Celebrating Fourth of July Weekend in San Diego

Fourth of July weekend is just one week away, so I thought I would share some fun activities that will be happening. Now that California is fully open, there is much to do for Independence day. San Diego is hands down one of the greatest places to celebrate. If you are looking for some things to do, check out the list I have curated below:

Source: Unsplash

Coastal San Diego

The Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show 
The Big Bay Boom bash is back with amazing fireworks over the San Diego Bay. What’s unique about this extravaganza is the fireworks are lit from several coastal locations, including Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North and Coronado Ferry Landing. The show is always popular, so consider carpooling or take the San Diego Trolley. Event Details. 

Coronado
Bring the kids and enjoy an entire weekend of patriotic activities on Coronado Island. The Annual Independence Day Parade in Coronado takes place on July 3rd at 10:00 down Orange Ave. Watch the Legends in the Sky above Coronado on July 4th at 2 p.m. The United States Navy Parachute Team “The Leap Frogs” is the official parachute demonstration team of the United States Navy. End the evening with a fireworks display over Glorietta Bay. Local tip: watch Coronado’s fireworks from the golf course or Stingray Point, and don’t drive — walk or bike instead. Event Details.

A Family Fun 4th of July Celebration on the USS Midway
Join the reverie of A Family Fun 4th of July Celebration at the USS Midway Museum! Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and small coolers with picnic-type snacks and experience a stunning view of the Big Bay Boom fireworks show from the flight deck of the USS Midway. This annual celebration includes the best view of downtown San Diego fireworks, live entertainment featuring one of San Diego’s leading show bands, family fun activities and savory All-American concessions with adult and kid-friendly beverages for sale. Event Details. 

Ocean Beach 
Celebrate the fourth of July in Ocean Beach with a spectacular fireworks display off the OB Pier! There is free parking at the Main Beach Parking Lot as well as at our Pier Parking Lot. Bring along a radio if you’d like because you can hear the fireworks soundtrack being broadcast simultaneously during the show if you tune in to KyXy 96.5. Event Details. 

East County

Julian 
While it’s true Julian is known for apples and mining, the town also has an old-fashioned 4th of July day planned. Camp out on Main Street for a day of family fun at “the best little town parade in America.” This year’s theme is ”Historic Julian Celebrates the 4th." This year you’ll see marching bands and bands including the Emerald Society Bag Pipe Band, Gold Drum and Bugle Corps and Mariachi Continental de San Diego. Antique cars, vintage tractors, belly dancers, World War 2 Submariners, and several comedy entries will appear to complete a fun well-rounded hometown parade. Note: Julian does not have a fireworks display. Event Details. 

El Cajon 
The City of El Cajon will host fireworks on Sat., July 4th at 9:00 pm. Due to current physical distancing requirements, Kennedy Park will be closed and there will be no public gathering permitted at or near the park area. Event Details. 

Santee Salutes
Santee Salutes Fourth of July ceremony is back, with a full fireworks show launched from Town Center Community Park and West Hills Park. Advanced parking purchase is required and can be purchased here. The Schedule of events includes food vendors and 80z All Stars Concert. Event Details. 

San Diego Inland

Mira Mesa
The Mira Mesa 4th of July Parade and Fun Day in the Park is canceled this year, but there will be fireworks! Show starts at 9 p.m. Event Details. 

4th of July Picnic Dinner at Maritime Museum 
The observation deck of the Museum’s historic 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley offers guests a spectacular view of the fireworks over San Diego Bay. The holiday dinner will be provided on the upper deck interior of the 1898 Victorian-era steam ferryboat Berkeley, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Guests may check-in for dinner anytime between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Event Details. 

North County Inland

Poway 
The City of Poway will host two firework shows Enjoy spectacular fireworks as they light up the night sky at two locations at 9 pm. Fireworks locations will be at Poway High School and Poway Sportsplex. There will be fireworks, but no parade, community fair or other traditional Rancho Bernardo Spirit of the Fourth festivities. The fireworks are launched from a field behind the high school. The current plan is to have socially distanced parking in designated lots, along with people being free to park along adjacent streets, such as Paseo Lucido. Event Details. 

Escondido
There will not be the traditional large-scale event, but The City of Escondido is excited to bring back the free, professional fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day starting at
9 p.m. Event Details. 

San Marcos 
Bradley Park will once again play host to a fireworks display however, gathering is not encouraged. The festivities that normally accompany the fireworks are canceled this year.

Vista
Celebrate Independence Day at Brengle Terrace Park and enjoy a fun-filled Fourth of July BBQ dinner. The DecaDames perform at 7:35 p.m. and the firework display kicks off at 9 p.m. Park admission is $15 per vehicle ($30 for RVs). The Fun-Filled Fourth BBQ Dinner is $45 per person. Entry into the Moonlight Amphitheatre is $5 per person. No walk-in pedestrian traffic is permitted in the park. Event Details. 

North County

Carlsbad: LEGOLAND
The summer heats up at LEGOLAND® California Resort with a star-spangled Fourth of July celebration: Red, White and Boom! Throughout the day, kids of all ages can participate in all-American family picnic games and building activities. The evening fireworks show combines patriotic music with dazzling pyrotechnics. Red White and Boom!
is included in the cost of regular Park admission. Event Details. 

Del Mar
The San Diego Fair is putting on a specially-designed show for their HOME•GROWN•FUN on-site audience. Celebrate by wearing stars and stripes, eating apple funnel cake and cheering on the fireworks finale. Best viewing will be in the West Avenue and West Gate area; Grandstand seating will NOT be available. Event Details. 

Oceanside
The annual celebration in honor of Oceanside’s July 3rd birthday and Independence Day will take place this year with modifications. Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m. on July 3 at El Corazon. Residents are encouraged to enjoy the show from home, but limited capacity viewing areas will be available near El Corazon to spread out. Rancho Del Oro will be closed from Oceanside Boulevard to Mesa, and Ocean Ranch will be closed from Corporate Center to Rancho Del Oro beginning at 5:00 p.m. that evening. There will be no food trucks or musical entertainment this year, but the fireworks display will be stellar. Event Details. 

*Fireworks shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Source: Redtri