Fireworks on the Fourth are held on Crissy Field (which is right by the Bay, just to the east of the Golden Gate bridge).

One idea would be to get a hotel room on Nob Hill with north-facing windows...

If you do it outdoors, be sure to wear warm clothing. What Mark Twain said about summers in San Francisco is *true*!

and do have a plan B. On a clear night, fireworks over the Bay is an amazing sight - but is can also be very foggy and you can't see a thing.

We go out of town to the burbs where it is clear and not so cold!

The fireworks are actually launched from barges near Pier 39 and Aquatic Park at Fishermans Wharf not Crissy, so they can be seen best from those locations--although they can still be seen from Crissy. As there is usually some kind of waterfront festival running along the Wharf and the Embarcadero--bands, food, booths selling stuff, so this is where many people go. And yes, be aware that many years the fireworks are obscured by the fog and it can be chilly.

Any suggestions for hotel on the wharf that may have good view of fireworks?

One July 4th, I was visiting a friend who lived in the Marina District. We had a BBQ and party on the roof of her triplex and watched the fireworks all around the bay. We could see 5 different displays simultaneously. A real treat - and it wasn't even cold that night!

bundle up to watch firewworks or grill on the back porch --again all bundled up!

Dayle, we did that years ago from the top of Twin Peaks.

I wonder if you can watch fireworks from the piers near Embarcadero. Probably yes, and it's a nice walk to/from Union square.

There are cruises to watch fireworks.

http://www.fairmont.com/ghirardelli but it won't be cheap.

I guess 15 year olds from different parts of the country may have very different interests.