San Francisco is about to host a once-in-a-generation July 4th fireworks show this Saturday, launching fireworks from the Golden Gate Bridge for only the third time in history. As a result, the bridge will be fully closed to all traffic from 9pm to 10pm, with Caltrans detours starting at 8pm.
The show starts at 9:30pm this Saturday, featuring fireworks launched from the bridge’s east side as well as two barges in the Bay — one below the bridge, and one at PIER 39. The best places to watch are Crissy Field, Marina Green, PIER 39, the northern Embarcadero, and the Main Lawn at the Presidio.
Throughout its 90-year history, the Golden Gate Bridge has only launched fireworks on two other occasions: for its 25th anniversary in 1987, and for its 50th anniversary in 2012. Now, 2026 marks the third-ever fireworks show from the bridge, this time in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
Keep reading for a breakdown of road closures and detours resulting from the show.
July 4 Golden Gate Bridge closures and detours
The Golden Gate Bridge will be closed to all traffic from 9-10 pm on Saturday, July 4th. Caltrans strongly encourages using public transit to avoid delays before and after the show, especially around popular viewing areas.
Here are a few specifics to have in mind.
1. US-101 closure and detours
Caltrans will close US-101 in both directions from 8 to 10 pm on Saturday, July 4. At 10 pm, the bridge will reopen to vehicular and bicycle traffic (west sidewalk). Here are the closure points:
- Northbound US-101 off-ramp at Lincoln Boulevard in San Francisco
- Southbound US-101 off-ramp at Spencer Avenue in Marin County
- Northbound US-101 on- and off-ramps at Girard Street in San Francisco
- Northbound US-101/State Route 1 (SR-1) interchange off-ramp
- SR-1 off-ramp at Lake Street
If traveling on the U.S. 101 between San Francisco and Marin, here are Caltrans’ recommended detours during the fireworks show:
- Northbound (SF to Marin): Take I-80 E across the Bay Bridge, then merge onto I-580 W, and cross the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge to reconnect with the 101.
- Southbound (Marin to SF): Take I-580 E across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, then merge onto I-80 W across the Bay Bridge, and reconnect with the 101.
2. Golden Gate Bridge sidewalk closures
The Golden Gate Bridge’s east and west sidewalks are closed to bicyclists and pedestrians from 8 to 10 pm on Saturday, July 4.
- The west sidewalk will reopen to bicyclists only at 10 pm on July 4
- Regular pedestrian access resumes on Sunday, July 5
The east sidewalk will be partially closed between the two towers from Friday, July 3, at 5 am until Sunday, July 5, at 5 am. During this time, pedestrians and cyclists on the east sidewalk will be turned around at each tower, but the west sidewalk will remain open.
3. South end parking lot closures
All parking lots at the Golden Gate Bridge’s south end will be closed from 11 am until 10 pm on Saturday, July 4.
🌐 Learn more: GoldenGate.org
