Where to Watch SF Fleet Week 2021
September 27, 2021Get ready for an exciting week of air shows, ship tours, concerts, parades, and more in The City by the Bay! San Francisco’s Fleet Week offers a packed schedule of events all week long from October 3rd through 11th. Let’s explore where to watch the popular SF Fleet Week Air Show from iconic locations across the San Francisco waterfront!
Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf
View this post on Instagram
San Francisco’s world-famous Pier 39 will be filled with travelers from all over attempting to catch a glimpse of the awesome air show above. If you’re looking to find a seat or even standing room, make sure to arrive early to secure a spot before the Air Show occurs Friday-Sunday, October 8th-10th. Thousands of spectators will line the water around Fisherman’s Wharf hours in advance to enjoy seafood and take in the thrilling action from the Blue Angels overhead. For North Beach locals, such as the ones living at the nearby 2133 Stockton apartments, a quick stroll over to Pier 39 will be well worth battling the crowds. However, traffic is expected to be dense if you are attempting to drive.
Marina Green & Crissy Field
View this post on Instagram
The most popular spot along the shoreline is The Marina Green and Crissy Field. This vast grassy region will be the center of all the action with the Blue Angels flying directly overhead and Parade of Ships passing through the Golden Gate on Friday, October 8th. This former U.S. Army airfield provides a vantage point that gives viewers unobstructed views of the Air Show taking place over famous landmarks such as The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Coit Tower. The beach and grassy landscape in this area make for the perfect picnic spot, so make sure to bring plenty of snacks, drinks, and of course, sunscreen! Luckily, the Marina Safeway is located nearby next door to the Marina Cove Apartments. Looking for a new home in The Marina? These perfectly positioned apartments come either furnished or unfurnished.
Fort Mason
View this post on Instagram
Also next door to Marina Cove, Fort Mason is another excellent location to enjoy the Fleet Week festivities. A former U.S. Army post and coastal defense site for over 100 years, Fort Mason, is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is one of the most popular public parks to visit in San Francisco. This sizeable outdoor venue in The City’s northern Marina hosts numerous art shows, concerts, and farmers’ markets in its fantastic event spaces. So whether you’re looking to pack a picnic basket or pick up some delicious eats from a food truck or restaurant, you are sure to find something good around Fort Mason! Additionally, the Marina District has quite a selection of wonderful bars and restaurants available on the nearby Union and Chestnut Streets. Currently, Trinity has fully furnished and renovated apartments available for rent at 1550 Bay Street, neighboring Fort Mason.
Coit Tower
View this post on Instagram
If you don’t have a rooftop deck, the top of Telegraph Hill next to Coit Tower may be the best free high-elevation spot to see the Blue Angels. The small park surrounding Coit Tower, Pioneer Park, will draw large crowds for Fleet Week due to its unique view of the show. So climb the Filbert Street steps or make the trek up the winding Telegraph Hill Boulevard to enjoy this spectacular show next to one of the most famous landmarks in SF! This peaceful neighborhood may not be one of San Francisco’s most well-known. Still, its proximity to downtown, The Embarcardero, and North Beach combined with fantastic views make it very desirable. There are currently fully furnished studio apartments and controlled-access parking available at Telegraph Hill’s 350 Union Street apartments.
Aquatic Park
View this post on Instagram
Another lively spot on the waterfront is the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, commonly referred to as Aquatic Park. Located in the Russian Hill area next to Ghirardelli Square, this park is close to San Francisco’s most iconic restaurants, such as Gary Danko and The Buena Vista. The cove already has permanent bleachers filled with spectators during Fleet Week, so you will not have to worry about seating. While going for a swim is a little chilly for most of us, the calm waters of this protected cove will likely attract some overheated visitors. Also, just up the hill from Aquatic Park are the luxurious 1000 Chestnut Street Apartments. These fully furnished or unfurnished homes offer an unbelievable view of the bay that will undoubtedly provide an unreal Fleet Week experience for residents and their friends. Take a tour today!
On The Water
View this post on Instagram
The San Francisco Bay is annually filled with boaters during Fleet Week, and it truly is one big party on the water. If you do not know anyone with a boat, plenty of rental options and cruises are available during Fleet Week to handle the influx of travelers coming to The City. While this will undoubtedly be the most expensive option, there is no substitute for watching the Blue Angels fly directly over and around you. The Air Show will take place from around 12 pm – 4 pm each day on the weekend of Friday, October 8th – Sunday, October 10th but make sure to plan your boat trip to ensure a spot!
Marin Headlands & Angel Island
View this post on Instagram
The Marin Headlands is another option for viewers of Fleet Week looking to avoid the congestion of The City. While this vantage point is a little further from the action, the backdrop of The Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline make for an unbelievable show. Marin County, including Angel Island, provide some of the most remarkable views of San Francisco and Fleet Week is an excellent time to hop on a ferry or make the trip across the bridge.
No matter where you go along the SF waterfront for Fleet Week, it’s bound to be an unforgettable weekend in The City!
Back to Blog
