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One of the most delightfully unpredictable cities of California, San Francisco is a sensory charm. Its bohemian neighborhoods, incredible food culture, and quaint sights across the bay area make for the perfect setting to bring in anything special. A birthday, an anniversary, a wedding and much more. With the New Year’s Eve right around the corner, we can’t hold our exhilaration with the thought of magnificent fireworks that add to the already scenic panoramas of the Bay Area. Here’s a guide to where you should head for the best views of San Francisco new years eve fireworks. From pathways of the Embarcadero, cruises, city clubs to even hilltops for something more magical; we’ve covered it all. 

1. Waterfront area near the Ferry Building 

One of the most popular places to watch the fireworks in SF, the waterfront area draws a huge number of crowds. Being one the best free things to do in SF on NYE, this venue bequeaths visitors with direct sights of the fireworks that take happen from the barges located some 1000-odd feet into the bay. By far, this is one of the best ways to catch views of the fireworks. So much so, it is a tradition for many locals too. 

2. Waterfront area near the SF Bay Bridge

Along with the Waterfront area near the Ferry Building, the Waterfront area near the SF Bay Bridge is a great venue to revere the views of an NYE. Owing to its popularity, the venue is estimated to be packed by 11:30 pm ahead of the firework show that commences at 11:59 pm. The show goes on for the next 15 to 20 minutes. A valuable tip would be to arrive early and secure yourself a place. Some that aim for the best spot even reach at 7:00pm! Carry some food and play some games as you look forward to the fireworks. You will certainly not regret winning an enviable spot!

3. Treasure Island

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While the eastern side has the waterfront areas, you can head to the Treasure Island’s western side to gain a different perspective of the panorama. The island is easily accessible. You can even drive down here. The flatlands of this island make sure you get some unparalleled views. All you’ve got to do is be patient through the bridge traffic while making your way to the other side.

Planning to stay here? Check out the best places to stay in SF to watch the NYE fireworks

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4. Waterbar Restaurant

Along with free spaces, there are a number of restaurants across San Francisco that have some lovely events and themed dinners you can attend, not to mention the views of the San Francisco new years eve fireworks that you get from them. One of the finest examples of this is the Waterbar Restaurant, located just off the waterfront. The view is perfect and what makes the experience even better is the scrumptious food and an amazing wine menu.

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5. Americano restaurant

Imagine sitting beside an all-glass wall, devouring some fine delicacies as you admire the exuberance of the fireworks. This setting is exactly what visiting the Americano restaurant on a New Year’s Eve looks like. Located in one of the best hotels in San Francisco, the Hotel Vitale, this restaurant is also famous for its New Year’s Eve parties. Certainly one place you cannot wrong with. 

6. Telegraph Hill

It’s residential and there’s not much space, but two places with amazing views are the end of Alta Street (just off of Montgomery) and the end of Calhoun Terrace (just off of Union). Just keep in mind that it can get crowded and be very respectful of the neighbors and pack all your trash and take it with you.

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7. Union Square hotels 

Speaking of new year celebrations in San Francisco one cannot miss out on the hotels that have their own jazz going on. Along with some fireworks, these hotels also conduct some great events that see the glitterati of the city. In addition to these, hotels at the Union Square hotels like The Cartwright Hotel - Union Square, BW Premier Collection, Hotel Stratford, Fairmont San Francisco and the Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel also double up as some of the best places to stay in SF for NYE. 

8. SoMa hotels 

Speaking of the best places to stay in San Francisco for NYE, how can we not mention the lovely SoMa or South of Market neighborhood?! Loaded with some of the best hotels like Hampton Inn San Francisco Downtown/Convention Center, Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Downtown, W San Francisco, and The St. Regis San Francisco among a ton more, SoMa is one of the hottest party destinations to be at on the new year’s eve. Owing to their lovely terraces, these are some great venues to see the fireworks without missing on the classic partying your way into the new year. 

9. San Francisco new years eve cruise

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If you want a closer view of the fireworks along with something extraordinary signing up for one of the many cruise events can prove to be a fantastic way to bring in the years. The dinners and events held on these are some of the most looked forward to ways to celebrate San Francisco new years eve 2018. Some of these events are even exclusive adults events. On board, you can look forward to gourmet dinner, some premium drinks, live entertainment, festive party favors and more. 

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10. Twin Peaks

If you want to ditch the crowds awaiting San Francisco new years eve fireworks and head to something more offbeat, then heading to the Twin Peaks can be a lovely idea. The view of the fireworks and glistening lights that illuminates iconic monuments such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Financial District and even a little bit of Oakland on the horizon! Once you reach up, you can find yourself a spot at the park or just park your car at the road leading upwards, on a quiet spot. Perfect for everyone- couples, families, and groups of friends alike! 

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11. Grandview Park

Grandview Park, also known as the Turtle Hill is amongst the most popular new year's celebrations in SF. Many even claim that the views one can behold from here are superior to that of the Twin Peaks, apart from being lesser crowded. Up here, look for a secret spot like the Sunset District, that will make you want to cease time! There are no facilities for food and drinks up here. It is best advised to carry your own food and enjoy a chilly, snug picnic. It tends to get very cold here, owing to its altitude so make sure to carry warm clothing with you. 

12. Events to celebrate new year's eve in SF 

And finally here’s a lowdown on some events you can consider apart from the fireworks -

• NYE International Ball 2018 at the Palace Hotel
• M.O.A.N.Y. 2018 at the Regency Center at 1300 Van Ness Avenue
• Grand Gala at the Omni
• Epic NYE 2018 at the Park Central Hotel Union Square
• EyeHeartSF's Streets of San Francisco New Year's Eve at the Fort Mason Center's Festival Pavilion
• NYE Massive 2018 at the Hilton Hotel in Union Square
• New Year's Eve Pubcrawl at the Marina District
• Afrolicious with Midtown Social and Smoked Out Soul

There you have it- a list of experiences that will assure you bring in the New Year’s Eve magically!