Updated June 25, 2025
Sailors have the best Independence Day advantage by offering friends and family an unforgettable 4th of July fireworks experience from the unparalleled vantage point of a sailboat on San Francisco Bay! Celebrate freedom with the ultimate freedom of sailing. Start planning now to secure your ideal spot for a dazzling display.
Best Places in San Francisco Bay to See Fireworks by Sailboat
Sausalito will have a fireworks show in the vicinity of Gabrielson Park beginning at around 9:15 PM. There’s plenty of room to anchor and good holding in Richardson Bay. Launch location is designated by the blue and red star on the chart. Be sure to give the barge a wide berth.
San Francisco will have two synchronous fireworks displays, launched from a pair of barges, beginning at approximately 9:30 PM. See image below for barge locations, designated by the stars on the chart. These barges are typically located off Pier 39 and near the Municipal Pier at Aquatic Park.
If you’re qualified to sail at night (ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising and/or Night Sailing Clinic certified), you can cruise the Central Bay or along the waterfront during the show, but be prepared for the challenge of navigating among other boats in the dark. If you’d prefer to anchor and relax in Aquatic Park, visit the Aquatic Park page on the National Park website to learn the ins and outs.
If you're not qualified to sail at night, no worries! Your full-day charter grants you liveaboard access and the Sausalito fireworks show will be visible from your slip at our Modern Sailing Sausalito location.
Best Places to Anchor in San Francisco Bay Overnight
For those looking to extend their celebration, here are some excellent overnight anchoring options:
- Aquatic Park: Closest to the San Francisco fireworks shows and a motorboat-free zone.
- McCovey Cove: Also known as China Basin, this waterway adjacent to the San Francisco Giants' ballpark offers appropriate depth for secure anchoring and is generally free from tidal current.
- Clipper Cove: A calm anchorage near Treasure Island, though it has a shallow, tricky entrance. Plan your entrance and exit for high tide.
- Richardson Bay: A peaceful place to spend the night, especially if you want an amazing up-close view of the Sausalito fireworks but are not rated for night sailing. Set your anchor here before sunset.
- Paradise Cove: Located on the east side of the Tiburon Peninsula, this is another option, though it is the furthest from the main fireworks shows.
Multi-day Charter Discounts
Make it an extended holiday weekend! Take Friday off and experience a refreshing overnight charter with your friends and family. Book a boat for two or more consecutive days, you’ll receive a 10% discount off the total charter rate. For 3 or more days, the discount increases to 15%!
Parking & Traffic Considerations
Sausalito:
If you plan to make a day of it in Sausalito, consider attending the Sausalito Fireworks, Picnic & Parade events throughout the day on July 4, 2025:
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon: The 4th of July Town Parade kicks off at 2nd and Main St. (Old Town), proceeding down Bridgeway and Caledonia to Dunphy Park. Expect classic cars, bands, floats, and plenty of festive fun.
Important Note for Drivers: Bridgeway (Sausalito's main thoroughfare) will be closed for the parade from 10 AM until after 1:00 PM, with some sections potentially remaining closed until as late as 4:00 PM. To avoid parking restrictions and road closures, plan your arrival and parking carefully. Office building lots (those without stores or restaurants) in the southern Marinship area near the Bay Model and the northern Marinship area near the Post Office are popular choices. Please avoid "Reserved" spots, even on a holiday. Golden Gate Transit buses regularly run along Bridgeway from these areas to downtown Sausalito, or you can enjoy a 20-40 minute walk, a nice way to work off some extra holiday calories!
- 12:00 Noon – 6:30 PM: Enjoy the 4th of July Picnic in Dunphy Park, featuring live music by Johnny Gunn & The Wanted (12:30 PM - 4:30 PM). Food booths organized by local non-profits will offer hot dogs, hamburgers, fish & chips, fries, corn, watermelon, drinks, and more.
- 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM: The 4th of July Dinner and Fireworks event takes place in Gabrielson Park, with Elena Kreating and The R&B All Stars performing from 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM. Big Jim’s BBQ will be serving food.
- FIREWORKS WILL START AT ABOUT 9:15 PM from Gabrielson Park.
Additional Notes for Sausalito Visitors: The Sausalito Ferry and Golden Gate Transit/Marin Transit buses will operate on holiday schedules, but ferry service wraps up in the early evening, so only bus service will be available after the fireworks. Consider making a tax-deductible donation to support the Sausalito fireworks, which are 100% community-funded. For more details, contact Sausalito Parks and Recreation at 415-289-4126.
How to Make Your Charter Reservation
Photo Credit: Xiyu Zhang on Unsplash.com (@imxiyuzhang). More information on fireworks and 4th of July Celebrations around the Bay, visit KTVU.com.
