The US rings in its 249th birthday this summer, and San Diego County has no shortage of fêtes and firecrackers in store to commemorate the occasion. Whether you’re into beach picnics, small-town parades, or grand firework finales, here are 19 festive ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in San Diego.
North County Fourth of July Events
Oceanside Independence Parade
June 28
Oceanside’s 29th annual Independence Parade starts at 10 a.m. by the 101 Cafe and rolls north along Coast Highway. This year’s theme, “Stars & Stripes by the Sea,” will come alive with floats, bands, classic cars, walking groups, and patriotic décor. The best viewing spots are north of Seagaze Avenue. Bring a chair and catch one of San Diego’s most iconic holiday kickoffs.
311 North Tremont Street, Oceanside
Legoland’s Red, White & BOOM!
July 4
Why not spend the fourth under a sky full of 3D Lego bricks? Included with standard park admission, Legoland’s Fourth of July celebration in Carlsbad delivers a full day of patriotic fun to enjoy with the family. Expect dance parties, lawn games, star-spangled treats, and meet-and-greets with favorite LEGO characters. The night ends with a pair of special viewing glasses that brings the fireworks show to life in a whole new way.
One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad
San Diego County Fair Fireworks Spectacular
July 4
For the full carnival experience, Del Mar has you covered. Ferris wheels, funnel cakes, and even pet adoptions in partnership with the San Diego Humane Society are all happening throughout the day at the San Diego County Fair. Once you’ve indulged in more fried treats than you probably should, make your way to the Corona Grandstand Stage at 9 p.m. for the Fireworks Spectacular. You can also reserve seats in advance if you want to skip the crowd. This celebration is included with regular fair admission.
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
Old Fashioned Fourth of July
July 4
Celebrate Independence Day with some turn-of-the-century charm at Old Poway Park. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the park transforms into a vintage-style Fourth of July shindig, complete with patriotic performances, crafts for kids, train rides, old-fashioned games, and plenty of treats. Free shuttles run starting at 9:30 a.m. from Poway Adult School and Poway City Hall. Once the sun sets, the celebration continues with two fireworks shows: one at Poway High School Stadium and another at the Poway Sportsplex. The stadium offers the best view from the field, with gates opening at 6 p.m. for more pre-show activities and a live DJ set.
14134 Midland Road | 15500 Espola Road | 12349 McIvers Court, Poway
Coastal Fourth of July Events
4th of July Drone Show
July 4
A fresh take on tradition, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club’s drone show might just be the future of fireworks. The shoreline will light up with a choreographed symphony of color, simulating the spectacle of a classic show (minus the noise and environmental impact). Expect bursts of patriotic imagery as 200 drones soar 350 feet above. For the best views, head to Kellogg Park by 9 p.m.
8277 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla
Coronado Fourth of July
July 4
Coronado knows how to throw a Fourth of July party, and it’s an all-day affair. It starts with pre-parade fun at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 76th annual Independence Day parade at 10 a.m., floats and all. Throughout the day, expect Star Wars photo ops, a Navy Leap Frogs skydive, and live music in Spreckels Park, from Disney sing-alongs to patriotic concerts. At 5:45 p.m., Detroit Underground takes the stage, and at 9 p.m., the fun concludes with fireworks over the Coronado Golf Course. Just bring a blanket; the peninsula will handle the sparkle.
Multiple locations in Coronado
Georges at the Cove
July 4
Why settle for a paper plate of hot dogs and potato salad when you could be watching the sky light up over a cocktail and a perfectly seared filet? Head to Georges at the Cove in La Jolla for an ultra-chic Fourth of July celebration. The restaurant will serve stunning ocean views alongside a special holiday menu. Guests can savor their meal while taking in the 9 p.m. La Jolla fireworks show from tiered seating on the Ocean Terrace. Reservations fill up fast, so book early to secure your spot.
1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla
Downtown & Bayfront Fourth of July Events
SeaWorld San Diego Fourth of July Celebration
July 3–6
If seeing fireworks, exploring immersive aquariums, and feeding dolphins sound like your ideal holiday, SeaWorld might be the place for you. The park’s Fourth of July Celebration runs from July 3 through 6, with sky-high fireworks paired with music all included with regular park admission.
500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay
Big Bay Boom
July 4
The signature San Diego fourth. As California’s largest fireworks show, the Big Bay Boom is a full-on pyrotechnic extravaganza, and, yes, it’s totally worth camping out for a good spot. The show begins at 9 p.m. and can be seen from all over: Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Marina District, North Embarcadero, and even the Coronado Ferry Landing. Or, take to the water in a boat and watch the bay sparkle all around you.
Multiple locations
4th of July Fireworks Viewing Party
July 4
Take your fireworks viewing party on deck this year at the USS Midway Museum in downtown. On the flight deck, it’s a night of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and front-row tableaus of the Big Bay Boom. Bring your own lightweight lawn chair or blanket and get ready for a skyline-stealing main attraction. (Tip: Tickets go fast for this holiday affair.)
910 North Harbor Drive, Downtown
Fireworks & Dinner on the Deck at Fish Market
July 4
Steps from the Embarcadero and practically floating on the bay, this seafood staple is ideal if you’re dreaming of catching the Big Bay Boom without fighting the crowds. Tickets are $132 per person for the viewing party on the outdoor deck. Order something delicious from a multi-choice four-course menu, sip something chilled and sparkly, and time dessert with the fireworks.
750 North Harbor Drive, Downtown
Mister A’s 4th of July Spectacular 2025
July 4
Celebrate the fourth with a special prix-fixe menu and a killer rooftop view in Bankers Hill. Mister A’s second holiday seating of the night runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and features a four-course dinner for $145 per person. Enjoy dishes like barbecued shrimp and peach skewers, whipped goat cheese with hot honey, smoked salmon tater tots, rack of lamb, and vanilla crème brûlée while taking in the spectacular fireworks lighting up the San Diego skyline.
2550 Fifth Avenue, 12th floor, Bankers Hill
East County & Inland Fourth of July Events
An Old Fashioned Fourth of July
July 4
Travel back to the 1800s with a fourth full of 19th-century fun: wheelbarrow races, tug of war, sack races, and the ever-popular watermelon-eating contest. Explore living history demos, historic walking tours, and hands-on crafts led by the staff of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The fun runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., topped off with live music from Billy Lee and The Swamp Critters.
San Diego Avenue & Twiggs Street, Old Town
Santee Salutes
July 4
Santee’s Town Center Park starts its Independence Day at 2 p.m. with amusement rides and a lineup of tasty food trucks like American Flavors, Sapos Tacos, CAKED, and Gelu Italian Ice. The Riverwalk Grill fires up soon after, followed by a patriotic ceremony led by the Military Color Guard at 6 p.m. High-energy dance beats from Full Strength keep the party going until the 9 p.m. fireworks finale. When the show starts overhead, you can tune in to SanteeTV for the perfect soundtrack.
550 Park Center Drive, Santee
El Cajon Kennedy Park Fireworks
July 4
East County brings the heat this fourth. Rally your crew at Kennedy Park in El Cajon for some pre-show train rides, crafts, and games, with DJ Danny spinning live. When 9 p.m. hits, all that’s left is to sit back and let the spectacular sparks take over.
1675 East Madison Avenue, El Cajon
Julian 4th of July Parade
July 4
For over two decades, locals, parade-lovers, and day-trippers have packed Julian’s Main Street to wave flags, cheer on marching bands, salute the Marine Color Guard, and help carry a giant American flag through the heart of town. Prepare for antique cars, vintage tractors, local veterans, the Ramona Senior Center, and Miss Julian with her full court. It’s a small-town affair with a big spirit and an even bigger parade.
Main Street, Julian
South Bay Fourth of July Events
Imperial Beach Pier Fireworks
July 4
Imperial Beach keeps it breezy with fireworks over the sand and plenty of scenic pier-front charm. Head to Portwood Pier Plaza and settle in between Imperial Beach Boulevard and Palm Avenue for the 9 p.m. show. For the full effect, tune in to KyXy 96.5 FM for a synced soundtrack as the sky lights up.
Portwood Pier Plaza, 10 Evergreen Avenue, Imperial Beach
Chula Vista Fourth Fest
July 4
Watch fireworks light up the sky over the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. It’s free, family-friendly, and set to a custom soundtrack you can only listen to on Magic 92.5. Gates open at 7 p.m, but parking’s first-come, first-served with only 600 spots. So, go early and grab a bite from the onsite food truck until the 9 p.m. fireworks (carpools and rideshares will be your best friend).
2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista
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The Spirit of the Fourth
July 4
Looking for a true neighborhood celebration? Rancho Bernardo’s Fourth of July has it all and then some: local bands, a patriotic pet contest, community booths, a parade, exotic food tours, motor shows, and plenty of hometown spirit. It kicks off at 9 a.m. in Webb Park and wraps up with a fireworks show at Rancho Bernardo High School. Whether you’re volunteering, donating, or just soaking it all in, the 56th annual celebration keeps the spirit alive.
Webb Park & Rancho Bernardo High School
