By Sarah Medina
America’s greatest holiday is t̶o̶m̶o̶r̶r̶o̶w̶ today! Grills are firing up, the sun is out, party plans are being finalized, and most of us won’t be worried about getting up for work tomorrow.
Best of all, there will be fireworks!
Most likely, you’re gearing up for a trek to the coast or a hill to watch the spectacle. So for your convenience, here is a roundup of the best spots to watch the fireworks in the Bay Area:
1. Pier 39
This is the obvious choice for Fourth of July celebrations. Pier 39 will be packed with live musical performances, including a show by the ’80s cover band Tainted Love—and all kinds of activities for kids and adults alike. So get there early and stake out a spot for the city’s best fireworks show, beginning at 9:30 p.m.
2. Fireworks Cruise on the California Hornblower
Celebrate this Fourth of July with dinner, dancing and fireworks ON A BOAT! Plus, you’ll get a four-course gourmet dinner, open premium bar and live entertainment. You know, just in case you’re the fancy type.
3. Marin County Fair
Get your fill of carnival food and rides at the Marin County Fair, and then stick around for the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
4. Berkeley Marina
If you’re in the East Bay, then the Berkeley Marina is the go-to place to see fireworks. There’s all-day food, entertainment and crafts; plus, all kinds of awesome kites will fill the sky before the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. The best part is that on a clear night, you can see the fireworks from the city simultaneously.
5. Angel Island
Here’s another boat option if you really want to see kabooms from the water. The annual Angel Island Fireworks Cruise will sail from Tiburon right up to the San Francisco waterfront. This is probably the closest you’ll physically get to fireworks falling from the sky.
6. Twin Peaks, Tank Hill, Corona Heights, Bernal Hill, Mt. Davidson
Someone once said that the best place to watch fireworks is on top of a big hill.
7. USS Hornet
Celebrate Independence Day aboard a historic aircraft carrier! The USS Hornet — docked in Alameda — is hosting a Fourth of July fundraiser with music, eats, booze, a bounce house and a whole lot of ship to explore. Plus, there will be musical accompaniment to the fireworks.
8. Marin Headlands
The Marin Headlands are the perfect place to make the entire day into an adventure. Head to Stinson Beach in the morning, bike the Headlands in the afternoon, and don’t forget to pack a bottle of wine for watching the explosions in the sky. I can’t think of anything better than fireworks above the Golden Gate Bridge.
9. Treasure Island
Treasure Island is another prime spot to see fireworks on both sides of the bay, at the same time.
[Editor’s Note: Updated June 2018 with correct hyperlinks.]
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