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Finding Fireworks for the 4th (or 3rd)

By Christine Weaver | July 1, 2016 | San Francisco Bay and Delta |

Who says water and fire do not mix? Water and pyrotechnics sure do, so if you’ve got a boat and want an unobstructed view of the celebrations, take a look at our list. We’ve got the Sacramento Delta through South Bay locations covered. And whether you’re sailing with just the sweetie or the whole neighborhood, remember to have a personal flotation device (PFD) onboard for each person. Be sure each PFD is in working order and able to attach securely to the wearer.

Sunday, July 3:

Delta
Catch the bang a day early with Barron Hilton’s fireworks display at Mandeville Tip along the San Joaquin River. Arrive early to stake out your spot Sunday night.

Richmond
Bundle up and tuck in close to Craneway Pavilion on the Richmond waterfront. Catch on-land music starting at 6 p.m. and over-water fireworks at 9:15 p.m. (510) 620-6793.

The fireworks display on the Richmond waterfront will be held at Marina Bay Park.

© Ron Hasemeyer

Monday, July 4:

Pittsburg
Fireworks will go off at dusk near the Pittsburg Marina. Pittsburg Yacht Club will host a whole weekend of events.

Martinez
Catch the ohhs and ahhs when fireworks are launched at 9:30 p.m. over the waterfront. (925) 372-3500.

Benicia
The town of Benicia is hosting a Freedom Festival with fireworks display launching from the fishing pier/end of First Street. Be there by 9:15 p.m. for the best views.

Vallejo

Hit the channel just north of the Vallejo Ferry Building to view pyrotechnics as they are launched from Mare Island at 9:15 p.m.

Angel Island
Enjoy pyrotechnics from the Tiburon side of Angel Island. The display is pegged to start at 9:45 p.m.

Sausalito
Catch the fireworks launching from Spinnaker Point at 9:20 p.m. The display will be timed to music, courtesy of Radio Sausalito, 1610 AM, and will cap off a day of festivities.

Fireworks shot off near Gabrielson Park are a longstanding Sausalito tradition.

© Ron Hasemeyer

Berkeley
There’s lots of room to spread out on the Bay near the Olympic Circle, but watch out for that dang pier. The set-up point is the Berkeley Marina at 9:35 p.m.

Oakland
No fireworks

Aquatic Park and Pier 39, San Francisco
Float along the shore adjacent to Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf to catch the fireworks set off from barges at Aquatic Park and Pier 39 starting at 9:30 p.m.

The fireworks display along the San Francisco Cityfront.

© Ron Hasemeyer

Foster City
Rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks and sailing dinghies can bob about in the vicinity of Leo Ryan Park. The grand display starts at 9:45 p.m. (650) 286-3380.

Redwood City
Drift and view fireworks as they are launched over the Port of Redwood City at 9:30 p.m.

Prefer not to navigate the waters at night? Among charter companies, commercial ferries and even historic ships offering July 4th packages are the following:

Adventure Cat Sailing Charters (415) 777-1630
Bay Voyager (510) 612-1251
Blue and Gold Fleet (415) 773-1188
Commodore Events (510) 337-9000
Hornblower Cruises (888) 467-6256
USS Hornet, Alameda (510) 521-8448 x282
SS Jeremiah O’Brien (dockside at S.F. Pier 45) (415) 544-0100
Lovely Martha (415) 509-5552
USS Potomac, Oakland (510) 627-1215
Red and White Fleet (415) 673-2900
SF Bay Adventures, Sausalito (415) 331-0444
Tiburon-Angel Island Ferries (415) 435-2131

More sailboat charters can be found at our online Chartering page.

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