Celebrate Independence Day

There is no better place to celebrate Independence Day than San Diego. Every July 4th holiday, residents and visitors alike get into the patriotic spirit with beach parties, neighborhood barbecues, and local celebrations decked out in red, white and blue. At night, fireworks fill the skies, and the annual Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show provides a spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks are discharged simultaneously from barges placed around the bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Seaport Village, Embarcadero Marina Parks South and North, and the Coronado Ferry Landing. The choreographed show lasts approximately 17 minutes.

> Browse More 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations

Play Longer at the Attractions

The fun keeps getting better this summer at San Diego's attractions with new rides and exhibits, extended hours, and fun nighttime activities. You can "rock and roar" after dark with live music and other amazing entertainment experiences at Nighttime Zoo, the San Diego Zoo's summer celebration, now through Sep 6. The sea comes alive at night during Electric Ocean, SeaWorld San Diego's fantastic summer nighttime celebration, now through Sep 6. Celebrate summer with nine amazing experiences, including two shows, Cirque Electrique and Illuminight, and an end-of-night laser light spectacular. It's the final season to enjoy the fun-filled Aquatica San Diego waterpark, open through Sep 6. Aquatica is like no other waterpark, combining high-speed thrills with the amenities of a beachside resort.

> Enjoy new rides, exhibits, and more!

Show Your San Diego Pride

One of the West Coast's largest Pride celebrations, the annual San Diego Pride will combine exciting interactive virtual gatherings with fun, scaled-back in-person events, occurring July 10-18. Get in the spirit of Pride with She Fest on July 10, a LGBTQ+ woman-centered event that celebrates and supports the talents and contributions of women. The Spirit of Stonewall Rally on July 16 honors Pride's origins and recognizes those pioneers who led the way around the pressing issues of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Community Events are scheduled for July 17-18 across San Diego celebrating our diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ community, their family and friends.

Watch the Ponies Run

Horses and fans alike meet for live thoroughbred racing at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, "Where the turf meets the surf," in oceanfront Del Mar. Opening Day with its fabulous Hats Contest occurs Friday, Jul 16, and races run four days a week, Thursdays through Sundays, until Sep 6. Cheer on the TVG Pacific Classic Day, Del Mar's prestigious race, on Aug 21.

Make November Plans

The Thoroughbred Club's fall season continues Nov 3-28 with the exciting Breeders' Cup World Championships returning Nov 5-6. Enjoy two great days of international horse racing with a fun-filled San Diego experience of spectacular beaches and world-class entertainment and attractions.

Get Your Free Badge to Comic-Con

It is time again to don your cosplay costume for Comic-Con@Home, Jul 23-25. San Diego's annual Comic-Con International, the largest comics and pop culture event in the nation, returns as an online event this summer. Attend star-studded panels, watch sneak previews and walk the virtual exhibit hall for exclusive merch during Comic-Con@Home.

Spend Time on the Water

With 70 miles of sun-soaked coastline and two scenic bays, it's easy to spend a day or even a week on San Diego's waters. Sailing, harbor and dinner cruises, sport fishing, scuba diving excursions, and other ocean-going outings provide endless hours of fun under the sun. Enjoy a day of adventure or relaxation kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, waterskiing, or jet skiing around Mission Bay. Embark on a guided kayak tours of La Jolla Cove. On your journey, you can see colorful garibaldi fish, harmless leopard sharks and abundant kelp forests before exploring the scenic cliffs and secret sea caves.

> Make a Splash On the Water

Have a Nighttime Beach Bonfire

After a day of swimming, surfing and sunbathing, there is no better way to enjoy a San Diego evening than relaxing next to a crackling bonfire on the beach. Many of San Diego's popular beaches come equipped with fire pits that are available for use during summer months. You can bring your hot dogs and marshmallows to roast and enjoy a fun night with family and friends under the stars. Fire pits dot the sand along Pacific Beach and are popular for sunset bonfires that continue into the night. Mission Bay Park has many beaches that provide fire pits like Playa Pacifica which wraps around a cove known as Leisure Lagoon. The sandy beach along Shelter Island Shoreline Park is small, but the breathtaking nighttime views of the downtown skyline, San Diego Bay and picturesque Point Loma can't be beat.

Bonus: 25 Fun & Free Things to Do

Having fun in San Diego doesn't require a lot of money; in fact, many things to see and do are absolutely free. This July, visit San Diego for a fun and inexpensive getaway with these 25 free things to do.