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New for 2026, San Francisco is going bigger for July 4 this year in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Along with the annual waterfront fireworks near Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, the city is adding a second launch site from the Golden Gate Bridge, creating a much larger display across the Bay.

The fireworks show is expected to begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026 and will feature fireworks launched from multiple locations, including barges in the Bay near Pier 39 and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Looking for the new Golden Gate Bridge fireworks guide? Check out our complete guide to the 2026 Golden Gate Bridge fireworks show, including the best viewing locations and transportation tips.

SF 4th of July Fireworks at Pier 39

The waterfront will be covered in dazzling lights as San Francisco hosts its annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration. Enjoy Fisherman’s Wharf and the northern waterfront throughout the day, then stay for one of the Bay Area’s biggest fireworks displays.

Fireworks are expected to begin around 9:30 p.m. and last approximately 20 minutes.

Best Places to Watch

Pier 39 remains one of the best places to watch the fireworks, with views of both the waterfront displays and portions of the expanded citywide celebration.

Other popular viewing locations include:

• Pier 39
• Aquatic Park
• Pier 43 Walkway
• Fisherman’s Wharf waterfront
• Marina Green
• Crissy Field

Areas Closed Before the Fireworks

The following areas may be closed to the public ahead of the fireworks show:

• Pier 7
• Pier 14
• Pier 27 parking lot
• Little Embarcadero

Free Waterfront Concert

The stage for the free concert is typically located at Taylor and Jefferson Streets (not Aquatic Park).

Live entertainment is generally scheduled throughout the afternoon and evening leading up to the fireworks.

Getting to Fisherman’s Wharf

Traffic in and around Fisherman’s Wharf is expected to be extremely heavy on July 4.

Public transportation is highly recommended.

If you drive, parking is available throughout the Fisherman’s Wharf area, including:

• Anchorage Square Parking Garage (500 Beach Street)
• Ghirardelli Square Parking Garage (900 North Point Street)
• Pier 39 Parking Garage (2250 Powell Street)

Special event rates may apply.

Street Closures

Expect street closures and traffic restrictions throughout the waterfront area on July 4.

Past closures have included:

• The Embarcadero between Powell and Taylor Streets
• Portions of Fisherman’s Wharf
• Areas surrounding Aquatic Park

Additional closures may be announced closer to the event.

Tips for the Best Fireworks Experience

• Arrive early for the best viewing locations.
• Take public transit whenever possible.
• Dress in layers—waterfront temperatures often drop quickly after sunset.
• Make restaurant reservations well in advance.
• Leave pets at home due to crowds and loud noises.
• Follow all public safety instructions and leave fireworks to the professionals.

Muni & Transit Information

Muni typically operates additional service on July 4 to help move crowds to and from the waterfront.

Extra service, temporary reroutes, and special fireworks shuttles may be added depending on crowd levels.

Expect delays around Fisherman’s Wharf, Aquatic Park, and the Embarcadero.

Check Muni, BART, and San Francisco Bay Ferry for updated schedules and service alerts before traveling.

GETTING TO FISHERMAN’S WHARF

Traffic in and around Fisherman’s Wharf is expected to be heavy. Public transportation is highly recommended.

If you drive, park smart! If you love it, don’t leave it. Parking is available throughout the Fisherman’s Wharf area. The closest indoor lots are the Anchorage Square Parking Garage (500 Beach Street), the Ghirardelli Square Parking Garage (900 North Point Street), or the Pier 39 Parking Garage (2250 Powell Street). Special event rates may apply.

STREET CLOSURE INFORMATION

The following street closures will be in effect:

• 8 am to midnight, Friday, July 4: Embarcadero between Powell and Taylor streets

TIPS FOR THE BEST FIREWORKS SHOW EXPERIENCE

• Make reservations EARLY. Special cruises and waterfront restaurants may have limited or no walk-in options on popular holidays.
• Plan to arrive early to get your preferred viewing spot.
• Take public transit. The waterfront will get crowded closer to showtime. Check Muni, BART and San Francisco Bay Ferry for service updates and real time schedule information.
• Dress in layers. Temperatures at the waterfront can drop quickly after sunset and often get windy and foggy along the water.
• Leave the dogs at home. Crowds and loud sounds may scare your pets.

Enjoy the show, but leave fireworks to the professionals. See information from the Fire Department about reporting illegal fireworks.

Please note, here’s what transportation was like in 2025, as details from SFMTA are TBA (as of 6/13/26)

July 4th Muni Service 2025

Beat the traffic and celebrate July 4th with Muni! 

Muni wants to get you to the festivities and back, quickly and safely, on Independence Day.

The annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration will start at 2 p.m. along the waterfront near the Municipal Pier and Pier 39. The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. and last approximately 20 minutes. Muni will operate on a Saturday schedule with extra Muni service to get people to and from the Fireworks area between Aquatic Park and Fisherman’s Wharf.

As many as 200,000 people are expected in the event area. Traffic congestion and disruption of transit service are expected in the event area. Traffic congestion, temporary street closures and Muni reroutes are expected. To ensure safety, fireworks viewers should pay attention to their surroundings and allow extra travel time to get around the city.

Traffic Restrictions

Treasure Island will be closed to cars for the fireworks this year; only Treasure Island residents will be permitted onto the island by car. To watch the fireworks from Treasure Island, non-residents must arrive via the 25 Treasure Island Route, by the Treasure Island Ferry, or by bicycle from Oakland.

The streets between Aquatic Park and Fisherman’s Wharf and north of Bay Street may close as crowds gather for the July 4 Fireworks Celebration. The Embarcadero north of Broadway is also subject to closure for public safety.

Muni Fireworks Shuttles

Getting to the Fireworks:

1. Market Street/Ferry Building Fireworks Shuttle will run from 3 to 9 p.m. Board on Market Street at Inbound Boarding Islands from 5th to Steuart street; and at the Ferry Building. Drop off will be at Fisherman’s Wharf.
2. Caltrain Fireworks Shuttle will run from 3 to 9p.m. Board at 4th & Townsend streets outside the Caltrain Station. Drop off will be at Aquatic Park.
3. Van Ness/Civic Center Fireworks Shuttle will run from 3 to 9 p.m. Pick-ups will be at UN Plaza/Civic Center BART Station; and along Inbound Route 49 Van Ness/Mission stops on Van Ness. Drop off will be at Aquatic Park.

Leaving the Fireworks:

1. Market Street/Ferry Building Fireworks Express will run from 10 to 10:45 p.m. (or when crowds are clear). Board at Kearny and North Point streets. Drop off will be at the Ferry Building, Embarcadero Station, and Market/Battery streets.
2. Caltrain Fireworks Express will run from 10 to 10:45 p.m. (or when crowds are clear). Board at Kearny and North Point streets. Drop off at 4th/King Caltrain Station.
3. Van Ness/Civic Center Fireworks Express will run from 10 to 10:45 p.m. (or when crowds are clear). Board at Bay and Polk streets. Drop off at Outbound Route 49 Van Ness/Mission stops on Van Ness and at UN Plaza/Civic Center BART Station.

Muni Service Changes

Please consult the table below for information regarding Muni service changes, including reroute summaries, duration of any reroutes or service switchbacks, missed stops and alternate stop locations . Reroutes are subject to change as conditions warrant. There will be also be extra July 4 service.

Note: Be sure to receive real-time Muni service alerts via email or text by signing up through our Email and Text Subscriptions page.

Check Muni Reroute Information.

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.