For the New Year, San Francisco always has fireworks at midnight on December 31st. The fireworks are launched from barges located 1,000 feet out in the bay just South of the Ferry Building near Pier 14 (Mission Street and The Embarcadero).
One of the best places to take pictures of these fireworks is Yerba Buena Island. Yerba Buena is a natural island (versus the connected Treasure Island which is man-made). You will not be alone, this is a very popular spot but if you come early, it’s fine.
The place I like is a private residence, so as always be aware of any noise you could make, where you park and try not to disturb the neighbors. It only takes one problem to get this area closed off for everybody.
View New Year Fireworks photo location in a larger map
This is a wide view from that location.
View of San Francisco and the Bay Bridge from Yerba Buena
New Year’s fireworks (2013) with the Bay Bridge and San Francisco
The San Francisco fireworks are always extremely technical with smiley explosions or like this one a butterfly or candy (depending on whom you ask).
Amazing candy-like explosion at the New Year fireworks in San Franscisco
New Year fireworks (2013) with the Bay Bridge and San Francisco
I also liked the view of the Bay Bridge at night. People tried to park on the bridge during the fireworks but they soon got asked to move their vehicles by 2 police cars. Personally, I wondered what they were doing on the bridge as the New Year started but hey, as long as they were not drinking, why not?
Once again, Happy New Year! Share your pictures. Share your memories. Share.
The Bay Bridge at night
All the images presented here are available for licensing or as fine art prints.