Fireworks on the Fourth of July are a nationwide tradition, and San Francisco always celebrates the holiday with a massive waterfront display. Typically, fireworks are launched from a barge on the bay, but the city just announced the 2026 4th of July fireworks will be launched from the Golden Gate Bridge.
SF 4th of July Fireworks off the Golden Gate Bridge
The announcement marks the third time in history that fireworks have been deployed off the bridge. The only other times fireworks have been launched from the bridge were in 1987 and 2012. The fireworks display will be launched from the east side, between the two towers. It will be the only official fireworks show in San Francisco for the holiday. While the show is a popular tradition, the summer fog is known to block some of the views, so we recommend checking the weather before heading out to a lookout spot.
“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.”
The fireworks show will start at 9:30 pm, and organizers recommend viewing spots with a clear view of the bridge, such as Crissy Field and Marina Green. You can also head to the Presidio’s main lawn to enjoy food trucks and other festive amenities from 9 am to 5:30 pm. Plus, you can attend the Sunset Dune’s Parade, which has become a tradition in recent years to celebrate the 4th of July.
