4th of July Fireworks & Celebrations in San Diego
Update: July 4, 2024: La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club partnered with LJ STEAM Foundation to host their 4th of July drone show in La Jolla Shores, scheduled to start at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. Learn more about this sparkling Independence Day Event for 2024 here.
4th of July in San Diego is just one big celebration! Fireworks displays, parades, street fairs, and festivals are all part of the fun on the big day. Sadly, there will be no 4th of July Fireworks at La Jolla Cove this year due to funding issues; but there are plenty of other places and ways to celebrate 4th of July in San Diego! Here’s the roundup, from San Diego Bay to Rancho Santa Fe. Please note, dates and times might change from year to year, so you may want to check the websites provided to confirm when the action starts for your Independence Day celebrations.
1. Annual Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show
Where: Multiple Locations along San Diego Bay
When: Times may vary from year to year, but historically, the fireworks take place on July 4th at 9:00pm
Website: bigbayboom.com
Take in the largest fireworks display in the county! With fireworks launched from four barges placed around North San Diego Bay, they can be seen from multiple locations along the San Diego coastline. Just find a place along the bay, set up a blanket and some hot chocolate, and get ready for the display! We recommend arriving early to reserve a spot.
Where to watch:
- Shelter Island
- Harbor Island
- North Embarcadero
- Marina District
- CoronadoFerry Landing
- Boating/On The Water
2. SeaWorld San Diego 4th of July Fireworks & Celebration
Where: SeaWorld San Diego – 500 SeaWorld Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
When: Check the website provided because celebrations take place from 10:00am to 10:00pm on certain days before and after the 4th. Historically, SeaWorld puts on a fireworks show on the night of the 4th of July, but check their site for exact times for the fireworks display.
Website: seaworld.com
SeaWorld San Diego will celebrate Independence Day with a 15-minute display of fireworks set to a musical soundtrack, traditionally starting at 8:50 pm on July 4th. Be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date time. Entrance is required, and there are plenty of spots throughout the park to watch the display. You can reserve seats ahead of time via their website.
3. Ocean Beach July 4th Celebration
Where: Ocean Beach Pier (end of Newport Avenue)
When: For 2024, the Village of Ocean Beach is putting on a 4th of July Celebration and Children’s Parade @ 11:00 am. Parade route begins at the Fire Hall and loops the Village Green. Ocean Beach Fire Department Picnic/Cookout at the Ballfield at 1:00 PM with children’s games by the Ocean Beach Youth Group 3:00 pm.
Website: villageofoceanbeach.org.com
Spend a truly So-Cal Independence day picnicking, swimming in the ocean, walking and playing in the sand, and shopping along Newport Ave. Then bundle up as the sun sets and pull up a blanket for a really spectacular fireworks show launched from Ocean Beach Pier! Free parking is typically available at the Main Beach Parking Lot as well as at the Pier Parking Lot, but we do recommend arriving early to reserve a spot — head to their website for more information.
4. Old Town San Diego 4th of July
Where: Old Town State Historic Park
When: The celebration will take place on Thursday, July 4, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free, though some activities may require an additional purchase. Activities: Flag Raising Ceremony: Kick off the festivities with a patriotic flag raising.
Website: oldtownsandiegoguide.com/events/
5. 4th of July Celebration in Coronado
Where: Various Locations on Coronado
When: The Coronado Independence Day holiday celebration will be observed on Thursday, July 4. The Crown City Classic run, the parade down Orange Avenue, the fireworks display, three concerts, and a Navy parachute demonstration will be held on Thursday, July 4. Orange Avenue Medians: Open at 5 am..
Website: projectcoronado.org
6. San Diego County Fair 4th of July Celebrations
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds (2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014)
When: As with all seasonal events, the time fireworks start at the SD County Fair is subject to change. However, 4th of July celebrations start when the fair opens, and fireworks usually start around 9pm.
Website: sdfair.com
Independence Day is one of the best days to come to the San Diego County Fair, because they generally pull out all the stops with food, fireworks, entertainment, and more! Fireworks are usually launched from the west end of the racetrack and are choreographed to a soundtrack played through the Corona Grandstand Stage sound system. The fireworks are visible from many areas of the Fairgrounds, with favorite viewing areas including reserved Terrace seating and 2nd and 4th levels of the Grandstand, Family Funville, and the Fun Zone.
7. Red, White, and Boom!
Where: LEGOLAND California (One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008)
When: All sorts of festivities take place throughout the park to celebrate Independence Day. Historically, fireworks on the 4th start around 8:30, but double check the website to confirm.
Website: legoland.com/california/things-to-do/seasonal-events/red-white-boom/
Take the whole family and spend the day enjoying over 60 rides, shows, and attractions at LEGOLAND California along with some all-American picnic games like burlap races and water-balloon tosses. Then cozy up with a blanket and a picnic that evening, and watch the awe-inspiring fireworks display set to patriotic music!
8. Rancho Santa Fe’s Annual 4th of July Parade & Picnic
Where: 16948 Avenida de Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091
When: The parade and picnic traditionally takes place in the after 12pm or 1pm. Please check the website, as times are subject to change.
Website: https://www.rsfrwf.org/events-1/july-special-event-rsf-4th-of-july-parade
Pack a few blankets and chairs for Rancho Santa Fe’s Annual 4th of July Parade & Picnic! The parade usually kicks off around noon and includes floats, vintage cars, and equestrians. The picnic and concert typically follows.
9. Poway 4th of July Fireworks
Where: Poway High School
When: Celebrations for the 4th throughout the day start around 9:30am, and go on throughout the afternoon. Times may change, so double check the website to confirm gate opening times, schedule for activities and firework launch times.
Website: poway.org/Calendar
Bring your family and friends to Old Poway Park and celebrate our country’s independence “turn-of-the-20th-century-style.” This event will feature patriotic entertainment, free children’s crafts, train displays, and old-fashioned games. Tasty treats and train rides will be available for a nominal fee. Free shuttles available starting at 9:30AM from Poway Adult School and Poway City Hall..
10. Oceanside Fireworks
Where: Oceanside Blvd & Rancho del Oro Road, Oceanside, CA
When: Starting July 3rd, Oceanside is usually a host of various Independence Day activities through the 4th. Fireworks (if not canceled) typically start around 9pm. Check the website for times and updates.
Website: visitoceanside.org
The Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department will host an incredible fireworks display on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in celebration of Independence Day and the 136th anniversary of the City’s incorporation. Gates to the event open at 4:00 p.m. and there will be family-friendly activities and food trucks..
