Where to see the fireworks in San Francisco?
At approx. 9:30 p.m., the fireworks will launch from the foot of the Muni Pier and off barges to the north of Pier 39. While many will watch the 21-minute display from the wharf and along the waterfront, the fireworks will also be viewable from other vantage points, such as Telegraph Hill, Crissy Field, and the Marin Headlands.Then there's the sea.
Cruises:
The Blue & Gold Fleet will sail its annual Fireworks Cruise, departing at 8 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. (non-alcoholic cruise). Prices are $33 for an advance adult ticket and $25 for children (5-11 years old). Day-of-event prices are $44 and $33 respectively.
The Red and White Fleet will also lead a cruise, with four sailings the evening of July 4th (two at 7:45 p.m. and another two at 8:15 p.m.). Tickets for the cruise are $47 per person. Reservations are required.
Getting Around:
BART will be operating a special holiday schedule to accommodate passengers and Caltrain will run three extra trains after the fireworks are over. With activities happening all day, the weather will surely change as the evening nears. Remember to pack a sweater, jacket, or coat to best enjoy the fireworks outdoors. Plan on it being cold.
Virtual Visit:
Also, to help you scope out the best vantage points ahead of time, visit EveryScape.com's 4th of July coverage. An online mapping startup, EveryScape.com has selected some of the best spots to view the city's fireworks, including Fisherman's Wharf and Coit Tower.
Visit:
http://www.everyscape.com/sanfran4th
Click "next" to get a 3-D tour of:
1. Fisherman's Wharf (starting point)
2. Marina Green
3. Coit Tower
4. Fort Mason
Everyscape.com also includes videos of last year's fireworks to ready you for 2008.
| A Patriotic Spectacle | Spreckels Temple of Music in the Music Concourse, Golden Gate Park; 1 p.m. | The Golden Gate Park Band will be making a special appearance Friday in celebration of the Fourth. Pack a picnic and listen to "patriotic musical fireworks" in the afternoon. |
| The Cannery at Del Monte Square | Del Monte Square Courtyard; 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Along with the rest of the waterfront, The Cannery will celebrate the Fourth of July with live music, kids activities, and family fun. |
| Ghirardelli Square | West Plaza; noon - 7 p.m. | Ghirardelli will be offering live entertainment to go along with its selection of shops and restaurants. |
| Pier 39 | Entrance Plaza; 1 p.m - 9:30 p.m. | Listen to music from local bands at Pier 39's Entrance Plaza right up until the fireworks at 9:30 p.m. At the Waterfront Festival, see mimes, jugglers, and other sidewalk artists. |
| Fireworks Over the Bay | Aquatic Park Stage (at Jefferson and Hyde Streets); 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. | An afternoon of family entertainment, including live music and kids activities to pass the time before the fireworks extravaganza. |
| * Additional info available from SFCVB. | ||
