4th of July: San Diego Events, Viewpoints & Fireworks Displays

Millions of people would agree that San Diego is THE spot to be in summer, which means snagging a good spot to view the fireworks on Fourth of July can be a challenge!

We broke this guide up into three categories: 4th of July Parades + Special Events, ‘Lesser-known’ firework vantage points to help combat the major crowds, as well as a full fireworks schedule at the end of the post.

Click the buttons below to jump to that section of the page!

Did we miss an event, vantage point or San Diego fireworks show? Email Niki@sandiegomoms.com/ or you can add your 4th of July Special Event to our calendar HERE. 

Central San Diego

Big Bay Boom
The Big Bay Boom fireworks show is displayed from Four barges on San Diego Bay.
Location: San Diego Bay
Time: 9 PM

Bring your lawn chairs, friends and boats to watch from these locations:

• Shelter Island
• Harbor Island
• North Embarcadero
• Marina District
• Coronado Ferry Landing
• Boating/On The Water

Coronado 4th of July Parade + Fireworks
4th of July Fireworks
Location: Stingray Point, Glorietta Bay
Time: 9 PM

76th Annual Independence Day Parade
Date: Friday, July 4th
Time: 10am

Schedule of Events (Spreckels Park)

• Public Kids Concert – Katleen Dugas sings Disney Songs: 2:30pm
• Patriotic Concert – Coronado Concert Band: 4pm
• Dance Concert – Detroit Underground: 5:45pm

SeaWorld 4th of July Fireworks
Experience a breathtaking blend of color, music, and sky-high pyrotechnics set to a triumphant soundtrack. It’s a dazzling celebration of freedom and fun that the whole family will love.

Date: Fireworks EVERY NIGHT, July 1-31 – 10-Minutes before closing
Location: SeaWorld San Diego
Time: 10:50 PM
July 4th Dates/Times:

• Thursday, July 3 at 9:00 p.m.
• Friday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 5 at 9:50 p.m.
• Sunday, July 6 at 9:50 p.m.

Fireworks on Mission Bay
Date: July 3rd
Location: Multiple Locations
Time: 9 PM

La Jolla Shores’ 4th of July Drone Show
Date: July 4th
Location:  Southend of Kellogg Park, but you can also catch the show from the surrounding park and beach areas near the La Jolla Shores Hotel and the picturesque La Jolla Cove.
Time: 8:45pm
(Simulated Fireworks)

San Diego North County

Del Mar Fair Grounds
There’s no better place to view the red, white and BOOM from the Fair’s Grandstand. 🎆
Date: July 4th
Location: Del Mar Fair Grounds
Time: 9 PM

4th of July Celebration in San Marcos
Location: Bradley Park
Time: 9 PM
Other activities: Kids Zone + Live Music starts at 5pm

57th Annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks in Vista
Date: July 4th
Location: Brengle Terrace Park opens at 7 am
The Moonlight Amphitheatre opens at 5 pm
Time: 9 PM (Fireworks)

Red, White, & Boom!
Location: Legoland
Time: 8:30 PM

City of Escondido Independence Day Celebration
Location: Grape Day Park & Center for the Arts
Time: 9pm Fireworks
Main Stage and Activities: 4 pm – 9:30 pm

July 4th Family Picnic and Fireworks Show: Ramona
Location: Field behind Olive Peirce Middle School
Time: 4 p.m. starts | 9pm Fireworks

East County San Diego

El Cajon 4th of July Fireworks
Location: Kennedy Park
Time: 9 PM

Other activities:

• 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM Train Rides
• 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM Arts and Crafts and Family Games
• 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM 35 Productions with DJ Danny
• 9:00 PM Fireworks

Santee Salutes 4th of July Celebration
Location: Town Center Community Park East
Time: 2 PM – 9 PM

South Bay San Diego

Chula Vista 4th Fest and Fireworks
Location: Elite Athlete Training Center
Time: 7:30 PM Doors Open | 9 PM

Imperial Beach 4th of July Celebration
Location: Imperial Beach Pier
Time: 9 PM

Central San Diego

Mt Soledad National Veterans Memorial

The Cross at the top of Mount Soledad offers spectacular 360 degree views of San Diego county, and will provide vantage points for the Big Bay Boom fireworks, La Jolla fireworks, and more!

Parking tip: Parking at the actual monument is scarce, but there is plenty of street parking about 7 minutes (walking) away in the neighborhoods off Via Capri Rd. If you have little ones, be sure to bring a wagon or stroller for the walk.

Kate Sessions Park

Kate Sessions Park is a spacious park at the top of a hill in the La Jolla/PB area, and offers clear views of the SeaWorld fireworks, and more!

Parking tip: Park in nearby neighborhoods. When you’re ready to leave, use Coral Ave. as your exit instead of waiting in a potential line on Park Dr.

Midway Museum

The Midway Museum is in a prime location for the Big Bay Boom fireworks show, and kids will love the activities aboard the ship for their annual 4th of July Celebration.

Parking tip: We suggest arriving early for a chance at landing a parking spot along N. Harbor Dr. There is plenty to do around neighboring Seaport Village if you want to get there early and make a day of it.

Make a reservation at any of these waterfront restaurants:

• Tom Hams
• Bali Hai
• Coasterra
• C-level/Island Prime
• Il Fornaio Coronado
• Poehe’s Coronado
• Portside Pier

Tips: Make reservations NOW!

These places book up quickly in the week leading up to July 4th. Many of these restaurants offer valet parking which is a convenient option for those who don’t want to waste time looking for a parking spot.

North County

Del Mar River Path

For those in the Del Mar area that prefer a more lowkey evening of fireworks, the San Dieguito River Path offers a large, sandy stretch of land. Bring your camping chairs and a picnic and settle in!

Parking tip: There is a good amount of street parking on nearby streets. Search “River Path Del Mar Phase 2” on your GPS to find the exact location.

Miramar Overlook

Sweeping views of North County surround this park. While Miramar Regional Park will be hosting the town’s fireworks display, the Overlook Park could be a more scenic option.

Parking tip: Overlook park has it’s own parking, but if you don’t get a spot in their lot, you may end up walking ~5 minutes to get there.

Double Peak San Marcos

San Marcos will be hosting a fireworks show at Bradley Park, but Double Peak, the highest point in San Marcos, will be a more scenic place to see them. You don’t even need to walk to the top to get a good view!

Parking tip: There is plenty of street parking in nearby neighborhoods off of Ledge st.

East County

Mt Helix Park

Another park that offers prime vantage points. In fact, this could be one of San Diego’s best views.

Parking tips: Parking will be very difficult on the Fourth, so plan on ridesharing or doing some uphill walking.

South Bay  

Imperial Beach Dunes Park

While many will be gathering at Portwood Pier Plaza to watch the Imperial Beach fireworks display on the pier, Dunes Park is located a few blocks away and is more spacious, so you’re more likely to get a good spot on the grass for the show.

Tips: While there is a lot of street parking, plan to arrive early (before 6pm), or rideshare/carpool, to avoid crowds.