Will be in San Francisco for 4th of July - can anyone tell me what the city does to celebrate? Places to go to see fireworks??

Thanks

Crissy Field in the Marina or find a place in the Presido to spread out a blanket. This is where the fireworks will be as far as I know.

Unfortunately, fog often obscures the fireworks over the water in SF. It's a hit-and-miss situation, so keep your eye on the weather report.

Wasn't there a big Independence Day celebration along the Embarcadero last year, or am I confusing that with something else? Maybe New Year's?

Bets, How many times to I have to warn ya about hittin' the cooking sherry this early? ;-D

Hmmmm...cooking sherry...perfect for the Kings game today.
Kal

There is a waterfront July 4th festival with fireworks that runs from the wharf to the Ferry Building (or at least Pier 39); there are no longer fireworks at Chrissy Field since it has been turned into a National Park and has restored wetlands. I think one of the best ways to see the fireworks is from a boat on the Bay; I think that there are commercial companies that do this such as Hornblower.

Kal! I haven't used cooking sherry since 1968--never did drink the stuff, either. Will admit to just a taste of Two Buck Chuck recently, however. We did a "vertical tasting" at a little gathering--first the chardonnay then the sauvignon blanc and, after a short break, the merlot then the cabernet. Those knowledgable about wine amongst us were aghast. The rest of us had silly grins on our faces.

Hey, Kal--are you going to chime in on the tattoo thread running currently? There! I think we're even!

I know there's always the much-despised war between San Francisco people and San Jose people on this board.

As a San Jose native who has lived in San Francisco for seven years - I have to say that San Jose has San Francisco beat when it comes to the 4th of July.
http://www.americafestival.com/

4th of July just isn't the same bundled up in a heavy jacket to watch fog-obscured fireworks in the cold.

The San Jose America Festival rocks.

Betsy, there are usually fireworks at the Embarcadero in May or June - some radio station celebrates something... I don't remember which station.

The spring RadioStation Fireworks have already happened. As usual, they were far more fantastic than the SF civic display.

PAM is correct in that usually the 4th of July fireworks are fogged out. If you were thinking to take a bay cruise to see them, then be sure the weather is nice, don't sign up in advance.

However, fireworks are usually only for about half an hour. I can't in good conscience recommend that you go down to San Jose for half an hour's worth of pyrotechnics, you'll spend 4 times that just in the going and coming.

Bets, I'm so big I need a "tatfour".
Kal

Bailey,

I just realized that you are the one roadtripping up from SoCal.

Considering your limited time, you might want to just focus on seeing the sites you had already intended on seeing, as you don't have much time in any particular area on your itinerary.

Two years ago we were there for July 4th. At Fishermans Wharf they had dual fireworks, one from off Wharf and one from someplace else to the left. There were bands, vendors, etc. Very crowded and very fun. We were staying in Wharf area, but the pedestrian traffic out of area was massive - glad we did not have far to go to hotel.

Also, it was cold and foggy. We could see the fireworks, but wore every piece of clothing we had brought with us - plan for cold.

Thanks for the info... I think I will take 'BayArea's advice and skip the July 4th festivities...I am sure the San Jose celebration is lovely - but since I am from Wash. DC - I am probably used to more 'grand' a celebration than they have in other cities so I don't think it is worth the drive. Mainly I was curious because anyone visiting my home town on 4th of July would NOT want to be downtown b/c it is gridlocked from July 4th revelers. Sounds like SF isn't that way - which is good for us I think..I'll stick to my plans as is =)

Many thanks to you all!