Cheers to a Weekend of Red, White and Blue Festivities!
In case you missed it, we’ve got a three-day weekend on our hands! The Fourth of July falls on a Monday this year, which means we’ve got three days to pack in all the festivities. So as we gear up to celebrate America for 72 hours straight, it’s time to start planning! Lucky for locals, San Diego is putting on a show this year with a variety of dazzling firework displays. And to put you in a patriotic state of mind, we’ve rounded up five of the best. Cheers to freedom, cocktails and a boomin’ Independence Day weekend! fourth of july san diego
4th of July BBQ at Ranch 45
On Monday, July 4th, from 5 to 9 p.m., San Diegans can enjoy a Fourth of July celebration at Ranch 45 in Solana Beach! Reservations are available at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., however, if you’re hoping to catch the fireworks, be sure to make a reservation for 7:30 p.m. (extra $20). This will allow you to not only enjoy dinner on the patio, but it will also give you a front-row seat to watch the San Diego County Fair 4th of July Fireworks!
In terms of Fourth of July fare, guests will be able to choose between two family-style meal packages. The first ($45 per person) includes dishes like smoked Brandt brisket, corn on the cob, salad and cornbread, while the second ($55 per person) features everything from Brandt Beef New York and roasted potatoes to corn on the cob, salad and sourdough bread.
Local Insight: Reservations are required for this event, but if you prefer to enjoy this delicious dinner at home, you can pre-order and pick up your meal.
Location: Solana Beach
fourth of july san diego
Annual Big Bay Boom
The Big Bay Boom is San Diego’s largest fireworks display in the county that can be seen from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Marina District, Coronado Ferry Landing and most anywhere else via boat! Grab a spot on the shore and watch one of the greatest displays in all of San Diego. Fireworks are set off from four different barges on San Diego Bay, and the entire sky lights up along the water. The show starts at 9 p.m., so plan accordingly to get a great spot where you can spread out your blanket and gaze up at the sparkling sky.
Location: San Diego Bay
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SeaWorld Fourth of July Spectacular
SeaWorld is one of San Diego’s most popular attractions all year long, and during the summer, the park puts on a spectacular firework show almost every night of the week. For the Fourth of July, fireworks will begin at 8:50 p.m. The show is included in your price of admission that day, so you can experience exploring the exhibits, aquariums and rides and then enjoy a spectacular show right on site. A trip to SeaWorld is a great way to add some family fun to your summer calendar!
Location: Mission Bay
Coronado Festivities
Coronado is not only an ideal place to bask in the coastal beauty of the region, but it’s also bustling with fun activities on the Fourth this year! Kick off the weekend by joining the annual Independence Day Parade on Orange Ave, which starts at 10 a.m. on July 4. But the fun doesn’t stop there! On Sunday, you and your crew can watch the Fireworks & Navy Leap Frogs show where The United States Navy Parachute Team, AKA “The Leap Frogs,” will drop from the sky! And at night, be sure to secure your spot on the sand for the grand finale: the Big Bay Boom fireworks display!
Location: Coronado
fourth of July san diego
Oceanside Fireworks Show
At 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, the city of Oceanside will host an epic fireworks celebration to kick off the weekend! Grab a seat at the SoCal Sports Complex at El Corazon Park where there will be live entertainment, a family fun zone with inflatables, a picnic area and food vendors. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy the perks of this free, family-friendly event in Oceanside!
Location: Oceanside
San Diego County Fair 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza
Planning on spending the day in Del Mar? Well, you’re in luck! This year, the San Diego County Fair is putting on a fireworks spectacular that’ll knock your red, white and blue socks off. Gear up for a variety of color-changing aerial displays, featuring streaking comets and tiger tails all synced to music. You won’t want to miss this!
Location: Del Mar
fourth of July san diego
LEGOLAND’s Red, White and BOOM!
Celebrate Independence Day this year at LEGOLAND California at their star-spangled Fourth of July celebration, Red, White and BOOM! Bring your whole family and spend the day enjoying over 60 rides, shows and attractions. The kids can enjoy special performances and meet their favorite LEGO® characters. The festivities will run from 1-9 p.m. with a fireworks show set to patriotic music at 8:30 p.m.!
Location: Carlsbad
Nicole is a New Jersey native who studied English and Journalism at Monmouth University, Long Branch. She moved to sunny San Diego to enjoy all that it has to offer, including the beach, the music scene and the opportunity to share her love of Journalism with others. She hopes to continue writing by making a career of her first true love: words.
Currently based in San Diego, Kambria Fischer is a lifestyle photographer known for her impactful, authentic imagery of lifestyle brands, food, people and travel. She holds a BA in Journalism and Public Relations from CSULB and has an accomplished professional background in the hospitality and tourism industries. You can find Kambria hiking or playing beach volleyball on the weekends and eating tacos almost any night of the week.
Visit her at www.kambriafischer.com.
