Mountain View | On-the-Water Viewing of July 4th Fireworks at Shoreline Lake | 2025

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Enjoy the best view of the Fireworks Show, from the waters of Shoreline Lake!

The Boathouse provides Park visitors with the most unique way in the Park (and the rest of Mountain View) to enjoy the fireworks – from a pedalboat, rowboat, canoe, single/double kayak or standup paddleboard in the middle of the Lake, with friends and family.

Although watercraft are not allowed on the Lake after sunset, Shoreline makes an exception for Independence Day. The Boathouse is now taking online reservations for these special watercraft rentals, so you can escape the crowds and watch the fireworks from the water. To make a reservation by phone, and if you need additional info, please call the Boathouse at (650) 965-7474. [NB! Only Shoreline-owned vessels can be launched after dark: No private or self-launched watercraft will be allowed to take part in the viewing.]

Please note that watercraft rentals for the Fireworks viewing are available by reservation only (Given previous years’ high demand, and to ensure that everyone can take part in this experience, the last rental time is specially extended.). Boarding starts at 8:30pm and continues through 9:15 – ensures participants can get out on the water before the show begins and enjoy the entire show from their vessel. After the show, watercraft will need to be returned by 10:15 pm.

Barbecue Dinner for On-the-Water Viewing Reservations

Watercraft reservations for the fireworks viewing include a BBQ dinner for everyone participating in the boating portion of the reservation. The BBQ dinner will be served from 6pm-8pm, to ensure boarding for the fireworks viewing boat rentals can begin at 8:30pm.

The American Bistro’s Executive Chef, Gavin Gonzado, will be offering the following menu:

• • • Main Dishes
    • Tri-Tip Steak
    • BBQ Chicken
    • St. Louis-Style BBQ Ribs
    • Assorted Sausages
    • Vegetarian Option
  • • Side Dishes
    • Green Salad
    • Corn Bread
    • Watermelon
    • Baked Beans
    • Cornbread Muffin

You’ll get a whopping great plate – choice of 2 main dish options and 3 side dishes – which includes a non-alcoholic beverage for each person. (For dessert, we dare you to try our house-made pastries…)

July 4th Hours & Pre-Fireworks Info

To ensure Park visitors can enjoy the full fireworks display (on- and off-the-water), hours are extended at both the American Bistro (8am-10:30pm, limited evening menu after 7pm) and Boathouse (10am-10:30pm). Fireworks vessel rental start and end times, plus reservation info, are noted below.

We strongly recommend making daytime equipment rentals well in advance. Also, these regular rentals must be returned by 8:30 pm, so vessels reserved for on-the-water fireworks viewing can start boarding.

Late afternoon/early evening seating at the Bistro is earmarked primarily for the Barbecue Dinner (comes with the on-the-water viewing). For daytime and non-BBQ patrons, making advance reservations at the Bistro is strongly recommended as well. To do so, please call (650) 965-1745.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.