What to Do in San Francisco for the 4th of July
Outdoor concerts and cruises on the bay to watch the fireworks are just part of the Independence Day fun in San Francisco.
Fireworks, picnics in the park, hot dogs on the grill — well, OK, maybe a veggie burger or two. Regardless of what you put on your plate, San Francisco is the perfect place to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Visitors are encouraged to walk, bike or take public transit to all events. This is one of the busiest days along San Francisco’s northern waterfront and Fisherman’s Wharf, so allow ample time to make boat departures for fireworks cruises.
July 3
Downtown First Thursdays Block Party
Second Street (between Market and Howard streets)
DFT is a free monthly street party hosted in Downtown San Francisco, taking place every first Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Get ready for disco in the streets, DJs, live music, drag, martial arts, fashion, street performances, and many other surprises! The fun takes place on Second Street (between Market and Howard) and along neighboring alleyways ready for you to explore. The event will also feature two 21+ outdoor bars on Minna and Natoma. With the Fourth being the next day, vibes are sure to be high!
July 4
Waterfront Fireworks
Head down to Fisherman’s Wharf for one of the best firework shows you can find! At 9:30 p.m., fireworks will be launched from two barges on the Bay. All neighborhood restaurants and shops in Fisherman’s Wharf will be open, so if you plan on getting there early to claim a front row spot, you are in luck! Fireworks will also be set off from Municipal Pier in Aquatic Park at the same time, which will add to the waterfront show. Traffic is expected to be heavy and use of public transportation is highly encouraged.
Best places to view the fireworks:
- Hyde Street Harbor
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- PIER 39
- Aquatic Park
- Fort Mason
- Crissy Field
- Coit Tower/Telegraph Hill
- Alta Plaza Park
- Tank Hill
PIER 39
PIER 39 will have day-long activities on the Fourth, including exhibitions on the western side of the pier and live music from 5 to 8 p.m. If you want front row seats for the firework show, this is the place to be!
Live Music
If you are heading down to the waterfront to watch the firework show at 9:30 p.m., consider getting there early for some live music! Starting at 7:45 p.m., there will be a free concert for the public at Taylor and Jefferson streets.
San Francisco Fourth of July Pub Crawl
For the city’s best pre-fireworks party, check out San Francisco’s Fourth of July Pub Crawl! Starting at Rick & Roxy's on Lombard Street, each crawler will receive a map that will lead them to some of the coolest pubs and bars in the city, each offering unique drinks and deals. Check-in will be open from 4 to 8 p.m., so make sure to pick up your wristband during this window. Try not to miss the CrawlSF Hot Dog eating contest, which is included in the event. If you have alternate plans for the Fourth but don’t want to miss out on the fun, there will also be a pub crawl happening on July 5!
Free Fourth of July Concert in the Park
On July 4 and July 6, there will be free concerts at the Spreckles Temple of Music in the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park. The shows will take place at 1:00 p.m., and will feature different artists paying tribute to the red, white and blue!
Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise
If you want to elevate your firework-viewing, book a ride with the Red and White Fleet to head out on the water! Two ships, the Enhydra and the Royal Prince, will leave at 7:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m and will stay on the water until the end of the firework show. With a lively cocktail and snack bar, this event will surely be the best viewing party in the city. Tickets are expected to sell out, so make sure to purchase in advance.
San Francisco Fourth of July Premier Dinner Cruise
City Experiences is offering a premier cruise to watch the firework show from a front row seat on the Bay. From 7 to 10 p.m., guests will be offered a plated meal, open bar and live music. Make sure to purchase tickets in advance; you will be able to choose potential extras and upgrades.
July 5 - 7
Fillmore Jazz Festival
What better way to ring in Independence Day weekend than with some live music and an outdoor festival? On July 5 and 6, join the Fillmore Street Jazz Festival. The festival is entirely free, with 12 blocks for gourmet food booths, beer gardens and stages.
Stern Grove Festival
Experience the SF Symphony with special guest Taimane on Sunday, July 6, in the enchanting outdoor setting of Stern Grove. Let the beautiful melodies of the instruments set your mind free as the redwoods and eucalyptus trees effortlessly dance with the wind above you.
Giants Game
At 6:45 p.m. on Monday, July 7, the San Francisco Giants will host the Philadelphia Phillies at Oracle Park. What could be more American than a baseball game?
Beyond SF
USS Hornet Fourth of July Celebration
Alameda
All aboard the USS Hornet! One of the Bay Area’s most historic ships will be hosting a barbecue with live music and great food from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Fourth of July. During the party on this aircraft carrier, the rest of the museum will be open for viewing, where you can check out a real F-14 Tomcat (which you may recognize from Top Gun), Apollo space program artifacts, and the bunks where sailors lived during World War II. If you are in San Francisco, consider taking a ferry over to Alameda to attend the event.
Corte Madera 4th of July Parade & Festival
Marin
Head to Corte Madera Town Park for their annual Fourth of July Parade and Festival. The parade is headlined by a marching band. The Parade and Festival will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To make the most out of your Fourth of July, find the perfect hotel near your favorite activities and interests.
Julia Middlebrook is a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder and a former San Francisco Travel intern. Born and raised in San Francisco and having done just about everything there is to do in it, Julia is passionate about spreading her love for the city and will always consider it the best place in the world.
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