2024 will be here before we know it, and San Francisco will welcome the new year with its annual New Year’s Eve fireworks show on the waterfront. Here’s what to know ahead of this year’s rendition, plus some alternative plans to ring in New Year’s Eve in San Francisco.
Where to watch SF’s NYE fireworks
Although the city has not released official details just yet, we have an idea of what to expect based on past years. Each year San Francisco’s NYE fireworks show starts at the stroke of midnight on the night of December 31st and usually lasts about 15-20 minutes. The fireworks are launched from a boat floating between the Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge.
As such, the best (and most crowded) fireworks viewing spots tend to be along the waterfront between the Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge, but you can still catch them from many overlooks in the city with a clear view to the Ferry Building. Some popular ones include Rincon Park, Telegraph Hill, and Corona Heights Park.
For those of us seeking a more unique fireworks viewing experience, there are several boat cruises that take guests out on the water for a front-row seat. Look into the Speakeasy NYE Cruise, Red & White Fleet, Luxe Fireworks Dinner Cruise, and the Under the Fireworks Cruise.
Other ways to ring in NYE 2024 in San Francisco
Did you know San Francisco was ranked the 4th-best U.S. city for celebrating New Year’s Eve?
Watch the city come alive with exciting concerts and parties, including LCD Soundsystem at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Odesza at 1015 Folsom, a lively NYE bar crawl around North Beach, and the Great Northern block party on New Year’s Day. Other fun celebrations coming up include the kid-friendly Polar Bear Skate at Union Square Ice Rink and Noon Year’s Eve at Thrive City. See more parties here.
Alternatively, if you prefer to stay home for NYE this year, you can check out our 2021 guide for some Covid-safe ways to ring in the new year. It’s an oldie but a goodie with recs for creating a great charcuterie board or picking up some nice local booze.
If you want to start the New Year with a fresh perspective, consider a trip to a local observatory or try to catch the first sunrise of the year at some tried-and-true viewpoints.
Finally, get started on your 2024 bucket list with some ideas for day trips to take from San Francisco, hidden gems to visit in NorCal, and SF events you should save the date for.
Don’t forget that we can keep the party going with SF’s Chinese Lunar New Year in January and February, which is the oldest and largest celebration of its kind outside of Asia.
For more inspiration, see our ultimate guide to ringing in the new year in San Francisco. Cheers to 2023!