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It’s that time of year where you can turn a corner and see sailors in their whites strolling around town. They look jaunty and spiffy and often… very friendly.
Fleet Week has its own energy while ships dock here for a week and sailors descend upon San Francisco’s dry land, while in turn we can go explore their vessels. Alongside this, you can see the Blue Angels perform an air show and a parade of ships cruise underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. You can watch by standing along the waterfront anywhere from the Ferry Building to the bridge. Here are all the details you’ll need to be in ship shape.
What dates are Fleet Week in San Francisco?
October 7 to 14, 2024.
What’s the exact location?
Piers 27, 30/32, 35 and 15/17.
What actually happens at Fleet Week?
A ton of stuff! Explore ships, watch the air show, cheer on the parade of ships, attend the Fleet Week Expo, see the high school band challenge, attend the Honor Our Fallen concert or one of the plethora of concerts held all over San Francisco, and appreciate the silent drill platoon.
What kind of ships can you explore?
Amphibious carriers, cutters, destroyers and cruisers that will be docked at the Embarcadero. You’ll get to see what it’s like to work and live on a U.S. Navy or Coast Guard ship.
What’s the price to tour the ships?
Free! Though tours are first come, first served.
What’s the price for the other parts of Fleet Week?
Also free. Reservations are required for the Honor Our Fallen concert at Herbst Theatre, but it’s still a complimentary show.
When is the Fleet Week parade of ships in San Francisco?
Friday, October 11 (the exact time is still TBA). It’s the largest parade of ships on the West Coast. You can see it everywhere from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge. The official viewing stand is at Marina Green. Watch for the first ship, which is always the San Francisco Fire Department’s fire boat that sprays arcs of water into the air, a sort of gliding fountain.
What happens at the air show?
Allow us to get highly technical: Planes do really cool things. But specifically, from October 11 to 13 between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, the three air shows will dazzle viewers—it’s the only air show in the country with a commercial airliner, the United 777, performing a choreographed act. And, of course ,the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will make everyone gasp with their incredible, accurate, dangerous and meticulous formations.
Will there be any road closures or traffic disruptions?
According to the city’s list of road closures, there shouldn’t be any for this event, but there will definitely be traffic delays with throngs of people filling the Embarcadero sidewalks. Consider using public transportation rather than driving—that way you can belly up to the bar with a sailor, buy him or her a few rounds, and not worry about having a designated driver.