The Soaring Sights of San Francisco’s Annual Fleet Week:
For the past four decades, Bay Area residents have come together to enjoy a much-loved tradition during the first week of every October: Fleet Week. This event on Fisherman’s Wharf honors the contributions of members of the U.S. Armed Forces and residents of the Yerba Buena Island homes will be perfectly positioned to take in the festivities. Situated just a few minutes from Downtown San Francisco, residents will have the option to view the event up close in the thick of Fleet Week action—or, for those who prefer to keep a distance from the crowds, the sights can be enjoyed from the breathtaking vantage point of Yerba Buena Island itself.
This year’s Fleet Week runs from October 3-11 and offers events such as ship tours, live music, and air shows. Perhaps the marquee event of Fleet Week is the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ Air Show—the only fully choreographed air show in the country performed with a commercial airliner, the United 777. The show also features the Blue Angels’ F-18 Super Hornet, action from the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team, and the Red Bull Air Force Wingsuit Skydivers, among others.
For activities on the water, step aboard U.S. Navy amphibious destroyers and cruisers for tours. And, on the morning of October 8, view the Parade of Ships on full display along the San Francisco waterfront—the largest parade of its kind on the West Coast. The fleet will enter the bay under the Golden Gate Bridge and sail to the Bay Bridge past the reviewing stand at the Marina Green. It’s hard to miss, as the San Francisco Fire Department’s fireboat leads the way, shooting jets of water into the air to celebrate the Fleet’s arrival.
After witnessing the dazzling displays in the air and on the water, head over to the 2nd Annual Fleet Fest at Pier 30/32 from October 8-10. This free outdoor event, which is expected to attract over 10,000 local visitors and service members, offers family-friendly entertainment with food vendors and music, including the Heroes Concert in honor of first responders and members of the military.
For a unique and luxurious perspective on the events, residents of Yerba Buena Island’s new San Francisco condos can opt to book a private yacht to take in the sights. All-inclusive cruises during specific Fleet Week festivities, such as the Air Show, are available through the Red and White Fleet cruise line.
Whether Yerba Buena Island residents take a quick ferry into San Francisco for an outdoor concert or enjoy a bay cruise while watching thrilling aerial acrobatics above, they’ll be taking part in a time-honored Bay Area tradition.