From parades to fireworks displays to a yacht party along the bay, we’ve rounded up 10 fun ways to celebrate Independence Day in San Diego this year.
1. “Summer Spectacular” at SeaWorld
Through Sept. 1. SeaWorld San Diego’s family-friendly summertime experience aims to make your visit particularly magical. The park comes alive with special shows, live concerts, dancing under the stars, fireworks and more. Entertainment this year includes an all-new summer parade; a concert series spotlighting R&B and hip-hop artists and hits from the ‘90s and 2000s; stunt shows; a nightly fireworks spectacular; and more. And be sure to check out the new exhibit Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience. See website for hours and admission info. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732
2. Crown City Classic 5K & 12K Run
July 4. Get your cardio on at this festive holiday weekend race. The 52nd annual Crown City Classic comprises a 5K run and 12K run—in which you’ll essentially be running 7.4 miles to celebrate 7/4! The races take participants along scenic Coronado Bay, starting and finishing at Tidelands Park, and offering views of the Coronado Bridge. The kiddos are welcome to race, too, in the Kids Half Mile. Runners will receive a commemorative finisher medal and T-shirt. 7 a.m. (5K and 12K); 8:30 a.m. (kids half-mile). See website for all details and to register. 2000 Mullinex Drive, Coronado
3. Mission Bay Fireworks Family Cruise
July 4. Book a special family-friendly evening cruise aboard the Bahia Resort Hotel’s famous sternwheeler boat, and watch SeaWorld San Diego’s Independence Day fireworks spectacular from the middle of Mission Bay. The fun includes a live band and DJ, a photo booth, and a cash bar with cocktails, wine, sandwiches, hotdogs and snacks. Cruise departs from and returns to Bahia Resort Hotel. See website for more details and tickets. 8-10 p.m. (boarding at 7:30 p.m.). $60 per person (family and friends packages available). 998 W. Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay
4. “Big Bay Boom” Independence Day Spectacular
July 4. There are fireworks. And then there’s the “Big Bay Boom” Independence Day Spectacular. Presented by Port of San Diego Experiences on July 4, Big Bay Boom is the largest fireworks show in California. Displayed from four barges and set to a musical simulcast on 91X FM radio (you can also watch it live on Fox 5 San Diego), the 20-minute spectacular spans all of San Diego Bay—visible from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the North Embarcadero, Coronado Ferry Landing and the Marina District. (Bring lawn chairs and blankets!) See website for all viewing locations and parking tips. 9 p.m. Free. Along San Diego Bay
5. Coronado Fourth of July
July 4. Don your red, white and blue and head to Coronado to celebrate. Highlights of the day include the 76th annual Independence Day Parade along Orange Avenue, featuring live music, decorated military vehicles and more (10 a.m.); a Frog-X aerial demonstration over the 16th fairway of the Coronado Golf Course (2 p.m.); several concerts throughout the afternoon; and a fireworks show over Glorietta Bay (9 p.m.), viewable from the Coronado Golf Course (and sponsored by the City of Coronado). See website for full schedule and all locations. Free. Coronado
6. Julian Main Street Parade & Celebrations
July 4. Make a field trip to the quaint rural town of Julian to celebrate its 2025 Fourth of July Parade, with the Julian Beer Company as this year’s Grand Marshal, and the theme “Peace, Prosperity, Freedom.” This special Independence Day celebration is highlighted by its Main Street Parade—featuring marching bands from local schools, floats, antique cars, vintage tractors, veterans and dignitaries; and an appearance by the Marine Color Guard. Festivities also include a flyover of vintage airplanes as the National Anthem plays; live music; a western reenactment by the Julian Doves & Desperados; two pie-eating contests; and more. Festivities begin at 9:30 a.m.; parade starts at noon. Main Street, Julian
7. “Sally’s Boardwalk Boom”
July 4. Nab a front row seat to the “Big Bay Boom” fireworks show via this special dinner celebration at marina-side restaurant, Sally’s Waterfront Dining—known for its locally sourced “Baja-Med” dishes and seafood—located at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Book the “Waterfront Experience” which includes a reserved waterfront table for premium views of the fireworks ($600 food and beverage minimum); or the standard experience ($300 minimum). Both options start at 7 p.m. and include a 120-minute dining experience. (Fireworks start at 9 p.m.) One Market Place, downtown, 619.358.6740
8. “Red, White & BOOM!” at LEGOLAND
July 4. During the day, the kiddos and grownups alike can enjoy the park’s main attractions, such as the “LEGO® Ferrari Build and Race” experience. Holiday-themed activities include the Red, White & Boom! Bash and Race Car Guy’s Super-Fast Dance Party, the Miniland Scavenger Hunt with an exclusive Pop Badge prize, lawn games hosted by Hot Dog Guy, limited-time treats, and more. After sunset, pick one of several designated viewing locations for the “Red, White & BOOM!” fireworks spectacular, complete with pre-show entertainment. See website for hours and admission info. One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, 888.690.5346
9. Fireworks at San Diego County Fair
July 4. It’s a patriotic celebration all day at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, which presents its 2025 Fireworks Spectacular as part of the San Diego County Fair. Guests are encouraged to wear stars and stripes and enjoy the fair’s exhibits, rides, concerts, food and festivities during the day—including indulging in treats such as the popular Tres Leches Cinnamon Roll—complete with a fireworks finale, viewable from the Corona Grandstand Stage area (home of the Toyota Summer Concert Series). Fair gates open at 11 a.m.; fireworks show at 9 p.m. Free general admission to fireworks show (standing room only); $28-$34 for reserved seating. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar
10. “Pier Pressure” Fourth of July Weekend Yacht Party
July 5. Celebrate Independence Day into the weekend aboard the $10 million “Inspiration” luxury yacht, which has hosted SoCal’s biggest yacht party, “Pier Pressure,” for 14 years running. The celebration includes live entertainment across the 1,200-person-capacity vessel’s multiple decks and two areas of music—including performances by DJs, including Vtech, Lotus Banks, Kayristin and Madame V. Guests can take advantage of several fully stocked and staffed bars (with bottle service and VIP packages available); while dancing and taking in unparalleled San Diego Bay views. 4-8 p.m. See website for ticket pricing (21+). 1800 N. Harbor Drive, downtown
Photo credits: “Big Bay Boom” by Rinus Baak. Other photos are courtesy of the venues featured.
