News Release

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Quietly Celebrating Independence Day 2020

Date: July 1, 2020

Aerial view of Golden Gate Bridge with fog swept Marin Headlands in background.

Robert Campbell

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – This year’s Independence Day holiday will be a quiet celebration of America’s 244th birthday. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, federal, state and local health authorities are discouraging any activities that would draw large crowds. San Francisco and other Bay Area communities have cancelled their annual fireworks displays. Golden Gate National Recreation Area and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park sites or facilities that encourage congregating, including visitor centers, picnic areas, fire pits, and barbeque areas remain closed to help slow the spread of the virus.

Park sites are expected to be busy despite local fireworks displays being cancelled. Park visitors are encouraged to #RecreateResponsibly while visiting the park over the holiday weekend and beyond:

• Fireworks prohibited. The use of personal fireworks at any National Park Service site is prohibited. Fireworks of any kind are prohibited in all areas of Golden Gate National Recreation Area and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. 

• Slow the spread. Follow the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  

• Keep it clean. Follow Leave No Trace principles during your visit. If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities will continue to be limited in many park areas. 

• Know before you go. Visit Golden Gate’s Temporary facilities closure advisory for current park conditions and availability of restrooms and other facilities. Make a plan, follow the 10 Essentials, and if you are sick, stay home.  

• Beach Safety. Visit the park’s Safety page to learn about potential hazards and beach safety tips. Stinson Beach is Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s only swimming beach and has a staffed lifeguard program part of the year. The park’s other beaches, such as Ocean Beach, China Beach, and Baker Beach, are not for swimming.  

• Keep it close. Multiple Public Health Authorities’ Advisories and Orders issued by the Marin County Health Department, San Francisco City and County Health Department, and San Mateo County Health Department continue to be in effect. Visitors should read their local health orders and review the appropriate health order for the county they intend to visit (if different) before planning to come to the park. 

• Keep your distance. Recreate with the people in your household. Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail, at a boat launch, or in a parking lot. Follow the CDC’s social distancing guidelines for staying six feet away from others. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth if you’re near others.  

• Know your limits. Consider postponing challenging hikes or trying new activities while first responders, parks, and communities continue to concentrate on responding to the pandemic.  

• Keep it inclusive. Be an active part of making our nation’s parks and public lands safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities. 

If you decide to have a quiet holiday at home, consider visiting a national park virtually. We have great Photos and Multimedia on the National Park Service’s website, where you can also see photos of past Fireworks Displays or you can learn the answer to the question What did the presidents do on July Fourth? 

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on www.nps.gov/goga and alerts will be posted to social media at GGNRANPSAlerts.