San Francisco 4th of July Plans

by Allie Pape - Citysearch Contributor - 10 Reviews - 44 Lists
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From the archives: July 05, 2011

As the only city in America whose residents have to worry about fireworks being obscured by fog, San Francisco isn't exactly a traditional spot to spend Independence Day. (The generally frigid July temperatures don't help.) But with a little gumption and an extra sweater, it's possible to have an all-American 4th of July in San Francisco, from pyrotechnics to barbecue. Here are our picks for the best places to celebrate July 4 in San Francisco.

On this page:  4th of July in San Francisco: Events, 4th of July in San Francisco: Restaurants and Bars.

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4th of July in San Francisco: Events

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Fillmore Street
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    Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    Every 4th of July weekend, the Fillmore Street Jazz Festival brings the best of the jazz scene back to where it all began. This year's acts range from orchestra to blues to Nigerian funk. Grab a bite from one of the food vendors and settle in for some tunes.

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Pier 39
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    Beach Street at the Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133 (map)

    Pier 39 is the centerpiece location for San Francisco's big waterfront fireworks display, with crowds thronging to watch the main event. If it's too packed, consider heading up or down a few blocks for a more spaced-out view.

  3. 3 3 Star Rating: Average Shoreline Amphitheatre-Mtn Vw
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    One Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043 (map)

    South Bay denizens (and classical-music fans) can head down to Mountain View for a free concert by the San Francisco Symphony, with a culminating fireworks display. It's the local answer to the Boston Pops.

  4. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended Hornblower Cruises and Events
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    Pier 3, San Francisco, CA 94111 (map)

    If you're willing to splurge a little, this pleasure-boat outfitter offers a Fireworks Cruise that will get you as close as safely possible to the action (without crowds!). Drinks and snacks are available on board.

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended San Jose Municipal Stadium
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    588 E Alma Ave, San Jose, CA 95112 (map)

    The single-A farm team of our hometown Giants offers a real taste of Americana, with cheap seats right near the field, delicious barbecue for munching, and the chance to see future San Francisco stars (Buster Posey played here only two years ago) get their start. The July 4th home game against the Modesto Nuts will feature postgame fireworks, too.

4th of July in San Francisco: Restaurants and Bars

  1. 6 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended El Rio
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    3158 Mission St, San Francisco, CA Cesar (map)

    The outdoor patio at El Rio is always hopping, but July 4th is arguably the club's biggest bash of the year, with a daylong cookout, live bands, and plenty of margaritas to wash it all down.

  2. 7 3 Star Rating: Average Epic Roasthouse
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    369 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105 (map)

    This fancy steakhouse (and its next-door seafood counterpart, Waterbar) doesn't come cheap, but your $50 steak could arrive with a side of fireworks if you time the reservation correctly. Both restaurants offer unparalleled views of the Embarcadero, perfect for catching the city's big show.

  3. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Memphis Minnies
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    576 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    No grill to call your own? No sweat. Pound-for-pound, Minnie's offers San Francisco's best barbecue--and the staff is happy to sell it to you, pound by pound. Don't be fooled by the Memphis name--the restaurant offers Texas brisket, Carolina pulled pork, andouille sausage, and killer mac and cheese in addition to its namesake Tennessee ribs.

  4. 9 3.5 Star Rating: Average Prather Ranch Meat Company
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    1 Ferry Bldg, San Francisco, CA 94105 (map)

    For those who do own a grill, this Ferry Building gem offers a full range of sustainable meats, from ground chuck for burgers to housemade sausages to pork ribs. Grab some buns from nearby Acme Bread, and you're ready to roll.

  5. 10 4 Star Rating: Recommended Zeitgeist
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    199 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103 (map)

    As befits its Mission location, Zeitgeist is more brews and tattoos than Mom and apple pie. That said, it does up a mean grilled burger, in both meat and veggie iterations. Grab one of the famous bloody marys and hit the spacious beer garden to celebrate summer, San Francisco-style.

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