Golden Gate Bridge to Close for Fireworks on July 4th Celebrating 250 Years of America

The Golden Gate Bridge will be closed on Saturday, July 4, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a fireworks display celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. This event marks only the third time that fireworks will be launched from the bridge, following celebrations for its 50th and 75th anniversaries.

Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. from the east side of the bridge, with additional launches from a barge off the bridge and another near Pier 39. Denis Mulligan, General Manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, expressed pride in participating in this historic celebration.

Caltrans will start closing Highway 101 in both directions at 8 p.m., with several off-ramps also being closed. Drivers are advised to use the East Bay routes via the Bay Bridge and Richmond-San Rafael Bridge to travel between San Francisco and Marin County.

In addition to the bridge closure, local streets in the Marina District and near Fisherman's Wharf will have restricted access from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Parking lots at the south end of the bridge will be closed from 11 a.m. on July 4 until the fireworks conclude. The east sidewalk of the bridge will be closed from July 3 at 5 a.m. until July 5 at 5 a.m., while the west sidewalk will remain open until 8 p.m. on July 4.

Officials recommend using public transit for travel to the event and have designated viewing areas at Crissy Field, Marina Green, Pier 39, and the northern Embarcadero. Drones are prohibited from flying over or near the bridge during the event.