Fleet Week SF: 2025 In-Depth Guide

Fleet Week SF is San Francisco’s annual salute to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and allied navies. Marking its roots in 1981, this iconic event lights up the Bay Area with ship visits, ship tours, a parade of ships under the Golden Gate, and the thrilling Blue Angels air show.

From Shore to Sky: Where to Catch the Action

Curious where the action really happens? From the Golden Gate Bridge to Fisherman’s Wharf, here’s where to catch the best views.

The heart of Fleet Week SF beats along San Francisco’s northern waterfront, encompassing Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero, and Marina Green. The Parade of Ships, a highlight of the event, sails under the Golden Gate Bridge, with prime viewing at Marina Green’s “reviewing stand.” Public ship tours are typically offered at piers 15/17, 27, 30/32, and 35, showcasing naval vessels.

While the 2025 ship lineup is not yet confirmed, previous years have featured vessels like the USS Somerset (amphibious transport dock), USCGC Bertholf (Coast Guard cutter), and Canada’s HMCS Regina (Halifax-class frigate). Note that the USS Tripoli, a 2024 participant, is relocating to Sasebo, Japan, in 2025, making its participation unlikely.

Wings Up and Sails Out: When to Be There

Not all days are created equal—here’s when the skies roar and the ships steal the spotlight.

Fleet Week spans October 5–13, 2025, with the most action-packed events occurring from Friday to Sunday, October 10–12. Based on patterns from previous years, such as 2024, the schedule is expected to include:

• Parade of Ships: Friday, October 10, 11 AM–12 PM
• Air Show: Daily, October 10–12, 12 PM–4 PM, with the Blue Angels performing around 3 PM
• Ship Tours: Available October 5–13 at various piers, free and first-come, first-served. Note that in 2024, no tours were offered on Friday, so verify the 2025 schedule when available.

Sky-High Thrills for Everyone on Deck

Think Fleet Week is just for military buffs? Think again. It’s a hands-on, high-flying festival for every age.

Fleet Week SF is a welcoming event for diverse audiences, including families, aviation enthusiasts, military buffs, boaters, photographers, and curious visitors. Ship tours provide a rare opportunity to explore the daily lives of sailors aboard destroyers, cutters, and amphibious carriers, offering insights into naval operations.

At Marina Green, the Humanitarian Assistance Village showcases disaster response capabilities, while the STEM Center engages young minds with interactive science and technology exhibits, making it an educational yet exciting outing for families. Additional community events, based on 2024’s offerings, may include:

• High School Band Challenge at Golden Gate Park, fostering local talent.
• Fleet Fest at Pier 30/32, featuring military bands, local entertainers, and family-friendly activities.
• Honor Our Fallen Concert and other performances across San Francisco, celebrating service members.

Why 2025 Will Be Fleet Week Like Never Before

2025 isn’t just another year—it’s the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary. Expect bigger, bolder, and louder thrills than ever.

Fleet Week 2025 promises to be a standout celebration, coinciding with the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary. Key highlights include:

• Signature Air Show: The U.S. Navy Blue Angels, flying F/A-18 Super Hornets, will perform precision maneuvers over the Golden Gate Bridge, a spectacle drawing global audiences.
• Tentative Air Show Lineup (subject to change, as 2025 performers are unconfirmed): Canadian Snowbirds, United 777 (the only commercial airliner in a U.S. air show), U.S. Air Force and Marine F-35 Demo Teams, Patriots Jet Team, Growler Demo, and historic T-33 and P-51 formations.
• Parade of Ships: One of the West Coast’s largest, featuring a fireboat escort at 11 AM on Friday, October 10.
• Premium Viewing: Secure front-row seats at Marina Green or Crissy Field by arriving early for unobstructed views of the air show and parade.

Chart Your Course with Tripster

Planning your Fleet Week San Francisco experience? Tripster helps you stay close to the action with nearby hotel bookings and vacation packages, so you can soak in the sights without the planning hassle.

Whether you’re watching the Blue Angels soar over the Bay Area or catching the Parade of Ships from the waterfront, Tripster ensures you’re well-positioned with easy access to Marina Green, Fisherman’s Wharf, and other key viewing spots. Bundle your accommodations with local attractions to make the most of your patriotic weekend.

No stress, no hidden fees—just a streamlined way to book your Bay Area adventure during one of San Francisco’s most thrilling events.