July 4th Fireworks 2012

The fourth of July is nearly upon us. And while there may be lots of places to BBQ, the real star of the holiday are the fireworks. But where to catch the show? Here are our picks on the very best places to enjoy the fireworks around the Bay Area.

San Francisco

Fourth of July Celebration at Pier 39
Starting with live music at 2pm, Pier 39 will be hosting the fireworks celebration in San Francisco which is set to begin at around 9:30pm. If you don’t want to contend with killer traffic and tight crowds down at the Pier, try huffing up one of the hills in Russian Hill for a killer view of the fireworks. Wednesday, July 4, 2012, 2pm – 9:30pm. Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133

Alcatraz
If you really want to bring in the Fourth of July in style (and have the cash to dole out), then Alcatraz tours are offering a 4-hour cruise on a flagship yacht around the Bay that includes a four-course meal, an open bar, live entertainment and a one-of-a-kind view of the fireworks. 6:30pm – 11pm. $244.

Cheap & Free Option
You don’t need to shell out hundreds of dollars or venture downtown to get a great view of the fireworks. Here are some easily accessible spots from where you’ll be able to take in the festivities – for free! Bernal Heights Hill, Mount Davidson, Corona Heights Park, Tank Hill and, of course, Twin Peaks,

East Bay

Berkeley Marina
Berkeley will be having their own celebration with live music, art & crafts, yummy food, and free dragon boat rowing from 2-6pm. Fireworks are over the Berkeley Pier at 9:30pm. Note: No cars in OR out after 7pm.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012. 12pm – 10pm. 201 University Ave. Berkeley, CA 94710. (510) 548-5335.

Concord
There will be a host of July 4th events in Concord for their annual 4th of July Jubilee including a 5K run and walk, a parade (8:30am), and food (traditional pancake breakfast and hot dog lunch) and drink booths at a town festival in Todos Santos Plaza (until 3pm). Fireworks start at 9:20pm (There are fireworks to be scheduled in the park on July 2, 3, and 4th). Wednesday, July 4, 2012. 8:30am – 10pm. Dave Brubeck Park, 4363 Concord Boulevard, Concord, CA 94519. Note: Best viewing is in the park at the Singing Flag (performance starts at 7:30pm) or across the street at Westwood Elementary Park, Concord Bl. & Mendocino).

Richmond
If you want to start things off a day early, you can go to the Independence Day 2012 in Richmond featuring the Oakland East Bay Symphony (8pm). The City of Richmond’s Firework Display will launch over the water just as the Symphony closes its program. Seating is limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis, and bring your own blankets and chairs. Note: No outside liquor will be permitted. Tuesday, July 03, 2012, 5pm – 9:30pm. 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, CA 94804.

South Bay/Peninsula

Shoreline Amphitheatre
A 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular with the San Francisco Symphony – gold medal music, sonic gymnastics, and fireworks accompanied by the Orchestra. Wednesday, July 4, 2012. 8:30pm – 10pm, $24-48. 201 University Ave. Berkeley, CA 94710. (510) 548-5335. One Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043.

San Jose Giants Fireworks
Not to be confused with the SF Giants, the San Jose Giants will be hosting a post-game fireworks display on both July 4th and July 5th. San Jose Municipal Stadium, 588 East Alma Avenue, San Jose, CA.

North Bay

Marin County Fair
Just picked as one of the best county fairs in the entire country, this fair will feature five nights of fireworks. There will also be carnival rides, arts and crafts, farmers market, farm animals, horse shows, a petting zoo, science exhibits, and music. The fair is open from 11am-11pm. The fireworks take place every night of the Fair, shot from three barges over the lagoon. From June 30 through July 4 at 9:30pm. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $13-$15.

Sausalito
Join the City of Sausalito for a full day of 4th of July celebrations. Festivities will begin at 10am with a parade down the streets of Sausalito beginning at Second and Main Street in old town Sausalito. The parade route will wind along Bridgeway and Caledonia and end with a town picnic at Dunphy Park at Noon. Moving back to downtown Sausalito, join the City of Sausalito Parks and Recreation Department as they co-host an evening of celebration at Gabrielson Park from 6:30-9:30 pm. The celebration will feature live entertainment and end with a spectacular show of fireworks on the San Francisco Bay. Fireworks, 9:30pm. Note: You can reserve a table for $100 (seats 6), call 415-289-4152.

Napa
Independence Day festivities kicks off at the Napa County Fair with four days of live music, strolling entertainers, competition for blue ribbons, an antique truck and tractor show, a 4th of July parade and fireworks. Showcasing local wines and arts. June 29 – July 4, 2012. Fireworks and parade on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. 1435 North Oak Street, Calistoga, CA 94515. A free fireworks celebration will also be held in downtown Napa at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

Besides being an editor at SF Station, Anhoni Patel writes fiction. She is the author of "All Good Things Die in L.A." and is currently at work on her second novel. Her many passions include movies, cupcakes and books. You can find her work and novel info here: http://www.anhonipatel.com.