11 Things to Do In San Diego For 4th Of July
Looking for things to do in San Diego for 4th of July? You’re in luck – there is no better location to celebrate the Fourth of July than in America’s Finest City!
From the beautiful beaches that beckon people from near and far to the festive community events that stretch back generations, there’s something to do in practically every neighborhood.
Here’s a list of some of the most red, white and blue things to do in San Diego for 4th of July:
Hit the Beach!
Heading to one of our amazing beaches on the 4th of July is a tradition in San Diego that simply can’t be beat. And 4th of July falling on a Tuesday this year means an extra-long weekend for many, which means the beaches will be busy and fun!
Get there early and hold down your spot!
Head to the County Fair in Del Mar
The San Diego County Fair is still going strong, but it comes to an end when the fireworks end on 4th of July!
You’ll find all of your fair favorites–including shopping, over-the-top food concessionaires, a Ferris wheel and carousel, agricultural-themed exhibits, demonstrations, contests and “edu-tainment” designed to educate and delight families looking to get outside for some real-life, in-person and down-home fun.
You’ll also find the best setting for a fair in the entire world (I mean…seriously!), and if you’re lucky, you may also find a hidden speakeasy (how cool is that?)!
Take In the Parade and Navy Leap Frog Skydivers at Coronado
The Coronado community has a rich military background that is very patriotic, and the Coronado 4th of July celebration is always one of the best!
Between the 50th running of the Crown City Classic 5K starting the day, the small-town parade, concerts, the Navy Leap Frog skydivers, and fireworks – you can spend the whole day on Coronado on the 4th and have a patriotic event to keep you busy the whole time.
Watch The Fireworks from One of These Hot Spots
Watching the Big Bay Boom – or any of the best 4th of July fireworks shows in San Diego – is a 4th of July MUST!
Enjoy a front-row seat to the Big Bay Boom Fireworks show on San Diego’s Boardwalk at Sally’s Fish House & Bar, or for an experience that is truly over the top, head to the Top of the Hyatt celebrate 4th of July from 40 stories above San Diego Bay.
Or, if you’d prefer to keep it a little more low key, throw a blanket down on your favorite beach and enjoy the show from there – you really can’t go wrong!
Take in Some Military History
San Diego has a rich military history that runs deep in our community, and 4th of July is the perfect time to learn about and experience its impact.
The USS Midway
There is no greater symbol of San Diego’s military history than the USS Midway. If you’re lucky enough to get tickets early, you can celebrate our nation’s birthday and watch the Big Bay Fireworks show from the flight deck of the Midway! It’s a celebration for all ages, only in San Diego!
But even if you can’t get tickets for the big show, there are many other opportunities to visit the Midway, and it’s always a worthwhile experience.
Liberty Station’s historic NTC Park
What better place than Liberty Station’s historic NTC Park to set up camp and enjoy unobstructed views of the city’s most extravagant show?
With its deep roots in military service and rich history, San Diego offers locals and visitors the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in history through its historic landmarks, and catch the 4th of July festivities happening at Liberty Station, as well as having perfect views of the action happening across the bay.
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, dancing, outdoor games, and food, with the party running straight through from July 1st – July 4th!
Or for something more low-key, check out the fruity cocktails and great food on the patio at Miss B’s Coconut Club in Mission Beach. You can’t really go wrong!
Visit an Amusement Park or the Ballpark
We have so many amusement parks within a short distance it’s crazy – Belmont Park, Legoland, Sea World, and Disneyland to name a few – 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, and they have special celebrations planned all summer to recognize their 98th year in San Diego!
If you want to take it up a notch, Legoland will be holding their annual Red, White and BOOM! celebration, and SeaWorld has four days of fireworks planned! 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!
Petro Park
What’s better than enjoying America’s favorite pastime at America’s #1 ballpark? Come celebrate Independence Day with the Padres!
The Padres face the Los Angeles Angels at home, and have all kinds of fun planned to recognize the 4th of July.
The game starts at 3:40PM, so head down to the Gaslamp for lunch first. There is a special Military Salute to Veterans planned, a Theme Game package with a limited-edition Padres hat with red and blue stars and stripes logo, and the Padres will take the field on Independence Day wearing camo uniforms.
We haven’t seen any details on a fireworks show, but it’s usually a safe bet that there will be one at Petco!
Head to The Gaslamp for their Epic Laser Show (July 3rd)
On Monday, July 3rd, the Gaslamp Quarter will be celebrating in style along 5th Avenue with a dynamic 4th of July-inspired custom laser show and all kinds of entertainment!
The GQA invites attendees to deck themselves out in their patriotic best and head on down as The Quarter is transformed into the biggest pre-game for the 4th of July! This Laser show is not to be missed as laser technicians are set to wow onlookers with state-of-the-art digital graphics and awe-inspiring effects.
Click here to see the full schedule of events.
Take a Quick Road Trip to Julian for the Parade
Looking for those small-town Americana vibes this 4th of July? Look no further than Julian!
For more than twenty years, Julian residents, their friends, and parade lovers from all over have lined up at on the town’s main street to wave their flags, cheer the marching bands, salute the Marine Color Guard, and carry a giant American Flag down the thoroughfare.
This year, Julian salutes the Fourth of July with the Theme, “Century of Commitment”. This theme is inspired by the 2023 Grand Marshal, the Julian Woman’s Club, and their philanthropic commitment to the Julian community. Julian is celebrating their 100 years of community service, support and camaraderie.
Happy 4th of July!
Happy 4th of July, San Diego – we’ll see you out there!
