For anyone searching Fourth of July parade near me, transportation officials are telling people to leave cars at home for Saturday night's fireworks over the Golden Gate Bridge. Tens of thousands are expected along San Francisco's northern waterfront, and the city is trying to move them with shuttle service while parking and road limits tighten.
Viktoriya Wise, the director of streets for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, said: "I think it's very much dependent on weather, of course, but we are ready for however many people are coming for this incredible celebration." The agency is adding special Muni shuttle service from BART stations to some of the city's most popular viewing areas.
Marina Green and Crissy Field
Marina Green is expected to be one of the busiest viewing locations in San Francisco. The Marina Green parking lot closes at 6 a.m. Saturday and does not reopen until Sunday morning, while the Crissy Field parking lot also closes at 6 a.m. Saturday.
If Marina Green reaches capacity, nearby Fort Mason and Aquatic Park offer similar views. Officials also said Crissy Field is one of the best vantage points in the city, with visitors almost directly beneath the fireworks as they launch from the Golden Gate Bridge.
Powell Street Station Shuttle
The Marina Fireworks Shuttle will depart from Powell Street Station at Cyril Magnin and Market streets. It will travel along the 38 Geary route before continuing on the 49 Van Ness/Mission route to Marina Middle School at Chestnut and Fillmore streets.
Visitors coming from the East Bay can take BART to Embarcadero Station for direct Muni shuttle service to the waterfront. Officials also recommended walking or biking into the Presidio instead of trying to park nearby, as major road closures, packed public transit and parking restrictions are expected throughout the day.
Golden Gate Bridge fireworks
Fireworks will launch from both the Golden Gate Bridge and barges in San Francisco Bay. Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf are another popular viewing option, but the shuttle, the parking closures and the expected crowd make transit the practical choice for anyone heading to the waterfront Saturday night.
