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 place to celebrate the 4th of July than 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 Friday 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 going strong, and the 4th of July is a great time to be there! As if the fair isn’t enough, you’ll also get a great view of the fireworks. Can’t make it on the 4th? Don’t worry, the fair is open until the 6th this year.
You’ll find all of your fair favorites–including shopping, over-the-top food concessionaires, a Ferris wheel and carousel, pet-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.
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 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 to 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 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 us the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in history through its historic landmarks, and enjoy the 4th of July festivities happening at Liberty Station—with perfect views of the action happening across the bay.
Catch an Outdoor Concert
Between the Rady Shell, Balboa Park, Humphrey’s and others, San Diego has some of the best outdoor venues in the country to enjoy a summer evening at a concert.
On 4th of July, pack up your picnic gear and head to The Shell or Spreckels Organ Pavilion at Balboa Park for live performances that will leave you feeling patriotic!
Hold Down a Seat at a Beach Bar
Why not?! Take the day off and indulge with a lazy day in the sun and a fruity cocktail in hand while enjoying some people-watching at one of San Diego’s incredible beach bars.
You can always count on an all-day party when you head to Mavericks Beach Club in Pacific Beach, or for something more low-key, check out the 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
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.
If you want to take it up a notch, Legoland will be holding their annual Red, White and BOOM! celebration. 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!
Head to The Gaslamp
The Gaslamp Quarter will be celebrating in style along 5th Avenue all week long…just as you would expect!
It’s sure to be a little extra ‘spirited’ down there the week of the 4th just about any time you go, so bring your friends and get your red, white, and blue party on.
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 at the Julian’s 4th of July parade.
See you there!
Happy 4th of July, San Diego—we’ll see you out there!
