Nine Great Ways To Celebrate 4th Of July In San Diego

It’s the most patriotic time of the year again! Just because Fourth of July falls in the middle of the week this year, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to miss out on celebrating our nation’s birthday – we wouldn’t stand for it!

San Diego has to be one of the very best places in the country to celebrate 4th of July. Between our beaches and strong military presence, we have some really unique opportunities to show our love for our great country!

Whether you’re looking for an all-day celebration or something a little more low key this year, we’ve got you covered with lots of red, white and blue ideas.

Get Out On A Boat

It doesn’t get any better than being out on the water for the 4th of July, both during the day and at night while the fireworks are popping – what a crazy view! And you have a lot of options, from kayaks to cruises to boat rentals and everything in between (tickets to the USS Midway 4th of July celebration have been sold out for weeks, but you may be able to find some on resell sites).

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Head to the Beach!

4th of July at the beach is as good as it gets! Two of our favorites – and pretty darn different experiences – are 4th of July at Ocean Beach, and 4th of July at Del Mar Beach. While the main event doesn’t kick off until the sun goes down, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day at the beach first. Head to the water early to stake your spot in the sand and spend the afternoon frolicking in the waves and munching on a picnic lunch. By the time the fireworks show lights up over the water, you’ll be ready to settle down for the pyrotechnic display. Don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreen for the day and a sweatshirt or blankets for after the sun sets as the sea breeze is known to get chilly in the evening.

Old Town 4th of July

Ever wonder how our ancestors used to celebrate Independence Day? Head to Old Town State Historic Park for a trip back in time to San Diego’s early days when contests like egg tossing, cow chip throwing and cherry pit spitting were the norm. Of course, there’s also a good ol’ fashioned pie eating contest too. The Old Town 4th of July events kicks off with some patriotic speeches at 11 a.m. and the fun continues with a parade, music and wagon rides until 4 p.m. To add to the authenticity of the event, keep an eye out for participants dressed in mid-1800s attire.

Coronado Independence Day Celebration

For an all-day event, look no further than Coronado’s Annual Independence Day Celebration. The day’s festivities kick off with the parade along Orange Avenue at 10 a.m. but you can start to claim your spot as early as 5 a.m. for this popular parade. Spend the afternoon exploring the Hotel Del Coronado or soaking up the sun at the beach and then head to Spreckels Park at 4 p.m. for a performance by the Coronado Community Concert Band. Finally, wrap up the day by watching the fireworks explode over Glorietta Bay at 9 p.m. Try to get a spot at the golf course or Stingray Point for a great vantage point.

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San Diego County Fair

Few things represent America like a county fair, and our San Diego County Fair wraps up it’s month-long visit on the 4th of July. Literally going out with a bang, the fairgrounds hosts a fireworks show at 9 p.m. but you can arrive as early as 10 a.m. to indulge in one-of-a-kind fair food, try the carnival rides and browse the rows of shopping booths for something that you absolutely must have and yet never knew you wanted. There’s plenty to do at the fair to fill a whole day, trust us! Fair admission costs $19 for adults and $12 for kids and seniors with carnival rides varying in cost.

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Over the Top 4th of July Celebration

For those looking for an extravagant way to spend the 4th of July and have some extra cash to burn, look no further than the 4th of July celebration at the Top of the Hyatt. With tickets starting at $150 per person, this is a unique opportunity to watch the Big Bay Boom Fireworks from 40 stories up. Tickets include access to a BBQ dinner buffet and unlimited beer, wine, champagne and premium liquor from 6 to 10 p.m.

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Hold Down a Seat at a Beach Bar!

Why not?! Take the day off and indulge with a lazy day in the sun and fruity cocktail in hand while enjoying the people watching at one of San Diego’s incredible beach bars! Head to Mavericks Beach Club in Pacific Beach for an all-day party complete with a DJ and a buffet filled with mouthwatering picnic fare, or for something more low key, check out the patio at Miss B’s Coconut Club in Mission Beach. You can’t really go wrong!

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Visit an Amusement Park

We have so many amusement parks within a short distance it’s crazy, and all of them will have something cool going on for the 4th of July. Belmont Park will be the perfect spot to have some fun while also taking in the beach vibe. If you want to take it up a notch, Legoland will be holding their annual Red, White and BOOM! celebration, and SeaWorld offers reserve seating for their fireworks show from July 4th-7th. And, of course, it’s never a bad time to go to Disney Land! They’ll have ‘Disney’s Celebrate America – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky‘ happening, which is a fireworks show that can hold up to any fireworks show!

Say Thank You to a Member of Our Military

4th of July is a great reminder that there are people that fight for our independence every day. When you are out this week and spot a member of our armed forces (or stop in an American Legion if you don’t), take a minute to say thanks and maybe pick up their lunch or bar tab to show your appreciation.

However you choose to celebrate your 4th of July, we wish you a happy and safe holiday!