San Francisco 4th of July firework shows
 

Hello,
I'm stoked that I'm going to be in San Franc to see one of the best 4th firework shows. Any recommendation on where should I go to get the best view? What area should I stay? I don't plan to drive at all since I expect traffic is to be a little crazy that night.

What is your budget? .

Good viewing areas are along the bay between Pier 30, Aquatic Park, Marina Green and thereabouts.

I hope your plans won't be ruined if you can't see the fireworks - it can sometimes be very cold/ foggy

What do people usually do? What is the price range? This is also my first time in San Francisco, any advice will be appreciated.

What is the price range of what? Do you have a guidebook yet. Any advice about what?

Jainism mentioned about a budget... That's what I'm referring to. No I haven't gotten a guidebook yet but plan to get it once we are there

I was asking your budget for a hotel.

If you are going next week, you should be checking online yourself, not asking questions. I am sure it will be expensive to stay there at this point. Have you never booked a hotel before?

EXACT dates, number of people, number of beds and nightly budget (or do you have unlimited means?) are needed if you want suggestions.

I'm sorry I'm just a little overwhelmed with all the things to see and do, didn't know where to start. I just know that I'm going to make sure to catch the fireworks.
We're planning to stay at either the Cow Hollow/Pacific Heights area or Embarcadero. At this point, like you said, we don't have a lot of options for budget hotel. We want to stay 2 nights at SF then rent a car to head North along the coast to wine country and hope to see some redwoods. Or should we cross the GG (gotta do it once :D) and head South instead? Which way will allow us to hit more coastal beauties? Thanks for all your input!

Um - some confusion there - if you cross the GG bridge you will be heading north . . .

and you still haven't told us your budget. There are not many 'budget' hotels near the Embarcadero BTW.

It looks like it may be fairly hot in the Central Valley next week so more likely to be foggy in SF.

Yes, I meant cross it and make a U turn to go South. Anyway, not a big deal. So would you go North or South on highway 101 for 1st timers? $150-$200 is expected at this point, but if you know anything better than that price range, let me know.

<<<There are not many 'budget' hotels near the Embarcadero BTW.>>>

I'd say there are not ANY 'budget' hotels near the Embarcadero, unless you consider one step down from the Four Seasons a budget hotel LOL.

Have you checked Hotwire or Priceline? How many people are traveling together? How many beds do you need in the hotel room? What is your nightly hotel budget (in $$)?

ahh...bummer! i'm hoping it's not too foggy.

Where can we stop along the way to see redwoods?

Sf7307: I guess you missed my understatement font being on. :)

Check this hotel link, just posted.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-francisco.cfm

Crossing the GG bridge requires that you either get a fast pass or prepay crossing fee. It's all electronic now.

I read that people who can't do either of the above will get a bill from the state based on the license-plate number.

@rastaguy: thanks for the link, how do I attain those passes? will I need one each way?

No, you don't need one - just wait for the bill in the mail.