This list offers a mix of fine dining, waterfront views, and cozy atmospheres, ensuring that you find the perfect place to celebrate 4th of July fireworks in San Francisco!
🎆 Where to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in San Francisco
If you want to enjoy the fireworks in San Francisco, you don't have to rush to the same spot. Check out the following location in San Francisco to enjoy the fireworks:1. Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf
This is the most popular and official viewing area. Fireworks are launched from barges near Pier 39, offering spectacular views over the Bay. Arrive early—space fills up quickly. Street performers, live music, and shops add to the fun.
2. Aquatic Park
Located between Fisherman’s Wharf and Fort Mason, this beachfront park offers a more relaxed, direct view of the show. Great for families; bring a blanket and snacks.
3. Coit Tower / Telegraph Hill
Offers panoramic views of the Bay. A quieter spot to see the fireworks with a bit of an uphill walk. Bring a flashlight for the walk down.
4. Ghirardelli Square
Grab a bite or dessert and enjoy the view from this charming plaza near Aquatic Park. It’s a great date night spot with easy access to food and drinks.
5. Crissy Field
Stunning views of the fireworks with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. More open space and fewer crowds than the Wharf. Bring warm layers—it gets windy!
6. Twin Peaks
Offers a high-elevation panoramic view of the city, including distant views of multiple fireworks shows across the Bay Area. Limited parking, and fog may block views.
7. Treasure Island
Provides a unique vantage point of the SF skyline and Bay Bridge, with the fireworks visible across the water. Less crowded but requires planning for transport.
💡 Pro Tip: Fog is unpredictable—stay flexible and follow live updates. Bring layers, snacks, and portable seating for comfort!
🍽️ Before the Fireworks (Dinner)
1. Fog Harbor Fish House
Location: Pier 39 #A‑202, San Francisco, CA 94133
Cuisine: Seafood
Details: Overlooking the water at Pier 39, Fog Harbor Fish House delivers sustainable, award‑winning seafood in a radiant setting. Floor‑to‑ceiling windows offer stunning views of the Bay, Alcatraz, and fireworks—ideal for a festive pre‑show meal.
What to Order: Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, Dungeness crab, mussel fries
2. Scoma’s
Location: 1965 Al Scoma Way, Pier 47, San Francisco, CA 94133
Cuisine: Seafood (Classic)
Details: A Fisherman’s Wharf icon since 1965, Scoma’s serves ultra‑fresh seafood straight from the working pier. Its retro‑nautical charm and family‑run legacy offer an authentic waterfront experience before the fireworks begin.
What to Order: Cioppino, Crab Louis salad, garlic‑bread rounds
3. Coqueta
Location: Pier 5 Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
Cuisine: Spanish Tapas
Details: Bright and lively, Coqueta brings Mediterranean flair with an open kitchen and colorful decor. Ideal for sharing, the vibrant dishes and upbeat atmosphere set the perfect tone ahead of the fireworks.
What to Order: Grilled octopus, chorizo & chickpeas, patatas bravas
4. Waterbar
Location: 399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105Cuisine: Seafood & Raw Bar
Details: Elegant and refined, Waterbar overlooks the Bay Bridge. With an expansive oyster bar and fresh fish, the scenic waterfront view pairs beautifully with the pre-fireworks excitement.
What to Order: Oysters, halibut, lobster bisque
5. Epic Steak
Location: 369 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Details: Epic Steak combines contemporary steakhouse vibes with sweeping Bay vistas. Comfortable yet upscale, it offers hearty cuts and sides—perfect for an indulgent lead-up to the fireworks.
What to Order: Filet mignon, bone marrow, truffle mac & cheese
6. Bistro Boudin
Location: 160 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Cuisine: American/Bakery
Details: Famous for its sourdough, Bistro Boudin provides a casual, comforting atmosphere. With waterfront views and classic bread bowls in hand, it’s a relaxed yet flavorful pre-fireworks stop.
What to Order: Crab mac & cheese, sourdough pizza, clam chowder bowl
7. Franciscan Crab Restaurant
Location: 360 Jefferson St, Pier 43½, San Francisco, CA 94133
Cuisine: Seafood
Details: Nestled on Pier 43½, the Franciscan Crab Restaurant gives off classic Wharf charm. Enjoy steaming Dungeness or Fisherman’s platters with stunning bay views—an ideal way to start patriotic fireworks night.
What to Order: Whole Dungeness crab, crab enchiladas, fisherman’s platter
8. Red’s Java House
Location: 1 Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
Cuisine: Burgers & Beer
Details: Casual with bay views, Red’s Java House specializes in juicy burgers and cold brews. It’s relaxed but lively—perfect to fill up before the evening’s festivities.
What to Order: Double cheeseburger, chili dog, craft beer
9. Blue Mermaid
Location: Pier 7 Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133
Cuisine: Seafood/Californian
Details: Bright and modern, Blue Mermaid offers fresh seafood dishes in a family-friendly setting with glass walls overlooking the Bay—ideal for pre-show celebration meals.
What to Order: Cioppino, cornbread skillet, Fisherman’s stew
10. Alioto’s Restaurant
Location: 1 Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94133
Cuisine: Italian/Seafood
Details: A Wharf tradition since the 1920s, Alioto’s pairs Italian comfort with breathtaking bay views. Its welcoming vibe makes it a memorable stop before fireworks begin.
What to Order: Crab Louie salad, seafood pasta, calamari
🌙 After the Fireworks (Late-Night & Cozy)
1. The Buena Vista
Location: 2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Cuisine: American Comfort
Details: Legendary for pioneering the Irish Coffee in the US, The Buena Vista is cozy, classic, and open late. It’s a festive refuge to warm up just after the fireworks.
What to Order: Irish coffee, Reuben sandwich, bread pudding
2. Ghirardelli Ice Cream
Location: Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Cuisine: Desserts
Details: A classic post-fireworks indulgence, Ghirardelli serves decadent sundaes and chocolate treats in its iconic waterfront square—perfect for celebrating with something sweet.
What to Order: Hot fudge sundae, sea salt caramel sundae, brownie sundae
3. North Beach Pizza
Location: 1462 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
Details: One of the city’s oldest pizza joints, open late for those needing a hearty slice after the lights go out.
What to Order: Garlic clam pizza, pepperoni slice, Caesar salad
4. Delarosa
Location: 2175 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123Cuisine: Italian Small Plates
Details: Buzzing and modern with great cocktails and Roman-style dishes to wrap up your Independence Day in style.
What to Order: Burrata, truffle garlic bread, arancini
5. El Farolito
Location: 2779 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110Cuisine: Mexican
Details: Craving a late-night burrito? This Mission gem is open until 2 a.m. and is a fireworks-night tradition for many locals.
What to Order: Super burrito, carne asada tacos, nachos
6. Tacko
Location: 3115 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123Cuisine: Baja Mexican
Details: Fun and casual, Tacko offers a beach-town vibe and quick bites well into the night. Great for hungry fireworks fans.
What to Order: Fish tacos, shrimp burrito, queso fries
7. Mel’s Drive-In
Location: 3355 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118Cuisine: American Diner
Details: Open 24/7, this retro-style diner serves breakfast all day and classic diner plates—ideal for a nostalgic nightcap meal.
What to Order: Cheeseburger, milkshake, chicken & waffles
8. Golden Boy Pizza
Location: 542 Green St, San Francisco, CA 94133Cuisine: Pizza
Details: Open late and always packed, Golden Boy serves square, Sicilian-style slices that hit the spot after a long night.
What to Order: Combo square slice, garlic clam pizza, vegetarian slice
9. Cafe Greco
Location: 423 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133Cuisine: Coffee & Desserts
Details: This cozy Italian café in North Beach serves espresso, cannoli, and tiramisu for a chill, sweet finish to the evening.
What to Order: Cappuccino, tiramisu, cannoli
10. Tommy’s Joynt
Location: 1101 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109Cuisine: American Carvery
Details: Historic and quirky, this carvery offers huge portions and hearty meals perfect for wrapping up the holiday with flavor and fun.
What to Order: Roast beef sandwich, buffalo stew, corned beef plate
Also don't forget to check out best Chinese, Indian, and Mexican restaurants in San Francisco