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Fourth of July San Francisco: Top Activities & Events for 2024
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: July 19, 2024
Get ready for the excitement of the 4th of July in San Francisco! This year, the holiday lands on a Thursday, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend packed with festivities and celebrations all over the city.
San Francisco's waterfront becomes a magnet for those looking to celebrate, with tens of thousands descending on Fisherman's Wharf during the day. This area is even livelier at night as up to 200,000 spectators gather near Aquatic Park and Pier 39 for the spectacular annual fireworks show.
My top picks for the Fourth of July in San Francisco? Spend the afternoon enjoying live music and entertainment around Fisherman's Wharf. Hop on a bay cruise for views around SF, and of course, you don't want to miss the epic fireworks display that starts around 9:30 p.m.
I also recommend getting to know San Francisco by bike riding around the city or spending some time on one of the free walking tours with SF City Guides. It's also fun to check out some wineries in Napa or Sonoma.
My guide also includes fun things to do during the 4th of July weekend, including a free concert in Stern Grove Park, baseball games, SF Jazz Festival, concerts, and theater performances.
Take a sneak peek at some of my favorite snapshots from previous Fourth of July celebrations, and get ready to make unforgettable memories in San Francisco this year!
A view of the fireworks over the SF Bay on 4th of July in San Francisco. This view is from the Aquatic Park area of Fisherman's Wharf.Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
San Francisco 4th of July Fireworks 2024
Fireworks over Aquatic Bay in Fisherman's Wharf on Independence Day in San FranciscoEvery year, San Francisco holds a large fireworks display over the bay. Two sets of fireworks, synced, allow you to get a glimpse from all around the area.
Both are along the waterfront in Fisherman's Wharf.
One set is on a barge near the end of the Municipal Pier in Aquatic Park, and other is on a barge in front of Pier 39.
Large parts of the waterfront are closed to cars due to crowds for the San Francisco fireworks display. I recommend heading down early and using public transit to get to and from this area for the fireworks display.
The Aquatic Park and Pier 39 fireworks display starts shortly before 9:30 p.m. (or once it's dark enough to start) and lasts around 20 minutes.
Click here for additional tips on attending this year's San Francisco July 4th fireworks display.
In addition to San Francisco, several other cities are planning large fireworks displays and festivals in the Bay Area. Visit this page to learn more.
4th of July Fireworks Cruises in San Francisco
This is a great example of the fog coming around the San Francisco fireworks. It makes for a beautiful look during the show.The best views of the fireworks are from a cruise on the bay. Several local ferry and boat companies offer cruises on Fourth of July San Francisco.
The cruises leave the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood about an hour or more before the fireworks start. This allows the boats a chance to get to the perfect viewing point before they start.
Here are the ferries scheduled so far for 2024.
All cruises sell out quickly, so buy your seat early!
Red and White Fleet
- Departs from SF's Pier 43 1/2 in Fisherman's Wharf
- Offers beer, wine, as well as other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on board
- One boat this year that departs at 7:45 pm
- Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure, so arrive early to secure your spot on the cruise
- No outside food or drink allowed
- $129 for adults, and $79 for youths, 4 and under free
- Visit their site for ticketing details
Empress Yacht Fireworks Party Cruise
- Double-decker yacht for 150 people
- Three-hour open bar with complimentary appetizers
- Live DJ and dance floor
- Boarding begins at 7:30 pm at Pier 40 (this is NOT near Pier 39)
- Boat departs at 8:00 pm sharp and returns at 11:00 pm
- Tickets start at $129, for ages 21+ only
- Find out more and buy your tickets
Blue & Gold Fireworks Cruise
- Head out on the water and watch the fireworks display on a Blue & Gold Ferry
- They will offer three boats this year that leave from Fisherman's Wharf
- One is a family boat (no alcohol) and it leaves at 8:30 pm
- The other boats leave at 8:15 and 8:20 pm
- One of the best ways to see the fireworks on the water
- Tickets are $109 for adults, $79 for youth (5 - 11), $99 for juniors (12 - 17), under 5 are free
- Book your tickets on the Blue and Gold Fleet site
More Fisherman's Wharf Activities for 4th of July in SF
There are a ton of fun activities for the 4th of July holiday in San Francisco. These are just some of my favorites around the Fisherman's Wharf area.
You'll find daytime cruises, live music, and many other fun things to do all day.
If you plan to head out on a cruise or a tour, these sell out quickly, so pick up your tickets as soon as possible!
Celebrate the Day on Pier 39
Pier 39 will again host a large Fourth of July celebration. All afternoon, you can listen to live music and enjoy other family-friendly activities.
This year's events include special exhibits on the western side of the Pier. These are open starting at 11 am. Enjoy live music from 5 pm until 8 pm.
You can then watch the fireworks show from Pier 39 starting at around 9:30 pm.
60-Minute Bay Cruises
Head out on the SF Bay for the popular 60-minute Bay Cruise all day and weekend. It starts at Fisherman's Wharf. You will begin your journey by heading west toward the Golden Gate Bridge.
You will see top attractions along the waterfront and head under the famous Golden Gate Bridge.
The journey then takes you back east (under the bridge for a second time) and over to Alcatraz Island.
You will cruise around the island and then head back to the starting point at Fisherman's Wharf.
It's a great first look at this wonderful city by the bay!
Pick up your 4th of July San Francisco tickets today.
SF Bay Sailing Cruise
Enjoy a 90-minute cruise around the bay on a catamaran. On this cruise, you will see some of SF's top attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, and Alcatraz Island.
You can choose from three departure times on the Fourth of July: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks are available for purchase on board.
Aquarium of the Bay
Spend some time exploring the Aquarium of the Bay on Pier 39. This fascinating aquarium allows you to check out all of the colorful plants and animals that live in the SF Bay.
You will see jellyfish, starfish, and a couple of small sharks as you walk through the tunnel tank.
There are also some great hands-on exhibits.
The aquarium is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fourth of July in San Francisco.
Other Open Attractions & Activities in Fisherman's Wharf on the 4th
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum: Open from 11 am to 6 pm, find out more about visiting.
Ripley's Believe It or Not: Step inside this Odditorium to explore its 16 galleries and more than 400 exhibits from around the world, open from 11 am to 6 pm on Fourth of July San Francisco.
Ghirardelli Square: Spend some time shopping and enjoying local goodies at Ghirardelli Square, visit their wine tasting room and soak in the views of the SF Bay, they will be open all day long.
More Daytime Tours & Cruises from Fisherman's Wharf
Where to Stay in Fisherman's Wharf
If you plan to spend your entire day in Fisherman's Wharf, you will find dozens of places to spend the night. This district has a large concentration of hotels for every budget. Here are just a few of my top recommendations.
In addition to these, I've also pulled together some additional recommendations for you here. They are organized by budget so you can quickly find one that will work for you.
If you are ready to book, click the links below to check out some of the best hotels deals in this district and all around SF.
Booking: Find great deals all around San Francisco for your upcoming stay!
TripAdvisor: What's the #1 hotel in San Francisco? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!
VRBO: Besides hotels, you'll also find some great places to stay locally through VRBO. Book an apartment or a room and feel more like a local. Find some great places to stay on VRBO here.
Other Activities on Fourth of July San Francisco 2024
Oakland Athletics Baseball
Celebrate Independence Day weekend in San Francisco with the American pastime—baseball! The Oakland Athletics host the Los Angeles Angels at the Oakland Coliseum.
The Fourth of July game starts at 1:05 pm.
I think the best way to get over to Oakland for the game is to take BART. It drops you right off at the coliseum and you won't have to battle the traffic or parking when you arrive. Pick it up at the Powell, Montgomery, or Embarcadero stops along Market Street.
Several BART trains will take you to this stop. Before you hop on a BART train, check the train lines to ensure you hop on the right one to get to the Coliseum.
California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences, our most visited museum, is now open 365 days a year!
This means you can spend the day inside this interactive museum exploring its rainforest, seeing a show in the planetarium, or stopping by to say hi to its rare white alligator.
I spend about 2 to 3 hours here, but you could spend most of the day here. It's hectic this day, but this museum is SO worth the visit!
Pick up your tickets in advance so you don't have to wait in line.
Free SF Library Walking Tours
The Public Library offers several free walking tours each day in San Francisco. You will find several tours planned for the Fourth of July.
Some of the top tours planned for this Thursday include:
- Golden Gate Park - East End, starts at 10 a.m.
- Cable Cars - Halfway to the Stars, starts at 10:30 a.m.
- Golden Gate Bridge - Starts at 11 a.m. (this is one of my personal favorites)
- Pacific Heights Mansions - Starts at 11 a.m.
- Japanese Tea Garden - Starts at 1 p.m.
You must sign up in advance for these, so make sure to visit their official site to reserve your spot!
Here is a full schedule for this holiday.
More Attractions Open on the Fourth of July in San Francisco
Most SF attractions stay open during their regular hours on the Fourth of July. I've listed some above, and here are a few more options for you to check out throughout SF.
Alamo Square
I like spending a little time in Alamo Square during any holiday weekend. You can spend some time in the park soaking in the beauty of the famous painted ladies right across the street.
Grab some sandwiches and enjoy a picnic while you are here, or just swing by for a few photos. If you plan to visit for photography, I recommend visiting after 1 p.m. when the sun is shining on the front of these colorful houses.
Exploratorium
The Exploratorium is open on the 4th of July in San Francisco and throughout the holiday weekend. This fun, hands-on science and human perception museum is perfect for anyone visiting San Francisco with kids.
It's a fun way to spend a few hours during the day. The museum has dozens of interesting exhibits where your kids can learn all about colors, the weather, and the human body.
de Young Museum
A visit to the de Young Museum is another one of the fun things to do in San Francisco for the 4th of July. This fine arts museum focuses on pieces from the Americas, Africa, and beyond.
They offer an amazing collection of artwork and some fascinating traveling exhibits. Make sure to also check out the views from the Hammond Tower.
Legion of Honor
Another excellent pick for the 4th of July holiday in San Francisco is the Legion of Honor. This fine arts museum is a sister museum to the de Young, but features works from around Europe.
You will find masterpieces by artists such as Rodin, an interesting piece by Picasso, and a beautiful Monet.
Twin Peaks
If you want to spend some time outdoors this 4th of July in San Francisco, head over to Twin Peaks. Climb to the top of one of its peaks for unobstructed views around San Francisco, the SF Bay, and parts of the Bay Area.
Some people also head here to watch the fireworks from Fisherman's Wharf and from places around the SF Bay Area. It's open until midnight, but parking is difficult, so I recommend finding an alternative way to get here.
- More tips to visit Twin Peaks
- Click here for a detailed look at the hours for all of SF's top attractions on the Fourth of July.
More Fun Tours on Fourth of July San Francisco
There are plenty of fun things to do all around town on the Fourth of July in San Francisco. These are just a few of the top tours scheduled to run top tours scheduled for this holiday.
Early Bird 3-Hour GoCar Tour
Have you always wondered what it would be like on one of those cool, yellow, 2-seater GoCars? Well, now is your chance to find out! This Fourth of July in San Francisco, enjoy 3-hours of touring on your own on a GoCar.
You can follow a predetermined route or make your own, and it's a great way to explore San Francisco.
Bay Sailing Tour with Drinks
Head out on the water on the Fourth of July in San Francisco. This day cruise allows you to sit back, relax, and watch the scenery roll by.
You'll start in Fisherman's Wharf, cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, near Alcatraz, and finish where you started.
Vista Helicopter Tour
There is no better way to see San Francisco than from above! I've had the chance to do this one, which was an experience I will never forget!
This 15- to 20-minute helicopter tour is like no other.
You'll cruise above the SF Bay, over the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the SF Skyline.
Other Activities for Fourth of July Weekend 2024
Here are some additional things to do on the days before or after the Fourth of July in San Francisco.
Free Walking Tours
SF City Guides and the SF Public Library offer several free daily walking tours.
Top tours include those about the Golden Gate Bridge, the Haight Ashbury District, and the Castro.
Discover a complete list of tours the weekend of the 4th of July in San Francisco.
Free Concert in that Park at Stern Grove
Catch a free performance at Stern Grove Park. This year, their performance is on Sunday, July 7, featuring the SF Symphony with Jessica Vosk.
Advanced tickets are required, and you can book them a month in advance.
The show starts at 2 pm.
Fillmore Jazz Festival
This exciting festival is back in 2024!
This two-day event runs the weekend of July 6 and 7. It features free, live jazz music along Fillmore Street near Pacific Heights, Japantown, and the Western Addition.
Comedy at Cobb's
You will also find some great comedy almost every night this month at Cobb's Comedy Club in North Beach.
This venue features both local and international acts.
SF with Kids
Do you need more ideas to keep your kids entertained this holiday weekend? No reason to worry. You will find plenty of activities for kids, that are also fun for the entire family.
Options range from the 7D Experience at Pier 39 to the hands-on science and human perception museum, The Exploratorium.
More Fourth of July Weekend Events in San Francisco
- 7/2 - 7/28: Mrs. Doubtfire, The Musical at the Orpheum Theatre
- 7/2 - 9/7: Evita at the SF Playhouse
- 7/6, 7/7 & 7/10: California Classic at the Chase Center
- 7/6: Illum Block Party with Alesso, AC Slater, and more at The Midway
Weather in July & What to Wear
What will the weather be like during your visit to San Francisco for the Fourth of July? Some visitors think it is hot and sunny in SF during the summer. However, the cool ocean breezes and late-day fog keep it nice and cool.
Although it is usually nice and sunny during the day, you will want to bring along a light jacket or sweater for the San Francisco fireworks display.
As the sun sets, the cool breezes bring the temperatures down throughout the city.
Discover even more tips about what to wear in San Francisco in July.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!
