The Fourth of July falls on a Thursday this year, meaning San Diegans can let freedom ring with a four-day weekend. If that’s not enough to make the most of it, lots of our favorite places are offering food, drink, and event specials to help you and yours have a star-spangled celebration.
Here are some of our faves:
Carnitas Snack Shack Cookout
When: July 4, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 1004 North Harbor Drive, Downtown
Price: Free entry
Celebrate an all-American Fourth of July at Carnitas Snack Shack Embarcadero with burgers, hot dogs, and music. Jam out to DJ Mike White from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., groove to a live band from 6 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., and then end your night watching the fireworks from the patio.
20Twenty Grill Fourth of July Barbecue
When: July 4, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad
Price: $65 per adult, $30 per child
North County families looking for barbecue staples like corn on the cob and smoked chicken can reserve a spot at 20Twenty Grill at the Westin Resort in Carlsbad. Stay for the Legoland fireworks spectacular visible anywhere on the property at 8:30 p.m.
The Pioneer
When: July 4
Where: 8622 Lake Murray Boulevard, San Carlos
Price: Varies
Head to the barbecue experts at The Pioneer for a carefully curated cocktail list. Drinks like The Patriot—infused with rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice, and strawberry puree—will put a tropical twist on your Independence Day.
Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp
When: July 4
Where: 333 Fifth Avenue, Downtown
Price: $15 for bottomless mimosas
Those looking to get boozy should stop by Union Kitchen and Tap, where bottomless mimosas are served starting at 9 a.m. This rustic, vintage-inspired restaurant has beefed up their menu for the occasion with American favorites including a double chili cheeseburger, sloppy Joe, and chili cheese fries.
Bub’s at the Beach
When: July 1 to July 31
Where: 1030 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach
Price: $7 per mule
Celebrate America all month long with the mule of the month at Bub’s in Pacific Beach. The July “Bomb Pop” is layered with red, white, and blue vodka and includes a blueberry puree, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and grenadine.
Hornblower Fireworks Dinner Cruise
When: July 4, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 1800 North Harbor Drive, Downtown
Price: Starts at $178 per adult
Watch the famous Big Bay Boom fireworks show from a yacht. Enjoy three hours of sea views, champagne, a live DJ, and a buffet dinner with barbecue classics like steak and baby back ribs.
Maritime Museum Cruises
When: July 4, times vary
Where: 1492 North Harbor Drive, Downtown
Price: $45 per adult dinner ticket, $20 per child dinner ticket ages 6 to 12
$85 per fireworks cruise ticket
$35 per bay front cruise ticket
The Maritime Museum has lots of options for celebrating America’s birthday from the water:
The upper deck of the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley offers a buffet dinner starting at either 5 p.m. or 7 p.m.
Alternatively, reserve a spot on the schooner Californian for a fireworks cruise complete with a full bar; 6:30 p.m. departure, returns after the fireworks show.
Or hop on a smaller historic vessel to watch the fireworks from the water, sans bar; 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
A Guide to Fourth of July in San Diego 2019
Photo: George Adkins, courtesy of Maritime Museum
