The Golden Gate Bridge Will Close (Temporarily) July 4 for a lot of Fireworks

So, whether you’re a resident or a visitor to the city just hoping to see the Golden Gate Bridge on July 4, keep reading on what to expect around the area during the sure-to-be crowded festivities.

You can also check out KQED’s guide to fireworks shows across the Bay Area, as well as other Independence Day events and installations.

• Jump to: Where’s the best place to watch the Golden Gate Bridge fireworks?

Golden Gate Bridge closures to cars and other vehicles

On Saturday, July 4, the Golden Gate Bridge will be fully closed to cars “from shortly before” the 9:30 p.m. scheduled firework display start time until “shortly after” the end of the fireworks show, according to the city. 

“Closure duration may change based on operational needs,” the city’s website reads, and you should “expect delays before the bridge reopens.”

Because of this somewhat uncertain timing for the closures, Golden Gate Bridge authorities are encouraging motorists “to use alternate Bay Area crossings the evening of July 4,” namely the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (I-80) to the east.

According to the Golden Gate Bridge’s webpage, northbound travelers can take I-80 East across the East Bay, and then merge onto I-580 West toward Richmond/San Rafael and cross the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (with tolls) to reconnect with U.S. Highway 101 in Marin County.

Southbound travelers can take I-580 East across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge toll-free, merge onto I-80 West across the Bay Bridge (with tolls), and enter San Francisco.

Golden Gate Bridge closures to pedestrians and bicyclists

There will also be closures for pedestrians and bicyclists on the bridge, who are usually able to walk across the bridge well into the evening, and cycle across it 24/7.

On Friday, July 3, at 5 a.m., there will be a partial closure of the east sidewalk (the side facing San Francisco) in the central portion between the two bridge towers. This closure will last until Sunday, 5 a.m.

The west sidewalk is slated to remain open during regular hours on July 3 and July 4 from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

However, around the time of the Saturday fireworks show from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., both the east and west sidewalks will be completely closed to bicyclists and pedestrians. At 10 p.m., the west sidewalk will open, but only for bicyclists.

Pedestrian access will be back to normal on Sunday, reopening at 5 a.m.

Parking near the Golden Gate Bridge on July 4

Parking lots at the south end of the bridge will also be closed for most of the day on Saturday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to the end of the fireworks shows.

If you are driving into the area to see the fireworks on the bridge, the city warns that “driving into the Presidio is strongly discouraged — parking lots fill early, close when full, and special event parking fees will be in effect.”

You may have some luck finding a parking space on a third-party parking website, SpotHero. If you do go this (also difficult route), be sure not to keep anything visible inside your vehicle.

Where can I watch the Golden Gate Bridge fireworks?

According to the city, the best viewing locations for the July 4 display will be Crissy Field, Marina Green, Pier 39 and the Northern Embarcadero.

Officials recommend avoiding the Ferry Building and Embarcadero waterfront, since there will be no view of the fireworks there, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge fireworks will also be limited at Ocean Beach.

See our full guide to fireworks shows across the Bay Area, as well as other Independence Day parades, parties and exhibits across the region.