Where to Watch Fireworks in San Mateo County?

By Rebecca Williamson · July 2nd, 2009

Fireworks in San Mateo County 2009

Foster City Fireworks

Every year since I can remember, Foster City has been the main city in San Mateo County to host a fireworks show. This year, the fireworks will start at 9:30pm and can be viewed from Leo Ryan Park and from strategic locations in the hills of Belmont, San Carlos and Redwood City.

Looking for something to do during the day?

Foster City has an entire day of festivities planned. Starting at 8am at the Island United Church, there will be a Pancake Breakfast, followed by a Family Parade at 11:05am at the Shell Blvd. Entrance of the Rec. Center.

The Arts and Crafts Vendors will set up in Leo Ryan Park and be open from 10am – 5pm. There will be two bands mid-day, followed by the very popular Stars and Stripes Dog Show at the Leo Ryan Park Amphitheater at 2pm. For $5 you can enter your pup (between 10:30am and 1pm) into one of five categories:

Best Trick
Dog-Owner Look a-Like
Fastest Eater
Most Beautiful/Most Handsome
Most Patriotic

Rumors are the prizes are pretty good!

Free parking will be available at Parkside Tower’s Parking Garage off Shell Blvd, however, SamTrans will not be providing free transportation to the fireworks viewing area this year so bring your bus fare or wear your walking shoes.

Redwood City Fireworks

Redwood City also hosts its own fireworks show and festival on July 4th. The festival kicks off with a parade at 10am from the corner of Brewster and Winslow. This year’s theme is All Things Musical. After the parade, you can head over to the festival at Winslow and Marshall between 9am and 5pm. Don’t forget to check out the battle of the bands at 1:30pm.

The fireworks show will begin at 9:30pm at the Port of Redwood City, which has very limited parking. Once the viewing area and parking fills up, Redwood City police will be closing Seaport Blvd to all vehicle traffic at the intersection of Seaport Blvd and Bloomquist, so make sure you get there early.

Not really thrilled with the traffic afterwards?

You may want to head up to the hilly neighborhoods in Belmont, San Carlos and Redwood City and stake out a spot with a view. Traffic to and from these neighborhoods will be minimal after the show is over and you should be able to see Foster City and Redwood City’s show from one spot.

Willing to Travel a Bit Further?

San Francisco

San Francisco’s Pier 39 is one of the more crowded spots to watch the fireworks in the Bay Area. Parking can be a bit of an issue and there will be a lot of people. There are several other spots in San Francisco to watch. Check out this blog post from Bay Area on the Cheap for more spots.

Mountain View’s Shoreline Amphitheater

Radio Disney is presenting the 4th of July Fireworks Show at Shoreline Amphitheater. The featured acts are the San Francisco Symphony and George Takei. The theme is A look towards the future. The show starts at 8pm and $15 and $29.50 tickets can be purchased from LiveNation.com.

Whatever you choose to do, enjoy the 4th!

Other Posts You May Enjoy