Event: Sat, July 4, 9:30PM - USA's 250th - fireworks from towers of the GG Bridge
Andrea Jesse
On Saturday, July 4, 2026, San Francisco will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s signing with a historic fireworks display launched directly from the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge — only the third time in the Bridge’s nearly 90-year history that fireworks have been deployed from the iconic span. The free, public display will begin at approximately 9:30 pm and will be visible from vantage points across San Francisco and the Bay Area.
“We are proud to join the City of San Francisco and regional partners in welcoming this Fourth of July celebration to the Golden Gate Bridge,” said Denis Mulligan, General Manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District. “As stewards of this iconic structure and symbol of our community, we are honored to help celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary and look forward to a festive, safe, and memorable night for all.”
For more information visit sf.gov/july4.
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE CLOSURES AND ACCESS
The Golden Gate Bridge will be fully closed to all traffic from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the evening of July 4, with Caltrans highway detours beginning at 8 p.m. The east sidewalk will be partially closed in the days leading up to and during the display.
Closure details are as follows:
- Vehicular traffic closure: The Golden Gate Bridge will be closed to all traffic from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. to support fireworks operations and public safety. For the safety of the traveling public, Caltrans will be closing US-101 in both directions starting at 8 p.m. For more information and detour maps, visit sfhighwayprojects.com.
- East and west sidewalk closures: On Saturday, July 4 from 8:00 pm until 10:00 pm, the east and west sidewalks will be closed to bicyclists and pedestrians. The west sidewalk will reopen for bicyclists only at 10:00 pm. Regular pedestrian access will resume on Sunday, July 5.
- Partial East sidewalk closure (between the two towers only): From Friday, July 3 at 5:00 am until Sunday, July 5 at 5:00 am, pedestrians and bicyclists using the east sidewalk will be turned around at each tower to allow for pyrotechnic staging and removal. The west sidewalk will remain open for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the Bridge during regular hours on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 from 5:00 am until 8:00 pm.
- GGB south end parking lot closures: On Saturday, July 4 from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm, all parking lots at the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge will be closed until the conclusion of the fireworks display.
- Reopening: The Golden Gate Bridge is expected to reopen to vehicular traffic around 10 p.m. after the conclusion of the fireworks display. Motorists should allow additional time for clearance.
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE DETOURS
Motorists are encouraged to use alternate Bay Area crossings the evening of July 4. To bypass the bridge entirely, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (I-80) is available to the east.
- Northbound travelers (San Francisco to Marin): Take I-80 East across the Bay Bridge, merge onto I-580 West toward Richmond/San Rafael, and cross the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge to reconnect with U.S. Highway 101.
- Southbound travelers (Marin to San Francisco): Take I-580 East across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, merge onto I-80 West across the Bay Bridge, and enter San Francisco.
RECOMMENDED VIEWING LOCATIONS
Fireworks will launch from the east side of the Golden Gate Bridge between the towers. The best views are from locations with clear northwest sightline toward the bridge.
- Crissy Field: Waterfront viewing area within the Presidio. The Crissy Field parking lot will be closed to the general public from 6:00 am on July 4 through 6:00 am on July 5.
- Marina Green: Open waterfront park. The Marina Green parking lot will be closed to the general public from 6:00 am on July 4 through 6:00 am on July 5.
- Pier 39 and Northern Embarcadero: Viewing locations in this area include Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf, including the block bounded by The Embarcadero, Jefferson Street, and Taylor Street.
