Fourth of July Fireworks in 2016 - San Francisco Bay Area -- Best Places to Watch, the Live Stream, TV Broadcast, Schedule and Performers
Better Make Plans Early to Celebrate the 4th of July.
The 4th of July is always a grand time, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area, and this year will be no different. While the holiday will fall on a Monday this year, it will not stop the events that are planned around the Bay Area.
Best Place to Watch Live
Pier 39 on the Bay will be the place to be for families who would want to watch the fireworks live. Those who are going to the area should know that the fireworks will begin around 9:30 p.m. or when it gets dark enough for the fireworks to be seen.
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Families can make the holiday a whole day outing as Pier 39 is offering special events such as special Independence Day exhibits from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a special '80s live music from cover band Tainted Love, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
All activities on Pier 39 are free of charge and open to the general public. Those who wish to attend are advised to come early as parking is extremely limited in the area.
Alternative Viewing Spots
For those looking for a more romantic setting, there are several holiday cruises available with full view of the fireworks display. One such popular cruise is the Blue & Gold Fireworks Cruise.
The Blue & Gold Fireworks Cruise has several different boats leaving from Pier 41, each with different departure times. The first boat leaves Pier 41 at 8 p.m., and the next two leave in 20-minute intervals. Please note that the boats do leave on time, so please be early.
Tickets will not include dinner, but there will be a cash-only snack bar available on board.
The family cruise ships leave Pier 39 at 8:15 p.m. and at 8:30 p.m. Note that these two vessels will be non-alcoholic trips as they are intended for families.
Tickets for the adult cruises are $85, and for family groups, the cost will go around $300 to $430 depending on the size of the family.
Watch Online or on TV
The San Francisco area NBC station will be showing the fireworks live. Those who have access to the internet can also see the show on the station's website.
Aside from NBC, the local San Francisco area ABC will also be showing the fireworks live from Pier 39. Both stations will be showing the fireworks as soon as they start, and normally, there is a pre-celebration show.
