Every Fourth of July, fireworks light up the sky all across the bay. Here are your best bets for catching a glimpse of the spectacular celebrations—whether you're into official citywide celebrations, or *ahem* walking a little bit more on the wild (read: illegal) side. 

San Francisco

The city by the bay offers the most well known-and crowded-fireworks celebration in the area. Pier 39 lights off the fireworks at 9:30 pm. Here are our suggestions for the best vantage points. 

If you love crowds and fighting your way to the front: Try Fisherman's Wharf for the day-long fest, or line up along the Embarcadero for close up views of the show. 

If you're more of a romantic: Make the trek up Twin Peaks to see unobstructed views of the fireworks shows all across the bay. Hopefully Karl is patriotic.

If you want to make a night of it: Blue & Gold Fleet ferries offer the chance to take in the show from the water or from Angel Island. The ships depart from Pier 39, Pier 41, and Tiburon, and make for a memorable and unique night out. 

If you've got a rebellious streak: Check out our insider tips for the best not-so-wholesome fireworks shows in the city. Just don't blame us if you wind up in the emergency room.

Berkeley

The Berkeley Marina's annual fireworks show is prefaced with a full day of celebrating: there are food and drinks, of course, but you can also expect live pony rides, a petting zoo, carnival rides, and dragon boat rides. Wind down from a full day of splashing around at the beach and listening to live entertainment with the show over the Berkeley Pier at 9:35 pm. 

If you're up for an adventure: Try driving up to Grizzly Peak to take in jaw-dropping views of the entire Bay Area. Catch a beautiful sunset over the city before watching the distant fireworks shows across the land. //Old Fish Ranch Road.

Sausalito

Trek across the Golden Gate to Sausalito's all-day extravaganza featuring a parade, a picnic, and fireworks. The parade of floats, classic cars, and local officials rolls in to Dunphy Park for a picnic with live music and dancing. The night ends in Gabrielson Park, with more live music and fireworks off Spinnaker Point.

If you like dinner and a show: Many of the sidewalks in downtown Sausalito (near the Ferry Pier) and along the Bridgeway Promenade (along the water from Richardson to Princess Street) offer views of the show further from the crowds at Gabrielson Park. Take in a rejuvenating dinner in the picturesque little town before heading to the streets-may we recommend Copita Tequileria for a little south-of-the-border flair?  

Wherever you decide to celebrate, appreciate America's progress and history-we've had a good week.