Here are the best places to watch SF's 4th of July fireworks, and how to get there

Updated 3 hours ago
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- If you're planning to watch Saturday night's historic fireworks over the Golden Gate Bridge, transportation officials have one piece of advice: Leave the car at home if you can.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to line San Francisco's northern waterfront for the Fourth of July celebration, bringing major road closures, packed public transit and parking restrictions throughout the day.

"I think it's very much dependent on weather, of course, but we are ready for however many people are coming for this incredible celebration," said Viktoriya Wise, director of streets for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.

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To help people avoid traffic, SFMTA is adding special Muni shuttle service from BART stations directly to some of the city's most popular viewing areas.



Here's what you need to know before heading out.

Marina Green

Marina Green is expected to be one of the busiest viewing locations in the city, offering wide-open space and nearly unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge as fireworks launch from both the bridge and barges in San Francisco Bay.

Getting there by car won't be easy.

The Marina Green parking lot closes at 6 a.m. Saturday and won't reopen until Sunday morning.



Instead, officials recommend taking BART to Powell Street Station, where special Muni shuttle buses will transport riders close to Marina Green throughout the day.

The Marina Fireworks Shuttle will depart from Powell Street Station at Cyril Magnin and Market streets, traveling along the 38 Geary route before continuing on the 49 Van Ness/Mission route to Marina Middle School at Chestnut and Fillmore streets.

If Marina Green reaches capacity, nearby Fort Mason and Aquatic Park offer similar views while placing spectators between the fireworks launched from the bridge and those fired from barges farther east.

Crissy Field

For those hoping to get as close to the fireworks as possible, Crissy Field offers one of the best vantage points in the city.



Visitors will be almost directly beneath the fireworks as they launch from the Golden Gate Bridge.

Like Marina Green, however, the Crissy Field parking lot closes at 6 a.m. Saturday.

Officials recommend walking or biking into the Presidio instead of attempting to park nearby.

Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf

Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf provide another popular option, especially for families or anyone looking to spend the day in the city before the fireworks begin.



The area offers restaurants, shopping and views back toward the Golden Gate Bridge.

Visitors coming from the East Bay can take BART to Embarcadero Station, where special Muni shuttle buses will provide direct service to the waterfront.

The Pier 39 Embarcadero Fireworks Shuttle will operate from Embarcadero Station along the F Market corridor to North Point and Kearny streets.

What about Baker Beach?

It may seem like an obvious place to watch fireworks over the Golden Gate Bridge, but Baker Beach sits on the west side of the bridge.

Officials say the best views will be from the east side of the bridge along San Francisco's northern waterfront.

Road closures and bridge shutdown

Even if you don't plan to drive to the fireworks, expect major traffic impacts throughout the northern waterfront.

The first closures begin at 1 p.m., when Jefferson Street between Hyde Street and The Embarcadero closes to vehicles. Traffic along The Embarcadero will be rerouted onto Beach Street.

Beginning around 8 p.m., large portions of the Marina will be restricted to local traffic only, while Caltrans begins closing U.S. Highway 101 in both directions approaching the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Golden Gate Bridge itself will close to all vehicle traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists from 9 p.m. until 10 p.m. while the fireworks are underway. The show is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m.

Drivers should also expect significant delays throughout the Marina District, Presidio, Fisherman's Wharf and surrounding neighborhoods well into the evening.

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"If you do have to drive, just please pack your patience. Make a day of it. It's going to be congested. Getting there and parking could be a little bit tough," Wise said.

Wise said taking public transit will be the easiest way to reach the celebration.

In addition to the special fireworks shuttles from Powell Street and Embarcadero BART stations, SFMTA will establish designated transit hubs near Marina Middle School and Pier 39 to help move crowds after the fireworks. Several Muni routes serving the Marina and waterfront will also be rerouted because of road closures.

"The city is so ready for a lot of people this weekend," Wise said. "Still pack your patience nevertheless, but we're excited to host everyone and to celebrate together."

The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

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