Fourth of July Events in San Diego
Looking for the best San Diego things to do to celebrate Independence Day? We’ve lined up the biggest and brightest Fourth of July events and firework shows happening in San Diego this Thursday.
FIREWORKS
Big Bay Boom
Watch the Big Bay Boom, the largest fireworks show on the West Coast, from viewing locations at Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero and Seaport Village. Fireworks artists will choreograph the 18-minute extravaganza across four barge locations to a musical selection that can be heard on The Walrus 105.7FM radio. 9 p.m. Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, Seaport Village. Check the website for parking and shuttle information. bigbayboom.com
Coronado Independence Day Celebration
The patriotic activities kick off early in Coronado with the annual 15k run/walk at dawn and a rough-water swim at North Beach. The famous two-hour parade along Orange Avenue and day-long festivities of Art in the Park follow with concerts in Speckels Park and art displays, and the day culminates with spectacular fireworks over Glorietta Bay. Parade begins at 10 a.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Coronado. 619.437.8788. ecoronado.com/4th
Escondido Independence Day Celebration
Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and head to Grape Day Park for a fun-filled, star-spangled celebration. This annual event is fun for all ages with booming fireworks displays and wholesome family entertainment, including live bands, contests and live performances. A children’s activity area will offer arts and crafts, old-fashioned picnic games and more. Refreshments will be available for purchase. 4-9:30 p.m. Grape Day Park, 321 North Broadway, Escondido. escondido.org
Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at the OB Pier
Head to the beach early to save your spot on the sand for this annual fireworks celebration. Launched off the end of the pier, this fireworks show is a favorite among San Diegans. Stick around after the show for the infamous marshmellow fight. 9 p.m. Ocean Beach. oceanbeachsandiego.com
San Diego County Fair
Celebrate Independence Day at the all-American San Diego County Fair with a patriotic opening ceremony at the O’Brien Gate, a “Hometown Heroes” parade showcasing San Diegans who make a difference in the lives of others, a tribute to 9/11 heroes and all the fun regularly found at the fair. The fireworks are visible throughout the Fairgrounds. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. 858.755.1161. sdfair.com
EVENTS
Alchemy Cultural Fare & Cocktails
Wear your red, white and blue to South Park where Alchemy roasting a whole pig and serving up brisket with all the fixings along side craft beer from Societe Brewing Company. Guests can take part in a bicycle decorating contest and parade, bobbing for apples, pin the tail on the donkey and sidewalk chalk all while rocking out to some all-American live music. It is also BYOV Thursday, bring your own vinyl of a classic American recording and receive a free beer. BBQ plates are $12. 11 a.m.-6p.m. Alchemy, 1503 30th Street, South Park. 619.255.0616. alchemysandiego.com
Andaz San Diego
Andaz San Diego is hosting a Fourth of July pool and viewing party on its rooftop. During the day, expect a spirited rooftop celebration of dancing poolside to beats by DJs Viceroy and Them Jeans, and after sunset, pool party guests are encouraged to stay as for a special Fourth of July fireworks fête complete with sizzling barbecue and DJs spinning into the night. $40/ pp. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 600 F St., San Diego. 619.814.2055. ivyentertainmentsandiego.com
Brockton Villa
Brockton Villa is hosting its annual seaside soiree, which includes a cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres, an endless buffet of summer picnic fare, three complementary drink tickets and prime seating for the spectacular La Jolla fireworks show. Reservations required. $35/children, $95/adult pre-sale and $105/adult. 1235 Coast Blvd., La Jolla. 858.454.7393. brocktonvilla.com
Cusp Dining & Drinks
Join Chef Donald Lockhart and team in the Starling Room for an intimate, cocktail reception-style viewing party of the La Jolla Cove fireworks. Celebrate with stunning views, hosted hor d’oeurves, a hosted negroni and a gin and tonic bar, as well as a champagne toast when the fireworks begin. Limited seats available. $25/pp. 7955 La Jolla Shores Dr, La Jolla. 858.551.3620. brownpapertickets.com
Hornblower Cruises
One of the best vantage points for July Fourth fireworks is to actually be on the bay. Hownblower has you covered with two different three-hour cruises to celebrate the holiday. Enjoy a boarding glass of champagne, elaborate buffet dinner, DJ entertainment, panoramic views, and the annual Big Bay Boom fireworks show. 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. San Diego Ticket Booth, 1066 N. Harbor, San Diego and San Diego Grape St. Pier 1800 N. Harbor, San Diego. 888.467.6256. hornblower.com
Isola Pizza Bar
The restaurant known for its specialty pizzas and homemade pastas is introducing suckling pig to its menu in honor of Independence Day. Slow roasted suckling pig will be served from the stone, wood-burning oven with by braised apples, Italian-style baked beans, radicchio/endive slaw and a cold Stone Pale Ale. $24. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and 8-11 p.m. 1526 India St., San Diego. 619.255.4230. isolapizzabar.com
Marina Kitchen
Celebrate the Fourth with a down-home picnic buffet featuring a four-course buffet of holiday favorites, including cole slaw, Niman Ranch BBQ baby back ribs, Jidori fried chicken, corn on the cob, a selection of mini pies and more. All guests who dine-in at Marina Kitchen will also have access to the Marriott’s Coronado Terrace, which offers a spectacular view of the fireworks display. 5-10 p.m. $36/adult, $12/children. 333 West Harbor Dr., San Diego. 619.234.1500 x6300. sandiegomarriottmarquisandmarina.com
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
With front row seats for the Big Bay Boom, the Sheraton is celebrating Independence Day with a BBQ on the Bay View Lawn featuring a Stone Brewery pop-up beer garden experience, a drum band, food and beverage concessions, an astro jump and special kids area as well as a special visit from the local fire department for kids to take photos in the firetruck and with the firefighters. 1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego. sheratonsandiegohotel.com
