Guide To Spending New Year's Eve 2015 In The Bay Area

Getting Around

While driving may be the easiest way to get around San Francisco, streets are expected to be filled with pedestrians, and parking all around the city will be limited. Yet if driving is the preferred mode of transportation on New Year's Eve, it's extremely important to not drink and drive or, better yet, have a designated driver who doesn't plan on drinking. What might be a better option, especially for people who plan on drinking, is to take public transportation including BART, Caltrain and Muni or other transportation services like taxis, limousines, Uber and Lyft. However, anyone hoping to catch a ride from these last two ride services are advised that surge pricing due to peak demand is expected to occur. Additionally, free taxi rides may be available and a convenient way to catch a cab is with the Flywheel app.

The timetables for BART trains running on New Year's Eve is expected to operate much like it has in previous years, with service until 3 a.m. On New Year's Day, all BART trains will be operating on a Sunday-level schedule. Lastly, both San Francisco Muni and Caltrain may be offering free rides this year as in previous years. Each of the services can provide up to date information by visiting the respective official websites.

Where To Watch The Fireworks

The annual fireworks show over San Francisco Bay is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people. Expected to last about 30 minutes, the fireworks can be observed from several vantage points in the city but most notably along the Embarcadero, such as Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, outside the Exploratorium and the Ferry Building. Other recommended spots with sweeping views of the bay include popular San Francisco restaurants like Waterbar, Epic Steak, Chaya, Boulevard and Americano. One other notable spot is Treasure Island, although traffic is expected to be heavy on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

For people who wish to get away from the huge throngs of people, many New Year's Eve cruises are being offered, including the Harbor Princess, the family-friendly Royal Prince, Flume Blanc Commodore, San Francisco Spirit and Chardonnay Commodore.

One of the most important ways to enjoy New Year's Eve is by going with one or more friends or the family. This is especially important in downtown San Francisco and at other busy places where many people will be drinking on the streets. Having a group of friends also means taking care of one another, especially if it appears someone has had too much to drink or is having a drink with a stranger. Finally, if driving is involved, a group member may have the option of taking the keys away from someone who has celebrated too much or better yet, have a designated driver.

Two long-standing New Year's Eve traditions is to set off fireworks or fire a weapon at the stroke of midnight. Not only is this illegal, it's extremely dangerous. Although fireworks will be set off in different places in the city, it's illegal in San Francisco and could lead to an arrest and/or a hefty fine. Even worse is the use of firearms to ring in the New Year. Shooting a gun into the air is a felony and may result in up to a year in jail.

Drinking

If drinking seems like a familiar theme it's because it's one of the most important factors in having a safe and fun New Year's Eve. A considerable portion of adults will be out celebrating and drinking, but it's expected a zero tolerance to open containers and public drinking will be enforced. Everyone must also understand that driving under the influence (DUI) is a crime and can result in jail time, heavy fines or even the loss of a driver's license.