From firework shows to parades, San Diego County has a lot planned for the Fourth of July. San Diego Mom’s Blog has done its utmost to consolidate all these “goings on” into one place for your easy planning pleasure. If there is anything we have missed, please let everyone know in the comments below! Happy Independence Day!
San Diego (Central)
Annual Big Bay Boom July 4 Fireworks Show
Location: Multiple Locations along San Diego Bay Time: 9pm
The countdown is on! Billed as the largest firework display in San Diego County, fireworks are launched from four barges placed in various strategic locations around the bay. These fireworks can be seen from Seaport Village, the Embarcadero area, Shelter Island, Harbor Island and the Coronado Landing. Check here for all the details.
July 4th Picnic Dinner & Fireworks Viewing at the Maritime Museum of San Diego
Location: 1492 North Harbor Dr. Time: 5pm Cost: $48-65
The Museum’s historic 1898 steam ferry Berkeley has an observation deck that provides a spectacular view of the fireworks show over San Diego Bay. It is reserved for guests participating in a catered picnic dinner. Dinner is $35 for adults and $18 for children ages 3-12. There will be two seatings to choose from (first, from 5pm-6:30pm and second from 7pm to 8:30pm). If you’d rather just view the fireworks from this unique venue, you can also do that for $10/adult and $8/child. Visit the Maritime Museum’s website for more details/tickets.
Independence Day Picnic Style Buffet at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina Kitchen
Location: 333 W Harbor Drive Time: 5pm Cost: $12-$36
The Marina Kitchen will hold a picnic-style buffet on the 4th from 5pm to 10pm, featuring a variety of classic Americana cuisine options, all with a modern twist by Chef Aron Schwartz. The menu is priced at $36/adult and $12/child. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s vantage point to view the Big Bay Boom fireworks show and Star Spangled Pops concert produced by the San Diego Symphony. See here for more details.
Sea to Shining Sea 4th of July Fireworks
Location: SeaWorld San Diego Time: 9:30pm
The fireworks will be launched over SeaWorld. The park will be open until 11pm on the 4th.
Ocean Beach
Location: the Ocean beach Pier at the end of Newport Avenue Time: 9pm
After a day at the beach, pull up a blanket to watch the fireworks display. Sadly, R.I.P. O.B. Marshmallow War.
Old Town 4th of July
Location: Old Town State Historic Park Time: 10am-4pm
Celebrate an old fashioned Independence Day on the frontier with a parade, 19th century crafts, pie-eating contest and activities of early San Diego.
4th of July Celebration in Coronado
Location: Various locations in Coronado Time: 10am-9pm
There will be a parade down Orange Avenue at 10am, a concert in Spreckels Park at 4pm, and fireworks over Glorietta Bay at 9pm. Click here for an extensive schedule (starting at 5:00am for all you mamas with young early risers!).
North County Coastal
Fourth of July Fireworks at La Jolla Cove
Location: Ellen Browning Scripps Park, 1180 Coast Blvd., La Jolla
Time: 9pm
Scope our your blanket spot early, enjoy a beautiful sunset, and a fireworks show. Click here for updates.
San Diego County Fair 4th of July Celebration
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds Time: the Fair starts at 9:30am, Fireworks at 9pm
For the unique fair schedule and day’s events, click here.
Red White & BOOM!
Location: Legoland California (Carlsbad) Time: Fireworks at 8:30pm
Aside from the usual Legoland attractions, there will be some additional all-American picnic games like burlap sack races, a hamburger relay and water balloon tosses. There will also be a fireworks display set to patriotic music at 8:30pm. Click here for more details.
Oceanside’s Independence Day Parade on July 2nd
Starting at 10am on July 2nd, come and see floats, bands, walking groups, and cool cars in Oceanside’s Independence Day parade. This year’s theme is “Legends and Legacies.” The parade begins on the Coast Highway from Wisconsin St. to Pier View Way.
Oceanside Fireworks Show on July 3rd
Location: El Corazon Site at Rancho Del Oro Road Time: 6pm-10pm
Start your Fourth of July celebrations a day early by watching Oceanside’s fireworks show. Recommended viewing locations are Rancho Del Oro Road between Mesa Drive and Oceanside Blvd. Click here for parking and event information.
North County Inland
53rd Annual Independence Day Festival & Fireworks
Location: California Center for the Arts, Escondido – 340 N. Escondido Blvd. Time: Starts at 4pm, Fireworks at 9pm
This festival boasts live music, food vendors, children’s activities and games for everyone to enjoy. The free community event will have music by Manny Cepeda Orchestra Quartet, Ke’Ahi, Halau Hula O Makalani Na Pilialoha and the Jonathan Lee Band. It will conclude with a performance by Camp Pendleton’s 1st Marine Division Band and a fireworks display.
Also, the Center’s Museum will be open from 4-8pm with free admission to their two current exhibitions.
Grand Tradition July 4th
Location: 220 Grand Tradition Way, Fallbrook Time: Starts at 4pm, Fireworks at 9pm
Live entertainment, dancing, kid friendly activities, rides, food and drink and fireworks. Click here for more details.
Mira Mesa Fourth of July Celebration
Location: Mira Mesa Community Park Time: Fireworks at 9pm
Come early to see the parade, participate in some family friendly activities, and stay later for the fireworks. Click here for more details.
An Old Fashioned Fourth of July & Fireworks
Location: Old Poway Park & Poway High School Stadium Time: Varies
The Poway Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration is from 10am to 4pm at Old Poway Park. Then head to Poway High School for music, food, glow sticks and fireworks!
Rancho Bernardo’s Spirit of the Fourth
Location: Webb Park Time: 7am-9:30pm
See the website for details of events on the day.
San Marcos 4th of July Celebration
Location: Bradley Park Time: 6pm-9pm
There will be carnival games, jumpers, and food sales available at Bradley Park, entertainment featuring Beta Maxx at 6pm, and fireworks at 9pm.
Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade
Location: Hoyt Park Time: 10am-1pm
The theme for this year’s parade is “Anchors Aweigh.” Residents are encouraged to dress up according to their theme, join their neighbors and walk the parade or decorate a vehicle representing their neighborhood. Check out the website for more details.
Vista Independence Day Celebration
Location: Moonlight Amphitheater, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive Time: 5-9pm Cost: General Admission is $5; Children under 5 are free; Military & Family are free; Parking in the park is $15 per car and $30 per RV
There will be live music, an honorary ceremony, family fun and fireworks. Check out the website for more details.
East County San Diego
El Cajon 4th of July Picnic & Fireworks
Location: Kennedy Park Time: 1-9:30pm
Food, games, prizes, kid’s train rides, live music and fireworks will be featured at John F. Kennedy Park in El Cajon. Check out the event Facebook page for more details.
Julian 4th of July Parade
Location: Main Street Time: 10am-4pm
See the website for details.
Santee Salutes
Location: Town Center Community Park East Time: 2:30-9:30pm
Santee Salutes will feature live music, a ceremony, a kids’ zone, and a firework display. See the website for parking costs and event details.
South Bay San Diego
National City’s 4th of July Carnival
Location: Kimball Park Dates: June 30-July 4th
This weekend long carnival will have rides, games, food and finally fireworks on the 4th of July at 9pm. The carnival begins at noon and runs until 11:45.
Independence Day at the Border & Fireworks
Location: Larsen Field at Cesar Chavez Park in San Ysidro Date: July 2 from 3-9pm
There will be a children’s inflated city, live mural painting, mechanical bulls, live music, drinks, food, and a fireworks display on Saturday the 2nd. See this flyer for more details.
Have a very happy 4th of July with your families! And please feel free to share additional events we missed in the comments and tag us in your July 4th photos!
The fireworks in East Chula Vista are back at the Olympic Training Center! Yay! Here’s the info, if you’d like to share:
http://www.chulavistaca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1006/17?backlist=%2F