July 4 in the San Francisco Bay Area – Fireworks, Parades and Family Friendly Fun
There are plenty of fireworks displays throughout the Bay Area, but with little ones in tow and displays that don't start until 9:30 pm, you may be on the hunt for daytime celebrations. Though most of these options include evening fireworks, plenty focus on morning and afternoon festivities so your kids won't miss out, whether you're celebrating the Fourth of July in San Francisco or elsewhere in the Bay Area.
San Francisco, Pier 39
Starting at 3:00 pm, enjoy the free live bands playing in the PIER 39 Entrance Plaza. You'll also find street performers on stage and of course a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 pm.
Menlo Park
A yearly favorite on the Peninsula is the 4th of July Parade and Celebration in downtown Menlo Park. Kids decorate their bicycles, tricycles, wagons and scooters and parade down Santa Cruz Avenue to Burgess Park. At Burgess Park, you'll find all kinds of food, games and music. Bring a backpack with a picnic blanket, sunscreen and hats and you'll be all set. Parade starts at 11:45 am sharp at the parking lot off Santa Cruz and Chesnut Street. Monday, July 4th, 11:45 am.
Larkspur
The Corte Madera- Larkspur "Salute to Our Heroes" parade is big on small-town charm (think firetrucks, marching bands and local politicians doling out candy and other goodies). Follow to route along Magnolia Avenue to Corte Madera Town Park and let the kids enjoy the jumpy house, crafts and musical entertainment. Parade begins at 10:00 am at Redwood High. Festivities follow the parade in Corte Madera until 5:00 pm.
Sausalito
July 4th parade and celebration. Sausalito is one of the few communities that site hosts not only a parade (and fireman pancake breakfast) but also its own fireworks. Sausalito's Dunphy Park offers manageable crowd compared to the larger San Francisco fireworks (and if the skies are clear, you can see the SF show in the distance). Pancake Breakfast, 8:00 am - 10:00 am. Parade 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Caledonia Street. Picnic 12:00 pm- 5:00 pm Dunphy Park. Fireworks at 9:30 pm Gabrielson Park.
Foster City
Living with a few early risers? How about a pancake breakfast to kick off the holiday? Festivities start bright and early at 8:00 am, at Leo J. Ryan Park in Foster City. There will be a family parade, a barbecue, games, music, arts and crafts activities and for a grand finale, a fireworks show over the lagoon. Monday, July 4th 8:00 am - 9:45 pm. Fireworks start at 9:30 pm.
Santa Cruz
If your kids love trains, spend the day at Roaring Camp in Santa Cruz. Roaring Camp channels the 1950s with a Sock Hop, a hula hoop contest, games, live music and all American BBQ. Everything is free except food and tickets to the train. You need reservations for a train ride, though if you want to play it by ear, you can generally buy tickets for 30-45 minutes ahead of the next train. Saturday, Sunday and Monday, July 4th from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Alameda
In the East Bay, head to the USS Hornet Museum for ship tours, interactive games and live music performed on the flight deck. Fireworks start at 9:30 pm. Monday, July 4th 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm. 707 W. Hornet Avenue, Alameda. P.S. Also, the Alameda parade is known to be one of the longest in the country… plenty of spots to catch some old-fashioned, flag-waving fun.
Piedmont
That small-town feeling is captured along Highland Avenue-stake out a spot early to cheer on classic cars, majorettes, and more. The whole shindig wraps up with a concert in the park at the end of the route. Monday, July 4, noon - 3:00 pm, along Highland Avenue, free.
Berkeley Marina
Music, dancers, jugglers, face painting, dragon boat rides and more are all part of the Fourth of July celebration at the Berkeley Marina. Live entertainment starts at noon and continues until 9:00 pm. You'll also find arts and crafts activities and free sailboat rides from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Dragon boat rides are from 2:00 - 6:00 pm and the Adventure Playground will be open from 11:00 am - 8:00 pm. Fireworks start from the end of the Berkeley Pier at 9:30 pm. Monday, July 4th, 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Berkeley Marina.
Some other spots to watch:
Tank Hill in Twin Peaks
If you're not up for braving the Pier 39 scene, head to Tank Hill in Twin Peaks where views (providing the fog isn't bad) are spectacular. It can be very windy, so bring jackets just in case. Find Tank Hill at 2 Belgrave Avenue (at Bigler Avenue) in Twin Peaks.
Marin Headlands
The Marin Headlands are known for some of the best views in the Bay Area, which makes this a great spot for watching multiple city firework displays at once. It can be crowded on the Fourth, so come early and bring a picnic dinner. Don't forget layers; it can be cold and windy even in July.
Marina Bay
Richmond's celebration takes place on the 3rd, and it's a great alternative for East Bay residents who don't want to brave the Berkeley crowds. The East Bay Oakland Symphony will be performing at the Craneway Pavilion.
-Tara Wright
