Celebrate 4th of July in Paradise

Fireworks over San Diego Bay

Fireworks illuminate the San Diego skyline

Whether you're travelling with friends or family, San Diego is everyone's first choice for 4th of July celebrations. Even locals can't think of anything better than relaxing with loved ones on a long stretch of sand and watching an extraordinary show of lights in the sky. We've put together this list of our favorite stretches of sand and spectacular fireworks shows around San Diego.   

The Official San Diego Beach Guide

There is no better way to celebrate independence than with your feet in the sand beneath the sun-kissed San Diego skies with the ones you love. Whether your perfect day at the beach consists of boating, picnicking or just relaxing with a good book, San Diego has the perfect beach for you along our 70 miles of shoreline. Check out our beach guide to help plan your next day in paradise.

Fireworks in San Diego 

In San Diego, it seems there is always a celebration. From PETCO Park to SeaWorld, there are literally nightly opportunities to catch a light show in the sky. With all of that year-round practice, San Diego has the best light shows on the 4th. Here are some of our top picks for watching fireworks this Independence Day. 

CENTRAL SAN DIEGO

• Glorietta Bay (Coronado): The events on Saturday, July 3 include a morning rough water swim, two-hour American flag-waving parade along Orange Avenue, the community’s main thoroughfare, Art-in-the-Park and an afternoon concert in Spreckels Park. The festivities culminate on July 4 with a spectacular fireworks display over Glorietta Bay that complements the Big Bay Boom fireworks show just across the water
• La Jolla Cove: 9 p.m. 
• Mira Mesa Recreation Center: Food, rides, games and entertainment in Mira Mesa Community Park during the day.
• Mission Bay Yacht Club: 9 p.m. 
• Ocean Beach Pier: 9 p.m.
• Paradise Point Resort and Spa: 9 p.m.
• San Diego Bay: 9 p.m. 
• SeaWorld (Mission Bay): 9:30 p.m. SeaWorld San Diego will celebrate Independence Day with a special, patriotic Shamu’s Skysplash USA fireworks show over Mission Bay. One of the most popular fireworks shows for locals, best viewing areas are from the shores of Mission Bay, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach.

EAST COUNTY

• Town Center Community Park Ballfields (Santee): 9 p.m. 
• Spring Valley Park: 9 p.m. 
• Lake Murray Music Fest and Fireworks (La Mesa): 9:05 p.m. 619-583-5211.

NORTH COUNTY

• Bradley Park (San Marcos): 9 p.m. 
• Brengle Terrace Park (Vista): 9 p.m. 
• Del Mar Beach: 9 p.m. All day activities. 
• Grape Day Park (Escondido): 9 p.m. 
• Julian: No fireworks, but a day full of celebration! 
• LEGOLAND California will present a star-spangled Red, White and BOOM! Celebration on July 4 with live musical performances by The Jumpitz at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and festive fireworks at 8:30 p.m. During the day, family favorite Uncle Sam will also be roaming LEGOLAND on stilts, as guests enjoy old fashioned lawn games including potato sack races  and LEGO Limbo. 
• Oceanside Pier: 9 p.m. 
• Olive Peirce Middle School (Ramona): 9 p.m. Grounds open at 5 p.m.
• Rancho Bernardo High School: 9 p.m. (619) 889-8505.
• San Diego County Fair (Del Mar Fairgrounds): 9 p.m.  After a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m. on July 4, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts take the stage at 9:30 p.m. The concert and fireworks are included with fair admission, and all the exhibits halls and rides stay open until midnight. 
• Valley Center High School: 9 p.m. (760) 670-7062.

SOUTH BAY

• Kimball Park (National City): 9 p.m.

Hotel Deals

Kings Inn – 50% off – Rates from $64.50 per night based on availability. Horton Grand Hotel – Save 30% – Rates from $125 per night based on availability. Pala Mesa Resort – Save 25% – Rates from $152 per night based on availability. Welk Resort San Diego – Save 35% – Rates from $189 per night based on availability. Empress Hotel of La Jolla – Save 20% – Rates from $215 per night based on availability.

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