Best Places to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Silicon Valley

The San Francisco waterfront is the obvious go-to for biggest 4th of July activities in the Bay Area, but with young kids and an aversion to sitting in traffic, large crowds and long lines, we’ve decided to put together a list of Silicon Valley spots to watch this year’s 4th of July fireworks that are a little closer to home.

If you do insist on heading to San Francisco, the fireworks show starts at 9:30pm and lasts around 30mins. There are two sets of fireworks that will be synced, one on the barges at Pier 39 and the other at the end of the Municipal Pier. Marina Green, Ghirardelli Square and Crissy Field, are also great spots to watch the action.

1. San Jose - Rotary Downtown Discovery Meadow

Rotary Club of San Jose presents Rotary Fireworks, This is a free event and the firework show will start at 9:30 p.m. Click here for more information.

2. Santa Clara - California’s Great America

The park will be closing at 9pm for the fireworks show which will start at 9:45pm.  The best spots to see the show will be at the midway plaza in front of the Flight Deck or in the Redwood Amphitheater. You can also enjoy exclusive seating in the Pavillion if you purchase tickets for the All-You-Can-Eat Backyard Cookout ($24.95 for kids 12 & under and $49.95 for Adults). The food will be served from 5pm-9pm. Click here for more information.

3. Cupertino - Hyde Middle School

Fireworks will start at 9:30pm and be launched from Hyde Middle School. You can view the show from Creekside Park, Sedgwick Elementary and Miller Ave (between Bollinger and Phil). There will be road closures for the event and parking will be very limited so you are encouraged to walk or ride a bike.  There are no pets, BBQ, tailgating or alcohol allowed at the viewing sites. Click here for more information.

4. Redwood City - Port of Redwood City

The fireworks show will start at 9:30pm and can be seen from all over the peninsula. Click here for more information.

5. Morgan Hill - Freedom Fest and Fireworks on the Green

This fireworks show is one of the largest in Northern California! Gates open at 3pm and live music starts at 5:30pm, running until the fireworks start at 9:30pm.   You can buy parking passes ahead of time to skip the line when you arrive. Click here for more information.

6. Gilroy - Gilroy High School

The show will begin at 9:30pm from Gilroy High School located at 750 W 10th St. The fireworks can be viewed from nearby neighborhoods or from Christmas Hill Park. Click here for more information.

7. Milpitas - Milpitas Sports Center Complex

The fireworks show will start around 9:15pm. You can buy tickets ahead of time for $5 and enter at 5pm or purchase at the door for $7 and enter after 6pm.  There will be live music and kids activities like a climbing wall, game truck, RC cars and bounce house along with food trucks. Click here for more information.