San Francisco's Fleet Week moved into its busiest stretch Friday morning, when a line of Navy, Coast Guard and Canadian warships sailed in under the Golden Gate Bridge and along the waterfront toward the Bay Bridge.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that hundreds of people lined the shore under overcast skies to watch the Parade of Ships. The lineup included the guided-missile cruiser Cape St. George, the amphibious transport dock Somerset, the amphibious assault ship Tripoli, the Coast Guard cutters Bertholf and Munro, and the Royal Canadian Navy frigate Regina. The official reviewing stand was at Marina Green, but crowds also gathered at Fort Point, Fisherman's Wharf and the Embarcadero.
Air shows through Sunday
The Blue Angels headline air shows from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, according to the mayor's office. KQED noted that flights can start as early as 10 a.m., and that the shows take place over the water between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Popular viewing spots include Marina Green, Crissy Field, the Marin Headlands and Treasure Island. The Chronicle said fog and low clouds could force the pilots to adjust their routines.
Fleet Fest runs Saturday and Sunday near the SkyStar Wheel at Fisherman's Wharf, with live music, food vendors and military and emergency-response exhibits.
Getting around
City officials are urging visitors to take transit. SFMTA is adding Muni service and posting updates at sfmta.com/FleetWeek. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, rideshare pickups and drop-offs are restricted in a zone stretching roughly from Lyon Street to the Embarcadero, north of Lombard Street and North Point. Drivers are asked to use designated pickup areas instead.
In the Presidio, Montgomery Street, Halleck Street, Mason Street from Marina Boulevard, and Anza Street between Lincoln and Graham close to cars at noon on Saturday and Sunday. So do the Arguello Boulevard, Presidio Boulevard, Lombard Street and Mason Street entrances. Cyclists, Muni and the Presidio GO Shuttle can still get through, and cars already parked inside can leave.
On the water
Boaters should know the rules too. According to a Federal Register notice, the Coast Guard is enforcing a restricted zone for the Blue Angels from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day through Sunday. Unauthorized vessels may not enter, pass through or anchor there without permission from the patrol commander.