Fourth of July
Things to Do in the Bay Area for Your Fourth of July Holiday
The Fourth of July will be here before you know it, and, whether you are a Bay Area resident or are planning a trip to the area for this summer holiday, there is definitely no shortage of things to see and do. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of fun, interesting and free or relatively inexpensive things to do on and around the Fourth to celebrate our nation’s birthday.
- Go see a baseball game at AT&T Park
There are few things more distinctly American than baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and, to a lesser extent, really bad and lazy similes. Both Bay Area professional baseball teams have home stands on and/or around the Fourth. The Oakland Athletics host the Chicago Cubs on July 2, 3 and 4, with a nice matinee starting time of 1:05 p.m. on the Fourth.
On the other side of the Bay, the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants begin a home stand against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 5 through 7, with the latter two games both starting in the afternoon. So get out to the ballpark, soak up some rays, purchase some egregiously overpriced food and beverages and enjoy America’s pastime!
- Check out the fireworks
You really have to be in a major American city to enjoy a major fireworks display, and few rival the show over San Francisco Bay. If you want to watch from beneath this pyrotechnic canopy, you can purchase tickets for one of the many fireworks cruises offered by local vessels. You can also grab a bottle of wine and your significant other and watch for free from just about anywhere on the waterfront. Or, head to great spots like Tank Hill or Twin Peaks (but get there early for prime viewing spots). - Pack a picnic lunch and watch the boats race for a chance at America’s Cup
You don’t have to be a fan of boat racing to enjoy the Louis Vuitton Cup races on the Bay beginning on the Fourth and continuing on July 5 and 7. This regatta is the last qualifier for the upcoming America’s Cup, so the competition will be fierce. If the weather’s agreeable, pack a picnic lunch and some binoculars and enjoy the races from your favorite vantage point. If it’s rainy and overcast, indulge in a genuine American summer holiday tradition, and grill out with friends and family instead. - See some live jazz
On July 6 and 7, the annual Fillmore Jazz Festival will take place on Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy Streets. Jazz music is a truly authentic American art form, and there will be plenty of talent on stage from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. There are three stages showcasing jazz musicians from around the Bay and around the world as well as lots of local restaurants providing foods from around the area and around the globe. Why not head down there and get your groove on this July?
These are just a few of the many things to do in and around San Francisco this upcoming Fourth of July. This list is by no means complete but certainly offers a few suggestions worthy of your consideration. Whatever your interests, budget and ability to deal with the Bay Area’s fickle weather may be, definitely get out and about, and reap the benefits of living in or near our world-class city this upcoming July!