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Best Places to Watch Fireworks in
San Francisco
If you’re in San Francisco in July or December, you’ll want to check out one of the incredible fireworks shows around town. San Francisco has one of the best holiday celebrations in the nation. So check out the best places in the Golden City to watch the night sky light up on Independence Day or New year's Eve.
July 4th Fireworks in San Francisco, 2026
This year, July 4th, 2026, falls on a Saturday, making it a perfect opportunity to enjoy the "City by the Bay" and its many fireworks displays. But where can you see the fireworks this year? We'll tell you everything.
San Francisco Fireworks...
Fisherman's Wharf
The official San Francisco Fireworks will be launched from 2 different spots along the water in the North part of the city at 9:30 PM. So, for the best view of San Francisco's 4th of July fireworks, head to Fisherman's Wharf, particularly Pier 39 or Aquatic Park. These locations offer a festive atmosphere and a great vantage point for the show, which typically launches from barges near Pier 39 and Aquatic Park.
If your choose Pier 39, it offers a variety of great restaurant, bars, shops and more to check out before the show. Some of the restaurants have outdoor seating that will offer great views, but make sure to get some reservations early as these coveted seats fill up quickly.
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If you choose Aquatic Park, it includes a small beach, plenty of grass areas and lots of places to lay down a blanket and enjoy the show.
​The not so fun, Fun fact: Fog is common in San Francisco, so be prepared for potentially obstructed views.
San Francisco Symphony at Shoreline amphitheatre
Every year, the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra performs at the Shoreline Amphitheatre with a festive outdoor concert, perfect for the 4th of July. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display that has been a delight for families for several years! However, be prepared for a lot of traffic to enjoy this special moment.
San Francisco Symphony at Shoreline Amphitheatre.
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Friday, July 4th, 7:00 PM
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Mountain View, CA
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From $30
Other Options to Watch the Fireworks.
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The Cannery: It features a variety of restaurants and shops as well as a cute courtyard. Not all areas will offer great views of the fireworks, but there are some prime spots in the courtyard and on the upper levels that you can grab if you are lucky.
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Fort Mason: just a little bit west of Aquatic Park and offers a large amount of space with great views.
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Crissy Field: the area features unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, The Bay Bridge and the skyline of San Francisco.
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Coit Tower: You won’t be able to go to the top of the tower for the fireworks show, but if you get there early, you can secure one of the prime viewing spots that will allow you a great view of the show.
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Treasure Island: It can be reached from the middle of the Bay Bridge and offers an epic view of the San Francisco Skyline.
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Alta Plaza Park: It offers 360 degree views of the city.
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Tank Hill: It offers some of the best wide views of San Francisco in the whole city.
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Alamo Square: Home to the famous Painted Ladies, the park also offers great views of the San Francisco Skyline.
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Lincoln Park: There are a few grass areas that provide views of the entire San Francisco skyline.
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Bernal Heights Parks: Bernal Heights Park is the perfect spot for families and people who would rather see panoramic views of the city
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Ghirardelli Square: Offers a festive atmosphere and good views.
Across The Bay...
Sausalito
Like every year, the city of Sausalito, located across the street from San Francisco, is hosting festivities throughout the day, with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:15 PM. This eventful day is free and open to the public. There will be a parade, concerts, food, games, and fireworks!
Sausalito - 4th of July Festivities.
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10:00 AM : Parade start in Old Town
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12:00 PM - 4:00 PM : Picnic at Dunphy Park
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6:30 PM : Evening Party at Gabrielson Park
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9:15 PM : Fireworks at Gabrielson Park
Berkeley Marina
Berkeley is brimming with spectacular 4th of July fun. Every year, Independence Day is celebrated with fireworks, music, community cheer, and more! Family-friendly activities abound for all ages, and colorful light displays.
New Year's Eve Fireworks in San Francisco, 2025/2026
San Francisco's New Year's Eve fireworks show takes place over the Bay on the last day of the year. It's also an amazing display over the waterfront near both the Ferry Building and the SF Bay Bridge. It's one of the most attended displays every year with hundreds of thousands of people in attendance. The display kicks off at 11:59 pm and lasts for about 15 to 20 minutes. But where can you see the fireworks this year? We'll tell you everything.
Best Places to Watch the Fireworks in San Francisco
The fireworks are on a boat that sits in the water between the Ferry Building and the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge.
Along San Francisco's East Bay Waterfront
You can watch the fireworks anywhere along San Francisco's East Bay waterfront.
If you can, the best place to sit is somewhere along the waterfront, south of the Ferry Building. Wide sidewalks allow you to sit comfortably and wait for the show to begin.
Those seeking the best seats arrive around 7 p.m. However, you can arrive an hour and a half to two hours in advance and reserve a spot.
Fireworks Cruise
If budget is not an issue, we highly recommend booking tickets for a fireworks cruise. This will allow you to spend a pleasant evening while waiting for the display to begin.
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The following companies offer this service:
Other Options to Watch the Fireworks.
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Waterbar Restaurant: This restaurant has the perfect view of the display. They serve up sustainable seafood options and have an amazing wine list. 399 Embarcadero
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Epic Steak Restaurant: This high-end steak house also has amazing food and views of the fireworks.
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Terrene Restaurant: The entire east wall is windows, so you can easily see the fireworks from here.
Sens Restaurant: This Mediterranean Restaurant has an outdoor patio where you get some great views of the show. -
Four Seasons Embarcadero’s Sky Deck.
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Corona Heights Park: Bernal Heights Park is the perfect spot for people who would rather see panoramic views of the city
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Treasure Island: It can be reached from the middle of the Bay Bridge and offers an epic view of the San Francisco Skyline.
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Tank Hill: It offers some of the best wide views of San Francisco in the whole city.
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Bernal Heights Parks: Bernal Heights Park is the perfect spot for families and people who would rather see panoramic views of the city
