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.
RELATED: Here's what to know about July 4 Golden Gate Bridge fireworks for America's 250th
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.
MORE: Legislation could authorize SFPD officers to fine people for illegal fireworks
"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.
Thousands expected for Golden Gate Bridge fireworks show as early arrivals stake out viewing spots
Thousands expected for Golden Gate Bridge fireworks show as early arrivals stake out viewing spots
Marin County is preparing for large crowds ahead of the Fourth of July fireworks show at the Golden Gate Bridge, with some spectators already arriving to secure prime viewing locations.
Among them are Edwin and Myrna Carney, who drove their camper van from Elk Grove to Sausalito days before the show.
"When they said it's going to be right on the bridge, I said, 'We've got to be there,'" said Edwin Carney.
For the couple, the celebration is about much more than fireworks.
"I get emotional thinking about it," said Myrna Carney. "I grew up in the Philippines. We've been here since 1977. The feeling of being here, part of this great nation, will be awesome."
With thousands expected to converge on the area, law enforcement and transportation officials are implementing traffic and parking restrictions around the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Vista Point parking lot on the Marin side will close early ahead of the fireworks show, as will the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center parking lot on the San Francisco side.
Authorities say all northbound and southbound approaches to the Golden Gate Bridge will be closed between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. "No Parking" signs have also been posted along Highway 101 to discourage motorists from stopping along roadways.
The California Highway Patrol is urging visitors to arrive early and to plan ahead.
"Everybody is going to want to see the fireworks, right?" said CHP Officer Arthur Tellez. "We don't want people to wait until the last minute to get up here and try to find a spot. Plan ahead."
The National Park Service says Fort Baker in Sausalito and the Marin Headlands will remain open to the public and are expected to be among the most popular viewing locations for the fireworks display.
Officials are advising visitors to expect significant traffic congestion before and after the event.
Here are alternate places watch to San Francisco's 4th of July fireworks from across the bay
Here are alternate places to watch SF's 4th of July fireworks from across the bay
Large crowds are expected to gather around the Golden Gate Bridge for Fourth of July fireworks celebrations, but residents and visitors seeking less-crowded viewing locations have a number of options across the Bay Area.
This year's celebration is drawing added attention as communities mark both America's 250th birthday. Fireworks are scheduled to be launched from the Golden Gate Bridge, creating demand for viewing spots throughout the region.
"I'm looking forward to the fireworks," said Zoel, a Hayward resident.
"The big noises that make them go boom," added Zorian, also of Hayward.
While many spectators are expected to head into San Francisco, others are considering locations with views of the bridge from across the bay.
Yerba Buena Island
On Yerba Buena Island, Alameda resident Sergio Roriz described the vantage point as a hidden gem.
"Oh that's a wonderful, beautiful view. Maybe this is a good secret? Don't tell anybody," Roriz said. "Don't put this on the news."
Berkeley Marina
The Berkeley Marina is another location attracting attention from potential spectators.
Rosa Harris of Antioch said learning about the marina's views could change her family's holiday plans.
"We just might change because we didn't know about this view," Harris said. "Or this location so we might change."
Businesses with views of the bridge are also seeing strong interest ahead of the holiday.
"I think it's going to be a lot better view for everybody," said Taylor McNeill of Skates on the Bay in Berkeley. "You won't have to be in the city. You can be out here and still get just as good as a view."
Blue & Gold Fleet reported strong demand for its fireworks cruises.
"We sold out two weeks in advance," a company representative said.
Sales manager Joseph Rich said the company will operate four fireworks cruises positioned in San Francisco Bay.
"We send out four firework boats that leave here and position themselves between Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Bridge," Rich said.
"Our captains do a great job, getting out there to get a good position," he added. "You just look up in the sky and just watch show."
Angel Island is also expected to be a popular destination for holiday celebrations.
"It's going to be amazing," said Capt. Maggie McDonogh of Angel Island Tiburon Ferry. "Angel Island is idyllic."
McDonogh said both ferry-based viewing options and trips to Angel Island have sold out ahead of the holiday.
"We are sold out for the fireworks cruise. Additionally, there is going to Angel Island. That's sold out as well," she said. "But if you have an opportunity to come out in the daytime, come out and enjoy all the special activities."
As Bay Area residents prepare for the holiday, organizers and businesses across the region are expecting strong turnout for what many anticipate will be a memorable fireworks display celebrating both the nation and San Francisco.