From ocean-view firework shows to barbecue buffets, pool parties and more, find the best San Diego Fourth of July events.
Edited by Madelyn Harris
Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show
July 4. The Port of San Diego presents this annual festive display of fireworks from barges in the bay. Best viewing sites include downtown, Coronado, Harbor and Shelter Islands, and Imperial Beach. bigbayboom.com
Coronado Independence Day Celebration
July 4. Parade starts at 10 a.m. along Orange Avenue, followed by a concert at 4 p.m. in Spreckels Park and fireworks over Glorietta Bay at 9 p.m. Coronado, 619.437.8788. coronadotimes.com
Historic Old Town Fourth of July
July 4. This 19th-century-inspired celebration features a parade, crafts, wagon rides, period games, music, a pie-eating contest and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Old Town State Historic Park, Old Town, 619.220.5422. oldtownsandiegoguide.com
Dinner and Fireworks at Maritime Museum of San Diego
July 4. Watch the fireworks from the deck of steam ferry Berkeley while enjoying a buffet dinner. Or, for a more exhilarating experience, choose their fireworks cruise onboard the schooner Californian, which will fire off six-pound deck guns as part of the fireworks performance. Various dinner seating times, Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N Harbor Dr., 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org
Fourth of July in Julian
July 4. Head to the mountains of Julian to escape the tourists and participate in a patriotic party. When the town’s Independence Day parade concludes at noon, the party will continue at Julian Hard Cider’s tasting room, where guests can enjoy red, white and blue ciders along with American-themed donuts. Julian Hard Cider, 4470 Julian Rd, 760.765.2500. julianhardcider.biz
America’s Birthday with Wynonna
July 4. Head to the San Diego waterfront to listen to the guitar and vocal talents of Wynonna Judd as part of the Bayside Summer Nights series. Make sure to stick around after the concert for the Big Bay Boom fireworks show. 7:30 p.m. Embarcadero Marina Park South, 200 Marina Park Way, sandiegosymphony.org
4th of July Neighborhood Cookout
July 4. Chef Hanis of the Embarcadero Shack will be cooking burgers and hotdogs all day, and guests can enjoy a range of offerings, including corn hole, snacks, local craft beer, soft serve, and a front row view to the city’s firework show. 12-9 p.m. Embarcadero Shack, 1004 N Harbor Dr., 619.696.7675. carnitassnackshack.com
Independence Weekend Pool Party
June 30-July 1. Lounge at Hotel Palomar this Independence Day weekend with a hosted pool party. Celebrate with drink specials, DJs, games and tacos. 12-5 p.m. Hotel Palomar, 1047 Fifth Ave., downtown, 519.515.3000. hotelpalomar-sandiego.com
Fireworks Viewing at Cusp Dining & Drinks
July 4. Grab dinner and a show at the 11th floor ocean-view restaurant atop Hotel La Jolla. Dinner reservations recommended. 9 p.m. fireworks. Cusp Dining & Drinks, 7955 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla, 858.551.3620. cusprestaurant.com
Backyard Kitchen & Tap
July 3-4. Head to Backyard Kitchen & Tap for a range of beach vibes, DJs and festivities that are guaranteed to get you star spangled hammered. Â 4:30 p.m.-close. 832 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach, 858.859.2593. backyardpb.com
Marina Kitchen at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
July 4. Head down to the waterfront at the Marriott Marquis for a picnic-style buffet dinner, featuring items such as watermelon and blue cheese salad, Jidori fried chicken and white cheddar mac n’ cheese. Guests can also rent a poolside cabana and listen to live music all day long. 333 W. Harbor Dr., 619.234.1500. sandiegomarquis.com
Fourth of July at TWENTY/20
July 4. Celebrate the holiday under the stars with an upscale American BBQ buffet dinner. Enjoy smoked pork ribs, charred grilled corn, a kid-friendly menu and a dessert bar. Kick back with pool-side family movies and live entertainment. $65. 6-10 p.m. 5480 Grand Pacific Dr., Carlsbad. twenty20grill.com
Manchester Grand Hyatt
July 4. Experience Fourth of July at the Top of the Hyatt, where guests can enjoy unparalleled views of the Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show. Enjoy unlimited beer, wine, champagne and premium liquor and dine on a BBQ buffet. 21+. 6-10 p.m. Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place, 619.232.1234. manchester.grand.hyatt.com
Mister A’s
July 4. Watch the fireworks from Mister A’s 12th floor patio while enjoying four courses of seasonal specialties from chef Stephane Voitzwinkler. $79.50 prix-fixe menu. Reservations required. 2550 Fifth Ave., 619.239.1377. asrestaurant.com
