Best Places to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks

CALIFORNIA'S GREAT AMERICA: Fireworks on Saturday, July 2, at Great America, 4701 Great America Pkwy., in Santa Clara. The park hosts a fireworks show every Saturday during July and August 2011. Park is open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Details: 408-986-5866.

SHORELINE AMPHITHEATRE: Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular with the San Francisco Symphony set to stirring patriotic songs and marches, 8 p.m., Monday, July 4, Shoreline Amphitheatre, 1 Amphitheatre Pkwy., in Mountain View. Details: 650-962-1000. 

GILROY: Fourth of July Community Fireworks Display at 9:30 p.m., Monday, July 4, 750 West 10th St., in Gilroy. The show lasts around 20 minutes. Details: 408-846-0419.

 Red, White and Boom! July 4th Celebration—fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m., Milpitas Sports Center, 1325 E. Calaveras Blvd. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy an evening of music by JamFunkShus, 7 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. $2 per person over 13 years of age. Details: 408-586-3210.

SAN JOSE MUNICIPAL STADIUM: San Jose Giants Fireworks Extravaganzas at 7 p.m., Monday, July 4 and Tuesday July 5, 588 East Alma Ave., in San Jose. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.sjgiants.com, over the phone at 408-297-1435 ext. 15 or in person at the Municipal Stadium Box Office, 588 East Alma Ave., at the corner of Senter Road and 10th St., in San Jose. 

SKYPARK IN SCOTTS VALLEY: Scotts Valley Fourth of July Festival will have fireworks starting at 9:15 p.m., Monday, July 4, 361 Kings Village Road, in Scotts Valley. Celebration opens at 3 p.m. with a parade along Scotts Valley Drive. Food, live music and games follow at Skypark 3-10 p.m. Details: 831-438-3251.