It’s almost the 4th of July, San Diegans, and you know what that means. It’s time to celebrate and watch the breathtaking display of fireworks!
Fireworks have been synonymous with Independence Day celebrations from the very beginning! John Adams even say he hoped the anniversary of independence would be marked for years to come by “bonfires” and “illuminations.” Well, they certainly have.
Here are our favorite places in the city to sit back and enjoy the wonderful 4th of July fireworks:
1.San Diego Bay
The Big Bay Boom fireworks show is California’s largest firework show. You and your family will be able to see it from Four barges on San Diego Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, and Seaport Village/Coronado Landing. The show starts at 9 p.m, and we recommend you bring a comfy lawn chair, friends, and a whole lot of snacks. San Diego Big Bay Boom is a free firework show that will start at 9 p.m.
Location: Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Marina District, Coronado Ferry Landing, Boating/On The Water
2.Coronado
There will be a few 4th of July Celebrations in Coronado on the 3rd & 4th of July in Spreckels Park, a parade down Orange Ave., and fireworks at Glorietta Bay. If you plan on viewing from the Coronado beaches, we recommend you arrive early since there will most likely be traffic.
Location: Orange Ave., Spreckels Park, Glorietta Bay
3.Escondido
The City of Escondido Independence Day Celebration fireworks will start at 9 p.m. Though Escondido won’t have its traditional event, there will still be fireworks. Grape Day Park will be open past dusk with traditional regulations in place.
Location: 321 N. Broadway, Escondido
4.Santee
Santee Salutes will have food vendors, a concert, and a patriotic ceremony which will start at 2 p.m. at Town Center Park East. It is important to note that you will need to purchase parking in advance. You should also arrive by 8:00 p.m. to get there in time to comfortably watch the show at 9 p.m.
Location: 550 Park Center Drive, Santee
5.Oceanside
Oceanside Fireworks Show will actually celebrate a day early with a fireworks show on Saturday, July 3th at 9 p.m. There will be musical entertainment before the fireworks and delicious food from vendors starting at 6 p.m. We recommend watching the show from Rancho Del Oro Drive.
Location: Oceanside Blvd and Rancho del Oro Road, Oceanside
6.San Marcos
San Marcos Fireworks Extravaganza will again host a fireworks display from Bradley Park. However, no other festivities such as food or music will be held. Officials are encouraging people to watch the fireworks from home instead.
Location: 1587 Linda Vista Drive, San Marcos
7.SeaWorld, San Diego
SeaWorld will host its Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular at SeaWorld. The 15-minute firework display will take place on July 4.
Location: 500 Sea World Dr.
8.Del Mar
San Diego County Fair 4th of July Celebration fireworks start at 9 p.m. and will be located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Location: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
9.Vista
City of Vista 4th of July Celebration will take place in Brengle Terrace Park. The fireworks will start at 9 p.m. and will be located at Brengle Terrace Park. The park will open at 5 p.m., and there will be a BBQ from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: 1200 Vale Terrace Drive
10.El Cajon
El Cajon July 4 fireworks will start at 9 p.m. However, the day’s festivities will begin at 1 p.m.
Location: Kennedy Park, 1675 E. Madison Ave
11.Carlsbad
Legoland’s Fourth of July Celebration will be held on July 4. The Red, White, & Boom! will feature a family picnic, relay races, live performances, and fireworks display!
Location: One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad
12.Rancho Bernardo
The Spirit of the Fourth Ranch Bernardo fireworks will start at 9 p.m. and will be located at Rancho Bernardo High School.
Location: 13010 Paseo Lucido
13.Ramona
Ramona July 4th family picnic and fireworks will start at 9 p.m. The festivities begin at 4 p.m. at Olive Peirce Middle School.
Loaction: 1521 Hanson Lane, Ramona
Featured image: Shutterstock