Celebrate Fourth of July
Whether you're traveling with friends or family, San Diego is everyone's first choice for great Fourth of July celebrations. Get ready to stretch out on an inviting expanse of sand and watch some extraordinary pyrotechnics against a balmy night sky. Here’s our list of favorite beachside viewpoints, spectacular fireworks shows and other places to go "Fourth" and enjoy the festivities around San Diego.
Please note, firework displays and events are subject to change and cancellation.
Central San Diego
Central San Diego is the hub of July Fourth celebrations in Southern California, with events across the city, anchored by Big Bay Boom, the city’s largest fireworks show set along the iconic waterfront.
Annual Big Bay Boom July 4 Fireworks Show
Annual Big Bay Boom July 4 Fireworks Show
Location: Multiple Locations along San Diego Bay
Time: 9:15 PM
Fireworks: Yes
Big Bay Boom Watch Parties
Check out these great vantage points for viewing this fireworks spectacular:
- Aboard the USS Midway Museum for a World Classic Rockers benefit concert and party
- On a Flagship Cruises & Events Fourth of July cruise
- At the Maritime Museum of San Diego's Fourth of July celebration
- On a City Cruises Fourth of July dinner cruise or Independence Day cocktail cruise
- Aboard a Carnival Cruise Lines vessel. Carnival is the official cruise line sponsor of Big Bay Boom, and guests sailing aboard Carnival Radiance, Carnival Firenze and Carnival Luminosa will get a front-row seat for the show: The ships will be anchored in the ocean near San Diego Bay that evening for guests to enjoy the spectacular display.
Best Hotel Stays for the Big Bay Boom
Best Hotel Stays for the Big Bay Boom
Skip the crowds gathered for the Big Bay Boom and enjoy a front-row seat from one of San Diego’s bayfront hotels. With dedicated parking, on-site dining and drink options, and sweeping views of the waterfront, these hotels offer a comfortable and convenient way to experience one of the city’s most anticipated annual traditions.
4th of July Celebration & Fireworks on the Bay
4th of July Celebration & Fireworks on the Bay
Location: Maritime Museum of San Diego
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fireworks: Yes
SeaWorld San Diego 4th of July Fireworks
SeaWorld San Diego 4th of July Fireworks
Location: SeaWorld San Diego - 500 SeaWorld Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Fireworks at 9:30 PM
Fireworks: Yes
Old Town 4th of July
Old Town 4th of July
Location: Old Town State Historic Park
Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fireworks: No
Red, White & Wave
Red, White & Wave
Location: Snapdragon Stadium with San Diego Wave FC
Time: 5:45 PM
Fireworks: No
La Jolla
Celebrate coastal La Jolla with scenic beaches and village charm, then head to Kellogg Park for a festive drone show lighting up the night above this iconic seaside enclave.
4th of July Drone Spectacular
4th of July Drone Spectacular
Location: Kellog Park - 8200 Camino del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037
Date: July 4
Time: 8:30 PM
Fireworks: No
North Coastal
Red, White and BOOM!
Red, White and BOOM!
Location: LEGOLAND California - One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Time: 10:00AM to 9:00 PM, Fireworks at 8:30 PM
Fireworks: Yes
San Diego County Fair's July 4th Fireworks Celebration
San Diego County Fair's July 4th Fireworks Celebration
Location: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
Time: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Fireworks: Yes
Oceanside Fireworks Show
Oceanside Fireworks Show
Location: SoCal Soccer Complex - 3300 El Corazon Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056
Date: July 3
Time: 5:00 to 10:00 PM
Fireworks: Yes
Coronado
Celebrate Coronado’s classic coastal charm just minutes from downtown San Diego via the Coronado Bay Bridge or ferry from the Embarcadero and Convention Center stops, with a full day of festivities and fireworks lighting up this iconic island destination.
4th of July Celebration in Coronado
4th of July Celebration in Coronado
Location: Various Locations on Coronado
Time: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Fireworks: Yes
Crown City Classic 4th of July Race
Crown City Classic 4th of July Race
Location: Coronado Tidelands Park
Time: 7:00 to 9:00 AM
Fireworks: No
North County Inland
North County Inland, an easy day trip from central San Diego, offers hometown parades, fairs and fireworks light up communities from Poway to Vista.
Scripps Mesa Fireworks
Scripps Mesa Fireworks
Location: Wangenheim Middle School - 9230 Gold Coast Dr., San Diego, CA 92126
Date: July 3
Time: 9:00 PM
Fireworks: Yes
An Old-fashioned Fourth of July in Poway
An Old-fashioned Fourth of July in Poway
Location: Old Poway Park - 14134 Midland Road, Poway, CA 92064
Time: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Fireworks: Yes
Rancho Bernardo's The Spirit of the Fourth
Rancho Bernardo's The Spirit of the Fourth
Location: Rancho Bernardo High School - 13010 Paseo Lucido, San Diego CA 92128
Time: 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM, Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Fireworks: Yes
San Marcos Fireworks Extravaganza
San Marcos Fireworks Extravaganza
Location: Bradley Park - 465 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078
Time: 5:00 to 9:30 PM Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Fireworks: Yes
Scripps Ranch 4th of July Run & Ride
Scripps Ranch 4th of July Run & Ride
Location: Red Cedar Dr & Aviary Dr, San Diego, CA 92131
Time: Starts at 7:00 AM
Fireworks: No
Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade
Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade
Location: Scripps Ranch Hoyt Park - 10800 Canyon Lake Dr, San Diego, CA 92131
Time: Starts at 10:00 AM
Fireworks: No
Vista Independence Day Celebration
Vista Independence Day Celebration
Location: Moonlight Amphitheatre - 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA 92084
Time: 5:00 to 10:00 PM, Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Fireworks: Yes
Santee Salutes - Fourth of July Celebration
Santee Salutes - Fourth of July Celebration
Location: Town Center Community Park East - 550 Park Center Drive, Santee, CA 92071
Time: 2:00 to 10:00 PM, Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Fireworks: Yes
East County
Celebrate in East County with a classic Fourth of July feel, just an easy day trip from central San Diego, where parades, hometown events and fireworks bring communities together.
El Cajon 4th of July Fireworks
El Cajon 4th of July Fireworks
Location: Kennedy Park - 1675 East Madison Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92019
Time: 9:00 to 9:30 PM
Fireworks: Yes, Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Julian 4th of July Parade
Julian 4th of July Parade
Location: Main Street, Julian, CA 92036
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Fireworks: No
Santee Salutes - Fourth of July Celebration
Santee Salutes - Fourth of July Celebration
Location: Town Center Community Park East - 550 Park Center Drive, Santee, CA 92071
Time: 2:00 to 10:00 PM, Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Fireworks: Yes
South Bay
Experience South Bay’s laid-back beach vibe on an easy day trip from central San Diego, with coastal views and a classic fireworks show lighting up Imperial Beach Pier.
Independence Day Fireworks in Imperial Beach
Independence Day Fireworks in Imperial Beach
Location: Imperial Beach Pier Plaza - 940 Seacoast Drive Imperial Beach CA 91932
Time: 9:00 to 9:20 PM
Fireworks: Yes
> Find more 4th of July fun on the event calendar
Please note, firework displays and events are subject to change and cancellation.