy intervals. Weather Underground predicts clear skies around 9 p.m.—a good sign for maximum fireworks clarity.

Get ready to celebrate the Declaration of Independence's approval by the Continental Congress the way we do every year, by grilling meats and watching things explode in the sky. San Francisco's fireworks show will get under way on Wednesday night at 9:30 p.m. or thereabouts from the foot of the Municipal Pier and from barges north of Pier 39.

Thankfully, San Francisco's many hills also offer vantage points sans Pier 39's total body crush, if you're OK with doing a little hiking and carting around a blanket and provisions. You could also see non-sanctioned fireworks displays in the Mission. And Angel Island or Treasure Island offer great views, too, if you have the stamina for a ferry or car trip.

Below, a map of where we think you should plop down a lawn chair and ogle the fireworks. Or, more precisely, the annual lighting of the fog.

Enjoy.

1. Pier 7

This isn't the type of spot where you plop down a couple of lawn chairs and crack open a beer, but it will have an amazing view of the fireworks that are set off from the foot of the Municipal Pier and from barges north of Pier 39.

2. Indian Rock Park

There's a volcanic rock that's approximately 11 million years old in the middle of a residential neighborhood in the Berkeley hills. When you climb to the top of it, you get an unobstructed view of the Bay Area.

3. West Bluffs Picnic Center

This Crissy Field picnic area is great for large groups who want to make a day of it. There are picnic tables and a large lawn to sprawl out on for the show. From here the view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and Angel Island is breathtaking.

4. California Hornblower

If you want to get dolled up and not have to worry about scoring a comfortable seat, we suggest checking out Hornblower's Fourth of July cruise on the San Francisco Belle. For $158 per adult (plus tax, service charge, and landing fee), you get a three-and-a-half-hour cruise, a dinner buffet, a hosted wine and beer bar (cash bar for cocktails), live DJ entertainment, and an up-close and awesome view of the fireworks show.

5. Twin Peaks Summit

If you're looking to get your romance on, we suggest driving up to the top of Twin Peaks. Bring a blanket. The location will provide (Karl permitting) views of not just San Francisco's fireworks, but also Berkeley's and Sausalito's bombastic fiery displays.

6. Shoreline Park

This small patch of grass in Tiburon will provide breathtaking views of the fireworks. Grab a blanket and a cooler and head over early, as this particular spot fills up fast.

7. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Stake out a spot on the grassy area next to the Aquatic Park. Since this is a tourist destination, we suggest showing up early if you want to nab a sweet view.

8. Cavallo Point

Spectacular views of the bay and ample parking make this spot, in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, ideal for watching the fireworks. Be sure to bring blankets and flashlights.

9. Berkeley Marina

From noon to 10 pm, the Berkeley Marina is throwing an all-day event with a giant slide, dragon boat rowing, pony rides, a bounce house, crafts, face painting, and food trucks. Mini-train rides and water bubble balls will also be on hand. At 9:35, fireworks will go off from a barge south of the Berkeley Pier.

10. Coit Tower

If hiking is your thing, we suggest making the trek up to Coit Tower for the fireworks show, as we're sure the parking lot will be filled up well before dusk.

11. Treasure Island

If you can stomach some bridge traffic and some powerful night winds, head over to Treasure Island. The island's west side has plenty of lawn for you to cozy up on and watch the fireworks from afar.

12. Pier 39

Fisherman's Wharf is the ultimate tourist destination, so if you're one of the few brave locals who are set on the wharf as your place to view the show, we suggest showing up as early as possible to stake out a spot.

13. San Francisco Art Institute

Panoramic views of the bay make SFAI the perfect place to chill out and watch the fireworks this 4th of July. As some of you may know, winds on the roof terrace can be strong, so make sure to layer up.

14. Bernal Heights Park

If you want a low-key outing and don't mind a faraway, zoomed-out view of the action, head on up to Bernal Heights Park. The crowd will be more neighborhoody and chill than anything happening on the waterfront. All the usual advice about blankets and flashlights applies—and be careful picking your way down those narrow paths if you've had a few.

15. USS Hornet

Alameda’s own floating arsenal of Americana has a view of San Francisco like no other from its deck. In fact, the celebration on board begins at 2 p.m. this year and lasts well into the night, making the fireworks a captivating finale to the festivities.