From ocean-view firework shows to poolside bbqs and more, find the best San Diego Fourth of July events.
Carnitas Snack Shack
July 4. Festivities by day, fireworks by night! Head to Carnitas Snack Shack Embarcadero for burgers and hotdogs starting at 11 a.m., live music with DJ Mike White 2-6 p.m., and a live band 6-8:45 pm. 9 p.m. fireworks. 1004 N Harbor Dr, downtown, 619.696.7675. carnitassnackshack.com
Cusp Dining & Drinks & Hiatus Lounge
July 4. Looking to lounge poolside this Fourth? Head to Hiatus Lounge at Hotel La Jolla and relax poolside. The outdoor oasis will be open 4th of July offering the perfect oasis to chill. Lounge poolside or grab one of the plush seats throughout and order bites from Cusp’s kitchen. Upstairs, the 11th floor Cusp Dining & Drinks makes the perfect place to toast and dine with exceptional views. Hotel La Jolla, 7955 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, 858.551.3620. cusprestaurant.com
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
July 4. This year, the swanky dining destination offers a unique 4th of July experience for those looking to beat the crowds while taking advantage of some of the best views in town. Guests will gather on Del Frisco’s pristine patio to celebrate the Big Bay Boom Viewing Party while enjoying delicious passed hors d’oeuvres. The package also includes two drink tickets for beer, wine or specialty cocktails, complete with breathtaking firework views. 7-10 p.m. $50. 901 Bayfront Court, Suite 10, 619.272.5060. delfriscos.com
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
July 4. Embrace independence with warm sun rays, cold brews and a poolside BBQ at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, a hacienda-style resort nestled between the seaside villages of La Jolla and Del Mar. Friends and families can celebrate with an elevated pool day and a classic $16 burger & brew pairing featuring made-to-order BBQ and craft beer. The pairing is available to hotel guests, as well as San Diego locals interested in purchasing a resort day pass. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 855.318.7602. meritagecollection.com/estancia-la-jolla
Level Four Pool Deck + Lounge
July 4. This Independence Day, head to Level Four, the Rooftop Pool Deck + Lounge on Hotel Palomar’s 4th floor. Guests can lounge poolside and nosh on bites and drinks from the bar. There is no cover to enjoy Level Four this 4th of July, so grab your friends and head to the roof! Hotel Palomar, 1047 5th Avenue, Gaslamp, 619.515.3000. hotelpalomar-sandiego.com.
Manchester Grand Hyatt
July 4. Settle in for unmatched views of the Big Bay Boom fireworks and decadent cuisine at Manchester Grand Hyatt. Indulge in artisan cheese and charcuterie with crackers, bread and honey, a magnificent seafood selection, jerk chicken skewers with peaches and cilantro and much more! 6-10 p.m. Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place, Embarcadero, 619.232.1234. manchester.grand.hyatt.com
Maritime Museum of San Diego
July 4. There are many ways to enjoy Independence Day at the Maritime Museum! 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. Guests can also join a bay front cruise on one of the Museum’s smaller historic engine powered vessels. All activities include admission to the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s ten historical vessels and vessel exhibit galleries. See website for pricing and additional information. Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N Harbor Dr., 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org
Mavericks Beach Club
July 4. Head to The Mavericks Block Party, featuring a BBQ stand, inflatable hoops game, San Diego’s best DJs and a Splash Zone. Mavericks will be celebrating by setting up cabanas with inflatable pools that can be reserved for bottle service during the block party. 12-9 p.m. 860 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach, 858.999.0348. maverickssd.com
THE MED
July 4. This Fourth of July, post up for brunch at THE MED’s ocean terrace. The picturesque eatery makes the perfect place to enjoy al fresco bites and sips with stunning ocean views. Brunch will be served from 10:30am, where guests can order whimsical dishes like Pink Velvet Waffle + Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting, Crab + Avocado Toast, Brown Butter Lobster Roll and Carne Asada Benedict + Chipotle Hollandaise. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla, 855.818.6887. lavalencia.com
Miss B’s Coconut Club
July 4-7. This Mission Beach hotspot will be celebrating the holiday all weekend long! Enjoy delicious barbecue, Caribbean-style street tacos, Dole Whips and specialty drinks served from their outdoor, pop-up bar, all with a perfect view of the surrounding fireworks shows! 3704 Mission Boulevard, Mission Beach, 858.381.0855. missbcoconutclub.com
Mister A’s
July 4. With breathtaking views of downtown San Diego, the iconic Mister A’s rooftop patio is the ideal location to celebrate this July 4th! Experience the spectacular fireworks presented by San Diego Big Bay Boom alongside two specialty prix fixe menu options and the restaurant’s newest cocktail, the Sunny And 75 with chipotle vodka, ron zacapa rum and roasted pineapple. 5 p.m.-close. 2550 Fifth Ave., 12th floor, Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377. asrestaurant.com
The Oceanaire
July 4. Get ready for a memorable 4th of July dinner at The Oceanaire. Start with $1 oysters from the raw bar and embark on the crisp saltiness and sweet finish of these fresh unique selects. Next try one of the new summer cocktails, such as the tropical “TikiMule” made with Ron Zacapa 23Rum or the bright and zesty “Tempest” created with Bacardi Añejo CuatroRum. For the main course, enjoy a special pre-fixe three-course dinner for two. 5-10 p.m. $70 pp. 400 J Street, Gaslamp, 619.858.2277. theoceanaire.com
Park 101
July 4. The Carlsbad dining establishment will be hosting a 4th of July Luau with island-inspired food and drink specials throughout the day. The party doesn’t stop once the sun goes down, as guests can look forward to performances from Polynesian dancers and a fire show. Aloha attire is encouraged! 3040 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad, 760.434.2217. park101carlsbad.com
Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza
July 4. Want all the BBQ flavors without the hassle of firing up the grill? Head to any of the Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza locations to dig into their seasonal summer salads. Indulge in the Watermelon, Cucumber and Feta Salad, topped with toasted almonds and drizzled in lemon-mint vinaigrette. For a more classic BBQ flavor order the Sweet & Sassy BBQ Salad, prepared with grilled chicken tossed in barbecue sauce, roma tomatoes, gorgonzola, fresh corn, red onion, cilantro, ranch and crispy tortilla strips. Pair with a wine flight. See website for locations and hours. sammyspizza.com
Sandbar
July 4-7. After a day spent at the beach, head over to Sandbar to refuel and continue the celebrations! The Mission Beach Bar will host themed parties through Saturday, along with offering BBQ dishes and drink specials all weekend long. 9 a.m.- close. 718 Ventura Place, Mission Beach, 858.488.1274. sandbarsportsgrill.com
Seaport Village
July 4. The bay’s iconic shopping and dining complex is celebrating Independence Day with a family-friendly lineup of waterfront fun before the fireworks light up the night sky! The event will be filled with live music, kid-approved crafts, games, amazing prizes and much more. From patriotic photo-opps to delicious restaurant deals, Seaport Village is the ultimate hot spot to catch the fireworks. 4- 8 p.m. Free to attend. 849 W Harbor Dr. Embarcadero. seaportvillage.com
TWENTY/20
July 4. Gather the whole family and enjoy a classic American barbeque prepared by Executive Chef Julian Quiñones. Munch on all of the grilled classics without the mess, including marinated tri-tip, smoked chicken, charred corn cobblet, three-bean chili, seasonal veggies, strawberry rhubarb cobbler and more. 6-10 p.m. $65 adults; $30 children. 5480 Grand Pacific Dr., Carlsbad, 760.827.2500. twenty20grill.com
Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp
July 4. Enjoy brunch and bottomless mimosas starting at 9 a.m., followed by food and drink specials available from 2 p.m. to close. Gorge on their Disheveled Joseph (sloppy joe) piled high with ground beef stewed in a spiced tomato sauce, caramelized onion and roasted wild mushrooms on a warm brioche bun, or delight in their Double Chili Cheese Burger, prepared with two quarter-pound patties, house chili, white cheddar cheese and a brioche bun, both served with your choice of a side. 9 a.m.- close. 333 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp, 619.795.9463. gaslampunion.com
Upper East Bar Red, White & BBQ
July 4-7. Upper East rooftop bar will be holding a Red, White & BBQ party for the 4th of July celebrations. There will be $8 cocktails featuring Jack Daniel’s Whiskey & Tito’s Vodka, $5 beers, bratwurst, bacon-wrapped hot dogs and other BBQ favorites. 11:30 a.m – close. 435 6th Avenue, downtown, 619.531.8744. hotelsolamar.com
Viewpoint Brewing Co.
July 4. Head to Viewpoint Brewing Co. this holiday for a pig roast with unlimited barbecue, plenty of their signature brews and a spot to watch the fireworks. As usual, their communal tables are first come, first serve and limited valet spots will be available, included in the ticket price. 5-10.30 p.m. $85 adults, $25 kids. 2201 San Dieguito Dr., Del Mar, 858.356.9346. Tickets
Photos: Estancia courtesy J Public Relations, THE MED courtesy The Nth Element, Park 101 courtesy Alternative Strategies 20/Twenty Grille courtesy Chemistry PR.
