San Francisco 4th July 2023

Fireworks, Live Stream, TV, Events, Schedule, Viewing Points

The 4th of July in San Francisco is one huge party right across the city, with locals and visitors alike embracing the rare national public holiday by flooding into the city's many bars and embracing the lively restaurant scene. It is very much a time for families to get together and celebrate the occasion.

In terms of public events, the main Independence Day venue in SF is the city's iconic Pier 39, which is the focal point for a full day of festivities that includes live music, with local artists usually featuring heavily, dancing and of course the big evening fireworks display that lights up the whole San Francisco Bay area, using the Golden Gate Bridge as a spectacular backdrop.

4th July fireworks schedule

The main event in San Francisco to celebrate the 4th July is of course the spectacular fireworks display at the Watefront. The fireworks get underway at 9.30pm with the main ones launched from barges moored off the famous Pier 39.

The fireworks are especially planned to be viewable from as many places around the Bay as possible, but particular vantage points to head for include:

Fisherman's Wharf

The Pier 39 Decks and restaurants

Crissy Field

Ghirardelli Square

Marina Green

Aquatic Park

Coit Tower

Sausalito

You might think the Golden Gate Bridge would be an ideal fireworks viewing locaiton, but the bridge walkways close at 9pm, before the fireworks start, so if you head out there hoping for a front row seat you're set to be disappointed!

Other firework displays are set for: Oaklands A's, Morgan Hill Freedom Fest, California's Great America in Santa Clara, Gilroy Fireworks Show, Concord 4th July Drive-In, Pleasant Hill, Antioch, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo (Full details normally available closer to the time at hoodline.)

4th July Fireworks cruises

A lot of people choose to take to the water for a 4th July cruise, where you're pretty much guaranteed an unobstructed view of the pyrotechnics. There are several companies to choose from, but we especially like the look of the offerings here:

SF Bay 4th July Cruises

Note: if you're a big fan of fireworks displays then be sure to check out the San Francisco new years eve fireworks

TV & Live Streaming

There should be some coverage of the fireworks on the local network TV channels - we'll keep an eye out and post any links we find right here. Check out the local CBS San Francisco channel, which has live online video here:

CBS SF Live video

ABC 7 has, in the past, provided a live stream, so give it a try: ABC 7 San Francisco 4th of July

One of the best ways to see the fireworks online though is to check out some of the local webcam views - there are some fantastic live views over San Francisco Bay, and of the Golden Gate Bridge in particular:

San Francisco webcams

Hotels & Accommodation

If you're in San Francisco on the 4th July then it is very much advisable to book your accommodation as early as you can as they city fills up quickly.

You can search for hotels, check availability and make reservations for local hotels here.

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