The Ultimate Guide to 4th of July Celebrations in San Diego 🎆

San Diego doesn’t just celebrate the 4th of July – we go all out. From waterfront fireworks to small-town parades and over-the-top block parties, America’s Finest City brings the heat (and sparkle) every single year.

With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, you can count on a full weekend of red, white & BOOM across the county. Whether you want beach views, live music, or family-friendly activities, there’s something here for everyone.

Here’s our 2025 roundup of 27 can’t-miss 4th of July events in San Diego:

1. Big Bay Boom | July 4, 9PM
San Diego’s biggest and boldest fireworks display! Four barges launch fireworks across North San Diego Bay – watch from Harbor Island, Shelter Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Coronado, or Mission Bay. Tune in live on FOX 5 or KTLA 5, or catch the soundtrack on FM 91X.

2. SeaWorld Fireworks | July 3-6, 8:50PM
SeaWorld lights up the sky with nightly fireworks and 4th of July-themed activities included in admission. Best viewing? Mission Bay sand before Big Bay Boom starts!

3. San Diego County Fair | July 4, 9PM
Celebrate at the Del Mar Fairgrounds with live entertainment, food, pet adoptions, and a grand fireworks finale. Reserved seating available at the Corona Grandstand Stage.

4. La Jolla Drone Show | July 4, 9PM
A 500-drone light show over La Jolla Shores, best seen from Kellogg Park, La Jolla Shores Beach, or La Jolla Cove. A high-tech patriotic experience!

5. Coronado Celebration | All Day July 4
Parade down Orange Avenue at 10AM, concert in Spreckels Park at 4PM, fireworks over Glorietta Bay at 9PM. Consider taking the ferry to avoid traffic.

6. Escondido Independence Day Festival | July 4, 4-9:30PM
60th annual party at California Center for the Arts with food trucks, artisan market, beer garden, live music, and fireworks.

7. El Cajon Picnic & Fireworks | July 4, 3-9PM
Kennedy Park hosts games, food, prizes, and DJ Danny before the 9PM fireworks.

8. Almost Nakey Freedom Fest | July 5, 2-10PM
The wildest party of the weekend at Belmont Park! Live DJs, inflatable fun, and headliner Nelly on the beach boardwalk.

9. USS Midway Viewing Party | July 4, 9PM
Watch Big Bay Boom from the flight deck of the USS Midway. Live music and family activities included. Tickets required!

10. Red, White and BOOM! at LEGOLAND | July 4, 8:30PM
End the day with 3D fireworks at LEGOLAND and enjoy patriotic games and family fun all day.

11. Padres Party in the Park | July 4, 3:40PM
Petco Park hosts a themed party during the Padres vs. Rangers game, with $5 drinks in Gallagher Square.

12. Mission Bay Family Cruise | July 4, 7:30-10PM
Cruise from Bahia Resort with live band, DJ, and photo ops while watching SeaWorld fireworks from the water.

13. Chula Vista 4th Fest | July 4, 9PM
Elite Athlete Training Center hosts a fireworks display synced to Amor 102.9 FM. Gates open at 7PM. Parking is limited.

14. Poway Old-Fashioned 4th | July 4, 9PM
Celebrate with old-time games, train rides, and fireworks over Poway Sportsplex. $6 admission.

15. San Diego Symphony at The Rady Shell | July 4, 7:30PM
“America in Song” concert with patriotic classics and popular hits. Stunning waterfront venue.

16. City Cruises Dinner Cruise | July 4, 7-10PM
Dinner buffet, DJ, and Big Bay Boom views from the harbor. Tickets include food and drinks.

17. Vista Independence Day | July 4, 9PM
Brengle Terrace Park hosts live music, dinner, and fireworks. $5 admission; military free.

18. Santee Salutes | July 4, 2-10PM
Live music, kid zone, food garden, and fireworks at Town Center Community Park. $10 parking.

19. Rancho Bernardo Spirit of the 4th | July 4, 9PM
Community fair all day and fireworks at Rancho Bernardo High School. $10 donation suggested.

20. Imperial Beach Fireworks | July 4, 9PM
Set up near the IB Pier for a beachside show. Bring blankets and tune in to KyXy 96.5 FM.

21. San Marcos Extravaganza | July 4, 9PM
Bradley Park celebration with carnival games, food, live music, and fireworks.

22. Julian 4th of July Parade | July 4, 9AM-12PM
A charming small-town parade with music, pie-eating contests, flyovers, and more.

23. Scripps Ranch Parade | July 4, 10AM
Join the 54th annual neighborhood parade. This year’s theme: “Life is a Highway.”

24. Mister A’s Rooftop Dinner | July 4, 6:30-9PM
Enjoy a gourmet dinner and premium Big Bay Boom views from this iconic rooftop spot.

25. Ramona Family Picnic & Fireworks | July 4, 9PM
Held behind Olive Peirce Middle School. Bring blankets and enjoy a local favorite.

26. Oceanside Independence Parade | June 28, 10AM-12PM
A pre-holiday tradition with floats, music, and patriotic spirit along Coast Highway.

27. Oceanside Independence Fireworks | July 3, 9PM
Family-friendly event at El Corazon with inflatables, vendors, and fireworks.

Bonus: Morning After Mess Cleanup | July 5, 9AM-12PM
Join Surfrider Foundation at one of several beaches for a post-fireworks community beach cleanup!

Have a fun, safe, and unforgettable 4th of July weekend, San Diego!
Stay bold, stay patriotic, and don’t forget your sunscreen – and with this weather… maybe a lawn chair or two.