I like explosions

June 30, 2006 4:04 PM

Where to go for the best fireworks in the Bay Area on July 3/4? Which are the best ones? What's the best way to get there / best view? For July 3? July 4?
posted by lpctstr; to media & arts (12 comments total)

Or as we like to call it in San Francisco, "Watch the fog change colors"... Actually, we went to a fantastic fireworks show last year, but it involved an overnight trip to Eureka. Still, if you want to get out of town, it's worth the drive!
posted by neurodoc at 4:10 PM on June 30, 2006

You might consider the Marin Headlands - you'll probably be able to see the Oakland and S.F shows, and probably the Delta fireworks as well.
posted by lekvar at 4:43 PM on June 30, 2006

Depends on where in the Bay Area you're referring to. You didn't mention.

San Francisco? I like Crissy Field.

South Bay? Anywhere near Great America.

East Bay? Dinosaur Hill park in Pleasant Hill, because you can see mutiple fireworks displays from up there.

Dunno much about the North Bay, sorry.

As with pretty much anything else in the Bay Area, get there early because chances are many other people had the same idea. I used to go to Dinosaur Hill when I was a kid and even 15 years ago it was always *really* popular and got crowded early.
posted by drstein at 4:49 PM on June 30, 2006

coit tower - great view of both sides.
posted by luriete at 4:58 PM on June 30, 2006

The Chronicle's list of Fourth of July Events. Looks like Antioch and Oakland are out.
posted by kirkaracha at 5:43 PM on June 30, 2006

Because the fireworks show in the city is so crowded -- anywhere with a half-decent view is utterly packed with people -- the last several years we've been watching the Oakland show. For a couple of years we went out on the estuary in a dinghy and got right up to the restricted water around the Jack London Square launch site. That was a spectacular view to say the least.

For the last two years we've gone over to a large, open area on the Alameda side of the estuary which is not very crowded and is about as close to the launch site as you can get on land.

"Looks like Antioch and Oakland are out."

What? I'm not quite sure what that's supposed to mean. The Oakland article says only that a bunch of illegal fireworks (mostly of the annoying kind that a certain group of people set off in the middle of the street at about 3am for months after the Fourth) were confiscated, and nothing about the civic show. Likewise the Antioch article says only that a house burned down.

I'm not sure how either event rules those towns out for viewing a fireworks show.
posted by majick at 5:55 PM on June 30, 2006

my favorite 7/4 fireworks displays ever are in Sonoma. they do them in a huge field behind the plaza. seems like it goes on forever, and you can get so close that pieces of the cardboard shell casings float down on you. have to bring your own refreshments, though.
crissy field is great, and you can get a beer, but it's a hassle to get there.
posted by aquanaut at 6:08 PM on June 30, 2006

A few years ago I had a great view of the Berkeley, SF, (and if I walked to the other side) Oakland fireworks in the lobby of one of the view restaurants on Nob Hill. I think it was the Fairmont.

It was odd to look down to watch fireworks. The pianist in the restaurant was playing some romantic standard but quickly went into a patriotic medley once the fireworks started.

It got a bit crowded in the lobby, but people were pretty cool about taking turns at the front of the windows.
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 6:10 PM on June 30, 2006

on a boat off fisherman's wharf. never done it, but always thought it'd be pretty damned cool.
posted by sergeant sandwich at 7:26 PM on June 30, 2006

Do not go to the top of Twin Peaks, on the theory that you'll be able to see all of the various shows that way... you'll end up on top of the clouds and see nothing. At least, that's what happened last year, maybe it'll be better this year since it's been so hot.
posted by rkent at 7:28 PM on June 30, 2006

In SF I like to go by the Aquatic Park and sit on the hill below Fort Mason. It gets very crowded but if you go early there are some great spots, near enough to *really* enjoy the show. Up on Nob Hill, or anywhere not close by, fireworks are just tiny lights. (4th not 3rd)
posted by anadem at 10:14 PM on June 30, 2006

Come to Bodega Bay!, we have fireworks this year and great spots for viewing.
posted by special-k at 10:51 AM on July 1, 2006