Fourth of July fireworks on Golden Gate Bridge

Event details

• The free, public fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:30 pm.
• It is the City’s only official fireworks show this year.

Recommended viewing locations

Fireworks will launch from the east side of the Golden Gate Bridge between the towers. The best views are from locations with clear northwest sightline toward the bridge.

• Crissy Field: Waterfront viewing area within the Presidio.
  • The Crissy Field parking lot will be closed to the general public from 6:00 am on July 4 through 6:00 am on July 5.
• Marina Green: Open waterfront park.
  • The Marina Green parking lot will be closed to the general public from 6:00 am on July 4 through 6:00 am on July 5.
• Pier 39 and Northern Embarcadero
  • Viewing locations in this area include Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf, including the block bounded by The Embarcadero, Jefferson Street, and Taylor Street.

Locations with limited or no views

• Ocean Beach (limited views): Fireworks launch from the east side of the bridge, making the angle from Ocean Beach poor.
• Ferry Building and Embarcadero waterfront (no views): The fireworks will not be visible from these locations. Visit the recommended viewing areas instead.

Planning tips

• Take public transit. Expect parking to be limited.
• Get there early. Good spots fill up fast. Arrive well before 9:30 pm.
• Dress in layers. It gets cold, windy, and foggy after dark.

Golden Gate Bridge closure and access

The Golden Gate Bridge will be fully closed to traffic from shortly before until shortly after the fireworks show. For pedestrians and bicyclists, the east sidewalk will partially close in the days leading up to the show.

• East sidewalk (partial): Closed between the two towers from Friday, July 3 at 5:00 am through Sunday, July 5 at 5:00 am for pyrotechnic staging. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be turned around at each tower. The west sidewalk remains open during regular hours on July 3 and July 4 from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm.
• South end parking lots: All parking lots at the south end of the bridge will be closed Saturday, July 4 from 11:00 am until the end of the fireworks show.
• Vehicular traffic: The California Highway Patrol and the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District will coordinate a full closure of the bridge to cars from shortly before the 9:30pm scheduled display start time until shortly after the end of the fireworks show. Closure duration may change based on operational needs.
• East and west sidewalks: Both sidewalks closed to bicyclists and pedestrians from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The west sidewalk will reopen for bicyclists only at 10:00 pm.
• Reopening: The bridge is expected to reopen to vehicular traffic shortly after the conclusion of the fireworks display. Expect delays before the bridge reopens.

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• Sign up for AlertSF and get safety alerts sent straight to your mobile device.
• Text the ZIP codes of your travel destinations to 888-777 or visit AlertSF.org to sign up.

WhatsApp (suggested for international guests)

• Follow the City's official WhatsApp channel for real-time emergency and safety updates.
• Messages posted in English are available in other languages using Whatsapp’s auto-translate feature. Human-supported translations will also be provided when available.

Get more visitor safety information

Transit and travel

• Muni (SFMTA): July 4 is one of the busiest days of the year at San Francisco's waterfront. Extended Muni service will run after the fireworks to help attendees travel home. Additional details on transit modifications will be posted at sfmta.com/july4. Transit updates also available at sfmta.com and @SFMTA_Muni.
• Presidio GO shuttle: The Presidio is accessible by transit including the free Presidio GO shuttle. Additional service will be added to support the event. Visit the Presidio Trust website for schedules. Driving into the Presidio is strongly discouraged — parking lots fill early, close when full, and special event parking fees will be in effect.
• Driving and detour routes: Significant congestion is expected on all approaches to the Golden Gate Bridge beginning in the late afternoon. Drivers should expect delays similar to a major concert venue when exiting after the show. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate crossings. Real-time traffic: 511.org or Caltrans QuickMap app.

Fireworks safety

The fireworks launched from the Golden Gate Bridge are the only authorized fireworks display in San Francisco on July 4. Personal fireworks, including "Safe and Sane" fireworks, are illegal in San Francisco. Leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy the show from one of the recommended viewing locations.

More information about fireworks safety