Top 10 Places to Visit During Fourth of July Weekend

July 1, 2026

Golden Gate Bridge stretching over blue water with the red tower and hazy coastline in the distance

Top 10 Places to Visit During

Fourth of July Weekend

If you're spending Fourth of July weekend in the Bay Area/Tri-Valley, these are some of the best destinations for a mix of fireworks, festivals, outdoor fun, and local attractions.

1. Alameda County Fair (Pleasanton) ⭐ Best Overall

Carnival rides and games
Live concerts
Food vendors and local wine
Livestock exhibits and shopping
Nightly drone/light shows and entertainment
Just 10–15 minutes from Dublin

2. San Francisco – Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39

Iconic waterfront
Fourth of July fireworks over the Bay
Street performers, seafood, and shopping
Great all-day destination

3. Half Moon Bay

Beach day
Coastal hiking
Restaurants and breweries
Perfect if you want cooler weather

4. Livermore Downtown

Local wineries
Downtown restaurants
Family-friendly events
Easy access from Dublin

5. Redwood City

Independence Day parade
Downtown festival
Live music
Evening drone show

6. Santana Row & Valley Fair (San Jose)

Outdoor shopping
Great restaurants
Live entertainment
Nearby fireworks celebrations

7. Lake Del Valle (Livermore)

Swimming
Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Picnic areas
Hiking trails

8. Berkeley Marina

Waterfront walking paths
Marina restaurants
Beautiful sunset views
Excellent location to watch fireworks around the Bay

9. Downtown Walnut Creek

Boutique shopping
Outdoor dining
Live music
Family-friendly atmosphere

10. Mount Diablo State Park

One of the best panoramic viewpoints in Northern California
Hiking and scenic drives
On clear evenings, you may spot multiple fireworks displays across the Bay Area from the summit