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 Monday this year means a long weekend, 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!
Smaller in scale than the fair and limited in attendance, HOME*GROWN*FUN will offer a taste of your fair favorites–including shopping, 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.
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 a great one! You can spend the whole day on Coronado on the 4th and have a patriotic event to keep you buys 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!
San Diego’s Boardwalk at Sally’s Fish House & Bar
Enjoy a front-row seat to the Big Bay Boom Fireworks show on San Diego’s Boardwalk at Sally’s Fish House & Bar!
Take in the largest display of fireworks on the West Coast at this family-friendly 4th of July event on San Diego’s Embarcadero Boardwalk in downtown. Choose an indoor or outdoor seat and take in incredible views of the Big Bay Boom Fireworks show in San Diego Bay, this is an event that cannot be missed!
Each ticket includes a reserved seat, a themed dinner buffet and unlimited premium beer, wine and liquor for adults 21+.
Over the Top at Top of The Hyatt
For an experience that is truly over the top, join us in Top of the Hyatt from 6PM – 10PM to celebrate 4th of July from 40 stories above San Diego Bay. Your ticket includes unparalleled views of the Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show plus unlimited beer, wine and premium liquor from the bar and cuisine from the themed dinner buffet.
Park Hyatt Aviara’s newly transformed Gardens
Light up your Fourth of July weekend at Park Hyatt Aviara. Enjoy live entertainment and experience our take on the classic American BBQ, sponsored by Don Julio and Ketel One. Dine under the palms followed by your exclusive, show-stopping view of Aviara’s spectacular Fireworks display.
Harbor & Sky Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Take in the Panoramic views of the synchronized musical fireworks show Big Bay Boom 2022 at Harbor & Sky Rooftop Bar and Lounge. San Diego Award winning, DJ SongStruck, to perform 5PM-10PM, with music ending prior to start of Big Bay Boom synchronized production.
From the Deck of the Midway!
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, including live entertainment, activities, pre-purchase meal options, and the best view in town! Only in San Diego!
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?
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!
Visit an Amusement Park or the Ballpark
Belmont Park | Legoland | SeaWorld | Disneyland
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. 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! Join us at Petco Park as the Padres host the Seattle Mariners July 4-5 and the San Francisco Giants July 7-10. You won’t want to miss our El Niño fleece blanket giveaway on July 7, thanks to UC San Diego Health, decorated with a life-size photo of Fernando Tatis Jr.!
On Sunday, July 10, the first 8,000 kids will receive an exclusive, Manny Machado Trading Card and Canel’s Bubblegum at the conclusion of the game! Kids Run the Bases postgame presented by Sesame Place San Diego.
Head to The Gaslamp for their Epic Laser Show
On Sunday, July 3rd at 9pm, the Gaslamp Quarter will be celebrating in style along 5th Avenue with a dynamic 4th of July-inspired custom Laser Show and free live 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.
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, “Back in Bloom”. Julian honors our nation’s birthday with a salute to the men and women who made our country great, both domestically and militarily.
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.
Support Your Favorite Bars and Restaurants
It’s been a challenging few years, but they are doing their best to bounce back, and they have great specials and parties happening for 4th of July. Eat and drink out and show them the love!
Garibaldi
Garibaldi, the hotel’s signature rooftop restaurant, will be offering a pre-fixe dinner menu that offers delicious bites to be savored while taking in the firework displays booming overhead. The menu starts with a selection of Sardinian and Sicilian Cheeses, Cured Meats, Olives, Pickles, Mostarda and Jams, as well as seafood starters including Baja Prawns, Tuna Crudo, Octopus, Oysters, and Mediterranean Seasonal Salad options. Guests can enjoy options like Baja Shrimp Pasta with Casarecce and Pesto alla Trapanese, Braised Crispy Pork Belly with Seasonal Green Beans and Smoked Tomato Nage, and Orecchiette with Smoked Chicken, Garlic Rapini, Lemon-Chili Oil, and Parmigiano Brodo, before indulging in dessert. The menu is offered at $135 per person for adults, or $95 per child, and reservations can be made via Resy here.
Vistal
For an unforgettable 4th of July experience with friends, book a patio table at Vistal, the hotel’s original signature restaurant. The tables are available to be reserved for $500, and include seating for four with unobstructed bay and firework views, as well as a bottle of Piper Heidsieck Champagne and a Cheese and Charcuterie board. Reservations can be made via Resy here. Vistal’s full menu will also be available to enjoy during the festivities. In addition to the patio seating, Vistal’s dining room will be open and offer tables on a first come, first serve basis, for guests to enjoy the show through the dining room’s floor-to-ceiling windows.
Bayview Terrace
For those looking for a more casual way to take in the fireworks, the hotel will also be hosting an all-you-can-eat barbeque on their Bayview Terrace, where guests can watch the fire works with BBQ in hand. The menu will include Brisket, Chicken a la Brasa, Smoked Andouille and Bratwurst Sausages, a Slider selection, Salad bar, Cheese and Charcuterie, a wide selection of Sides and Desserts, and Craft Beer, Wine, and ready-to-drink Cocktails. The evening will also include live music by musician Helena Holleran. Tickets for the Big Bay Boom BBQ can be purchased via Eventbrite here, and cost $165 for adults and $75 for children.
Sugar Factory American Brasserie
Sugar Factory American Brasserie, located in the Gaslamp Quarter, will celebrate Independence Day with its Red, White and Boom Insane Milkshake, priced at $21. The limited-edition milkshake features a blend of vanilla soft-serve and cookie dough ice cream served in a vanilla frosted mug, covered with red, white and blue crystal sugar and candy stars, and garnished with whipped cream, strawberry rock candy and an assortment of festive gummies.
GoodBar
GoodBar, Point Loma’s popular neighborhood bar, will celebrate with its ‘Shot Heard ‘Round the World:’ a 24-ounce Pabst Blue Ribbon tallboy paired with a shot of Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, priced at $9. The specially priced pairing will be exclusively available on Monday, July 4.
Wild ‘N Out Sports Bar and Arcade
Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, Nick Cannon’s new Wild ‘N Out Sports Bar and Arcade will toast to the holiday with a festive Red, White and Boozy cocktail, priced at $20. The Red, White and Boozy is a combination of strawberry, piña colada and blue raspberry daiquiris layered in a hurricane glass and garnished with whipped cream and maraschino cherries on top. The cocktail is available exclusively on Monday, July 4.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Celebrate Fourth of July at Fairmont Grand Del Mar with special Fire Pit and Cabana experiences at Del Mar Social Club. Feel the spirit of Americana with a gathering of red, white, blue and BBQ at a Fourth of July Fire Pit (food and beverage minimum $150) or a Fourth of July Cabana (food and beverage minimum $300). Share in the patriotic enthusiasm of the weekend with live music, a special BBQ menu, and a spirted fireworks display while you roast s’mores. Secure your two-hour reservation here.
The Smoking Gun
Do you think you have what it takes? Be sure to have an empty tummy when you step right up for the 4th of July hot dog eating competition hosted by The Smoking Gun! There isn’t anything more patriotic than eating one of America’s classic foods as a fun competition with other locals. Starting at 2PM, participants are cheered on to eat as many hot dogs as it takes in under two minutes. And the winner of the competition? They will win a $1000 prize! Relish the moment with your friends and family because this 4th of July is one for the books!
Cork and Knife
No matter what the occasion is, big or small, a bottle of wine can be used to celebrate it! Indulge in your wine bottle dreams at the Cork and Knife Clovis location June 29 to July 3 for the biggest sale of the year. Prep your wine fridges for a big haul when you buy 1-2 bottles for 10% off, 3-5 bottles for 15% off or buy 6 or more bottles of wine and get 25% off. Along with your bottles of wine, purchase any retail gift item for 25-50% off. Celebrate red, wine and blue day when you pop open one of your new wine bottles!
Smokey and the Brisket
You can’t have a successful 4th of July celebration without some good ole’ barbecue! La Mesa’s Smokey and the Brisket is doing all the good cooking so that you won’t have to worry if the meal will be ready on time. This joint offers mouthwatering plates for the whole family such as the Alabama Chicken—24-hour brined chicken, slow-roasted with the house Alabama white barbecue sauce —or the “Dino” Beef Rib which is dry-rubbed and smoked.
Pair your hearty meals with some of the many side dishes featured such as the Mac ‘N Cheese, the Mashed Potatoes with roasted garlic buttercream and the Homemade Coleslaw. Be sure to order your 4th of July weekend barbecue before they sell out!
Bub’s at the Beach
This holiday screams spending the whole day outdoors having a great time and then grabbing your most comfortable chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy the stunning firework show. So what better place to spend the day than at the patio bar at Bub’s at the Beach! After catching some waves or playing your favorite beach games, Bub’s got you covered with some specials only available at the patio bar. Drink up with their $5 Budweiser, Bud Light and Bud Light Seltzer and $6 Cutwater cans. If you’re really looking to get the party started, then order the 3 for $5 Cutwater Fugu Vodka Jell-O shots!
The Fish Shops
The most beloved spot to enjoy delicious seafood in San Diego is ready for the summer! The Fish Shops has locations scattered around San Diego County such as Pacific Beach, Point Loma, Encinitas, and soon Little Italy so that people from all over the city can enjoy the tasty seafood offered here. During this summer holiday, the Fish Shops are featuring the fan-favorite Firecracker Taco, made with the Fish Shop shrimp, pain sauteed and seasoned with fish shop seasoning, topped with lettuce mixed cheese, pico de gallo and a chipotle aioli drizzle to celebrate all the fireworks that will be happening later that night. This taco is sure to make sparks fly in your tummy!
barleymash
Let’s party at barleymash on the fourth. Start the holiday festivities with the savory plate of barbecue Wagyu and Corn Dog Duo served with a Red Potato Salad for $22. But you can’t call it a party without themed cocktails! Barleymash is featuring unique drinks for this day such as the Red White and Booze made with Skyy raspberry Vodka, raspberry, lemon and blue curacao, a patriotic Star Spangled Banner made with Skyy Vodka, limoncello, fresh lemon, cream and graham crackers, or try their Bing Bang and Party in the USA cocktails. It’s going to be a boozy time at barleymash!
Madam Bonnie’s
Sometimes on holidays like these, we prefer to stay home and enjoy an exhilarating day in our own backyards. So Madam Bonnie’s will help you do the pregaming before the big 4th of July celebration! Though being closed on the actual holiday, Madam Bonnie’s will be holding happy hours all Sunday long. There’s no better place to prepare yourself for the fun festivities than at the Gaslamp’s newest addition, Madam Bonnie’s!
Rouleur Brewing Company
Before you take one too many tequila shots this 4th of July, start your morning off right at Rouleur Brewing Company in North Park for a 4th of July Holiday Ride! The bike ride will leave the brewery at 9AM and will make its way back to the tasting room shortly after noon. Rouleur will be offering 15% off beers and food for all participants! Fuel your body up for the day of celebrations ahead with an order of the Buffalo Crispy Chicken Sando put together with garlic aioli, buffalo sauce, coleslaw and a brioche bun. Rouleur’s 4th of July Holiday Ride is open to all levels of experience, just bring your gear and great vibes and you’ll be set!
Happy 4th of July, San Diego – we’ll see you out there!
