San Diego is a GREAT place to be for The Fourth of July! Whether you are visiting or you’re a local, there is a ton of stuff to do for San Diegans from Carlsbad to San Diego Bay. All the amusement parks celebrate as do the smaller communities throughout San Diego.

San Diego has strong military roots so their Independence Day celebrations are some of the best on the West Coast! Some events are on July 4th and some are a few days before or the same week. I will keep this updated but always double-check the official websites before going.

Here is a list of all the best things to do! I will list fireworks shows right after this list and then go into the details for these larger festivals / daytime events after that!

What to do in San Diego on The Fourth of July

1. The Big Bay Boom Fireworks
2. The Coronado Parade on Orange Avenue
3. The San Diego County Fair Fireworks at Del Mar Fairgrounds
4. USS Midway Museum Celebration
5. Fourth of July Celebration at Old Poway Park
6. Celebration at Lake Murray Community Park
7. Sea World Fireworks at Shelter Island
8. Old Town San Diego
9. Good Old Fashioned Beach Day
10. Grape Day Park Celebration
11. LEGOLAND Red White & BOOM
12. Julian Old Fashioned Parade
13. Oceanside Independence Day Parade
14. Scripps Ranch Parade
15. Rancho Bernardo Parade
16. Santee Salutes
17. Camp Pendleton Beach Bash
18. Belmont Park Day and Firework Viewing

Full descriptions for all of these after the fireworks list!

Fireworks Throughout San Diego:

Note: Some are JUST fireworks shows and some are part of larger festivals/parties. I will list the fireworks first and launch times and then the larger festivals and parades after that.

PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITES LISTED BEFORE LEAVING! Fireworks shows are often canceled with little notice, so check websites so you aren’t disappointed. I have listed them all for ease of use. 

North County Coastal

1. Carlsbad LEGOLAND Red White and Boom: You need a LEGOLAND ticket, but you can also watch from nearby. 8:45 PM. Click here for more details.
2. Carlsbad Park Hyatt Aviara Hotel: Costs $$ but looks cool. You need tickets! I imagine you can also watch from around this area. Website here.
3. Vista Bringle Terrace Park: Launch at 9 pm, $5 admission to Moonlight Amphitheatre. Cassie B cover band starts at 6 pm. More info here.
4. Camp Pendleton at Del Mar Beach: Fireworks on the beach! Must have base access. More info here. (this is last year’s link, will update when I find this year’s).

La Jolla / Del Mar

1. Del Mar Fairgrounds: Launch at 9 pm, you need fair tickets. You can also buy special grandstand seating for the best view. More info here.
2. La Jolla Cove Drone Show: Launches from Kellogg Park at 9 pm. Would be fun to make a beach day of it and go all day. More info here.

North County Inland

1. Escondido Grape Day Park: Launch at 9 pm, free, festival before. More info here. (old link, will update when 2025 is available.
2. San Marcos Bradley Park: Launch at 9 pm, festival before! More info here.
3. Poway High School, Poway Sportsplex: Two shows in Poway, both at 9 pm. $5/adult, kids are free. More info here. (old link, new link coming when 2025 is available).
4. Mira Mesa: THIS IS ON THE THIRD OF JULY! Fireworks launch from the middle school, but you watch from Hourglass Park. More info here.
5. Rancho Bernardo High School: Watch from Bernardo Heights Middle School Field. Free, fireworks launch at 9 pm. More info here.
6. Rancho Penasquitos Westview High School: Searching for info, will report back soon.

Downtown / Mission Bay / Coronado

1. Coronado Fireworks Show at Glorietta Bay: Start at 9 pm. Watch from Glorietta Bay or from Coronado golf course. Set to the radio music at 96.5 FM. You can also see The Big Bay Boom from the other side of Coronado (a separate show). More info here.
2. San Diego Bay Big Bay Boom: Set to music from 101.5 FM. Watch from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Spanish Landing, North and South Embarcadero, Coronado Ferry Landing, and The Marina District. Extra points if you can watch from a boat! More info here.
3. San Diego Sea World Fireworks: Showing on July 3rd and July 4th at 9 pm. Hot tip: They have fireworks EVERY night during the summer and we love watching for free from Shelter Island! More info here.

South County

1. Imperial Beach Pier: Fireworks launch from the pier, start at 9 pm! More info here.
2. Chula Vista: Free July 4th fireworks at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, set to a custom bilingual soundtrack on Amor 102.9. Launch at 9 pm. More info here. (old link, will find new one when 2025 is posted).

East County

1. El Cajon Kennedy Park: Fun stuff all day starting at 2 pm, fireworks start at 9 PM. More info here.
2. Ramona at Olive Pierce Middle School: Fireworks launch at 9 pm! More info here.
3. Santee at Town Center Community Park East: Santee Salutes, and activities all day. Fireworks launch at 9 pm. Free, but $10 to park. Reserve parking spots in advance. More info here.
4. Lake Murray: NOT happening 2025. They said they didn’t raise enough funds. Keeping this info for 2026 though. Usually: Launch at 9 pm at Lake Murray Playground. More info here.

Where to Celebrate The Fourth of July

Okay, let’s get into what to do on The Fourth of July in San Diego! These are all the best places to celebrate.

There is some overlap with the fireworks list, but these are more spots where you can spend the entire day on the 4th. These are great options if you have young kids as most are during the day!

The Big Bay Boom Fireworks

The largest fireworks show in San Diego. The fireworks go off from four barges in The San Diego Bay. You can watch the firework show from various locations around San Diego Bay including Shelter Island, Fiesta Island, Embarcadero area, Seaport Village or on a boat yourself! These awe-inspiring fireworks are worth seeing at least once in your life. The fireworks are set to patriotic music on 100.7 BIG FM. 

Grab a spot at the beach and have a beach day and BBQ and then wait for for the firework displays to launch at night! You have a better chance at free parking if you get there early. If you’re feeling fancy you can book a dinner cruise with City Cruises to have an up-close view!

From the website: 

On July 4th, San Diego’s North Bay, known as THE BIG BAY, will light up with a spectacular fireworks display orchestrated to originally produced music selections.  Given the natural amphitheater from Point Loma to Shelter Island to Harbor Island to Liberty Station to Little Italy to the North Embarcadero to Seaport Village and the South Embarcadero to the Coronado Ferry Landing, the “show” will capture the attention of hundreds of thousands of people.  This is the largest annual event in the western United States with over 500,000 people viewing the show.

The “show’ will consist of about 18 minutes of some of the most technically advanced fireworks produced by one of the best worldwide operators of fireworks displays. The fireworks artists will choreograph the 4 barge locations of pyrotechnics simultaneously to music broadcast “live” on 101.5 KGB radio.

The location of the event will be on four barges strategically located around North San Diego Bay.  The Coast Guard, Harbor Police, and special patrol vessels will assist in providing safety on the water along with the Harbor Police and the City of San Diego police will assist in traffic coordination and public safety on land.

More info here.

Coronado 4th of July Celebration

The Coronado 4th of July Celebration is one of the best in San Diego. It goes all day and starts early in the morning with The Crown City Classic run that starts from Coronado Tidelands Park. There are special events, free concerts, food vendors and entertainment all day, ending with TWO fireworks shows. Coronado is home to a navy base so they roll out the vehicles for their parade. My favorite float was the one full of military wives and children. Everyone stood and cheered for them. 

The parade runs down Orange Avenue. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. It’s street parking only so be sure to bring good walking shoes as you will likely have to walk a short distance to make it to the parade route.

Make sure to get there early for pre-parade entertainment leading up to the parade at the Corona Grandstand Stage. They have the kid draw chalk circles on the ground and label them with their names. If a horse poops in your chalk circle you get a prize! Fun for kids of all ages. You can watch from anywhere along Orange Avenue, we like to set up near Spreckels Park so the kids have somewhere to burn off energy. There was a lot of traffic leaving Coronado Island after so just be aware of that!

From the website: 

You can’t set up before 5am – however, you should get there by 4:30 am and wait across the street from ‘your spot’ if you want front row seating on the curb or grassy median! Tip, you can also take the ferry over from downtown San Diego to Coronado. The traffic is going to be heavy, so plan on walking or biking.

10 am-12 pm – 76th Annual Independence Day Parade: Orange Ave from 1st Street to Churchill Place. 

More info and full schedule here.

The San Diego County Fair and Fireworks at Del Mar Fairgrounds

This is such a fun place to spend The Fourth of July! Spend time riding rides in the Fun Zone, eating food, riding the Ferris wheel, and visiting the animals all day. Then in the evening cozy up for the fireworks display. You will need to buy fair admission in advance.

They sell a limited number of VIP tickets for special seating for the fireworks, but you can enjoy them from anywhere in the fair. Enjoy the fair starting at 11 am and then stay for the fireworks! Here is my post on the fair, and make sure to look through my story highlights on the fair for tips as well. 

More info here.

Fourth of July Celebration at Old Poway Park

From the website:

Bring your family and friends to Old Poway Park and celebrate our country’s independence “turn-of-the-20th-century-style”. This event will feature patriotic entertainment, free children’s crafts, train displays, and old-fashioned games. Tasty treats and train rides will be available for a nominal fee. Free shuttles are available starting at 9:30 AM from Poway Adult School and Poway City Hall.

Two fireworks shows to choose from at Poway Sportsplex and Poway High School Stadium.

More info here. (note: this is the 2024 link, I can’t find confirmed info for 2025 posted yet… come back in a few weeks!).

USS Midway Museum Celebration

Tickets go on sale Thursday June 5th and it will sell out. Buy tickets here. General admission is $35/person which is pretty fair for an excellent view of The Big Bay Boom. The Maritime Museum of San Diego is next door and also has an event, but it’s smaller. It does include a BBQ though and it’s $50/person. Link here.

From the website: 

Join us aboard the iconic USS Midway Museum for an unforgettable 4th of July Fireworks Viewing Party! Celebrate America’s Independence Day with an evening filled with dazzling fireworks, live entertainment, and engaging activities for the whole family, all from Midway’s Flight Deck! You’ll have the best view in town to watch the spectacular Big Bay Boom fireworks show, San Diego’s premier Independence Day fireworks display.

Lake Murray Community Park Celebration

CANCELED for 2025. Check back in 2026.

From the website: 

The Lake Murray Music Fest and Fireworks show is an annual event put on by a group of active volunteers and community members. The live music fest is held at Lake Murray Community Park in San Carlos and the fireworks can be seen throughout the Navajo community, from La Mesa to Del Cerro and beyond. 11 am – 9 pm.

More info here.

Sea World Fireworks (in SeaWorld or at Shelter Island)

SeaWorld San Diego has fireworks every day in the summer! The 4th of July show is supposed to be wonderful! They go off on the 3rd of July AND the 4th of July. This is a GREAT deal for season pass holders because it’s included with admission. 

From the website: 

View Fireworks From All Around SeaWorld! In honor of Independence Day, you can get in the patriotic spirit when you witness a dazzling fireworks display—free with admission to SeaWorld! This stunning mix of pyrotechnics, set to a triumphant musical score, is ready to illuminate SeaWorld’s skyline and captivate you with spectacular flames, sparks, and surprises. Don’t miss this special extended fireworks display showing on July 3 and July 4 at 9:00 p.m.!

More info here.

Old Town San Diego: Old Fashioned Fourth of July

This would be a great one with little kids. We have been to events here and they are always well done! The Mormon Battalion Museum often helps with old-fashioned games and whatnot for the kids. This event runs from 11 am – 3 pm, no fireworks.

More info here.

From their website: 

Celebrate Independence Day at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

California State Parks invite you to celebrate an old-fashioned Fourth of July at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park! Visitors can join park staff and volunteers celebrating as early San Diego residents did in the 1800s with games, crafts, and live music from Big Mountain Blue Grass Band. The event is free; some activities may require an additional purchase.

Additional parking is available at the CalTrans headquarters, just two blocks from the park at 2994 Sunset Street.

More info here. (old link, will update for 2025 when available).

Have a Beach Day With Fireworks!

This must be mentioned, one of the best places to spend The Fourth of July is celebrating with friends on the beach! Bring hot dogs, hamburgers and lots of snacks. We have an endlessly beautiful coastline in San Diego, it’s the perfect place to spend the day. Try to line up your beach day with a fireworks show and you’ve got it made. Some beaches have food trucks that will roll up during the day too, so watch for that!

The beaches in Mission Bay will have a good view of The Big Bay Boom! Just check the map to make sure you select a good one. 

Here is my list of the best beaches to take kids to in San Diego.

Grape Day Park Celebration

From the website: 

The 60th Annual Independence Day Festival at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido is back! Join us on July 4th for an unforgettable Independence Day celebration in Grape Day Park. Immerse yourself in live performances by celebrated artists, indulge in delicious offerings from local food trucks, satisfy your thirst with local craft beers and spirits, explore the artisan market, enjoy exciting games and activities for all ages, and get ready for a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky. 

More info here.

 LEGOLAND Red White & BOOM

LEGOLAND has great activities for the fourth and this year is no exception. If you are going to spend the day at LEGOLAND, I would consider using their Reserve and Ride system. Here is more info and pricing for that.

This event is included for Platinum and Elite season pass holders (not Gold or Silver). Here are all the current deals at LEGOLAND for kids / adults.

From the website:

Summer heats up at LEGOLAND® California Resort with a star-spangled 4th of July celebration: Red, White & BOOM! Families can enjoy special limited-time treats, fun lawn activities, and DJ dance parties that will have everyone on their feet. End the night with an unforgettable fireworks display that explodes into 3D LEGO® bricks right before your eyes with special viewing glasses! 

• Special extended park hours to celebrate and enjoy the fireworks spectacular 
• Themed entertainment throughout the Resort 
• PLUS, all Red, White, & BOOM! activities are included in the cost of regular Park admission

More info here.

Julian Old Fashioned Parade

Julian is a mountain town east of San Diego and they have a cute downhome parade for The Fourth of July! Here is my list of things to do with kids in Julian.

From the website:

On the 4th of July, Julian honors our nation’s birthday with a salute to the men and women who made our country great, both domestically and militarily.  For more than twenty years, Julian residents, their friends and parade lovers from all over have lined up on the town’s Main Street to wave their flags, cheer the marching bands, salute the Marine Color Guard, and carry a giant American Flag down the thoroughfare.

More info here.

Oceanside Independence Parade

Heads up, this parade is on Saturday, June 28th!

From the website:

Join us on Saturday, June 28, 2025, for the 29th annual Independence Parade as it makes it way north on Coast Highway from Wisconsin Avenue to Civic Center Drive (just past City Hall). Come see floats, bands, walking groups, cool cars, and more. Our theme this year is “Stars & Stripes by the Sea”

The parade starts in front of the 101 Cafe (Coast Highway at Wisconsin Avenue) at 10:00 a.m. and works its way north with the first unit of the parade reaching City Hall around 10:15 a.m. Running time from beginning to end is about two hours. 

More info here.

Scripps Ranch Parade

We have been to this parade and I would argue it might be more fun for the residents than people who don’t live there as it’s the residents themselves who put on the parade and the floats. However, it’s a great small-town celebration to try out! 

From the website:

The Scripps Ranch Fourth of July Parade traditionally begins at 10 a.m. on Independence Day near Red Cedar Drive and Ironwood Road, generally runs down Ironwood Road, along Scripps Ranch Boulevard and ends at Aviary Drive. Presented by the Scripps Ranch Civic Association. 

More info here.

Rancho Bernardo Parade

This is a local parade with scooters, high school bands, and other folks who live in Rancho Bernardo. It’s part of the Spirit of the Fourth celebration which has activities that go all day!

From the website:

The parade will begin at 3:30 pm on Acena Drive and proceed north to Rancho Bernardo Road and then Bernardo Center Drive. 

More info here.

Belmont Park

I can’t find a listed 4th of July Celebration, however, you can see The Big Bay Boom from Belmont Park. They have free admission (you pay per rides) and they are right on the beach so it would be a great place to spend the day and celebrate, ending with a fireworks show. 

Santee Salutes

From the website:

Celebrate Independence Day at Santee Salutes! Enjoy the prestigious US Marine Corps band, a moving Patriotic Ceremony, and dance the night away to a modern country band. End the night with a dazzling display of fireworks, lighting up the sky and hearts with patriotic fervor!

This is a free community event with reserved parking and VIP canopy options for purchase, ensuring a hassle-free experience. With carnival rides, delicious food trucks, and breathtaking fireworks, it’s the perfect annual 4th of July celebration for all ages!

More info here.

Camp Pendleton Beach Bash

Camp Pendleton is hosting an all-day beach bash at Del Mar Beach. I can’t find a ton of info online except that it starts at noon and ends at midnight. You do need base access, so this one would be perfect for military families. Includes fireworks. 

More info here. (old link, will update when I find a 2025 link).

Cabrillo Monument Above The Fireworks

Come for the sunset, bring a picnic, and stay for the most spectacular fireworks viewing. Last year, attendees watched 13 fireworks shows taking place around San Diego County, which all could be seen from Cabrillo National Monument!

Tickets are available at www.cnmf.org or can be purchased in the Visitor Center. $50 per vehicle (up to 10 people, applies to all types of vehicles). No refunds.

Allow me to introduce myself…

My name is Camille! I am a San Diego stay-at-home mom who is never ever at home. I share a lot of fun things to do around San Diego including parks, restaurants, LEGOLAND, the zoo etc.

My goal with my Instagram account and blog is to make any mom feel prepared for any outing with her kids so that she doesn’t have to stay home unless she wants to.

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