4th of July Fireworks & Celebrations in San Diego: WHERE TO GO
Update: July 4, 2025: There will be a 4th of July drone show at the south end of Kellogg Park, scheduled on Friday, July 4. Learn more about this sparkling Independence Day Event for 2025 here.
4th of July in San Diego is just one big celebration! Fireworks displays, parades, street fairs, and festivals are all part of the fun on the big day. There are plenty of other places and ways to celebrate 4th of July in San Diego! Here’s the roundup, from San Diego Bay to Rancho Santa Fe. Please note, dates and times are current as of this 2025 writing, but may want to check the websites provided to confirm when the action starts for your Independence Day celebrations.
1. Annual Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show
Where: Multiple Locations along San Diego Bay
When: Times may vary from year to year, but historically, the fireworks take place on July 4th at 9:00pm
Website: bigbayboom.com
Take in the largest fireworks display in the county! With fireworks launched from four barges placed around North San Diego Bay, they can be seen from multiple locations along the San Diego coastline. Just find a place along the bay, set up a blanket and some hot chocolate, and get ready for the display! We recommend arriving early to reserve a spot.
Where to watch:
- Shelter Island
- Harbor Island
- North Embarcadero
- Marina District
- CoronadoFerry Landing
- Boating/On The Water
2. Red, White and Boom 4th of July Celebration
Where: InterContinental 901 Bayfront Court, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: InterContinental San Diego To get tickets: EventBrite
The InterContinental San Diego hotel offers unmatched front-row access to the Big Bay Boom, with one of the five barges located directly in front of the property. To celebrate the fourth, the hotel is featuring live music, interactive games and activities for all ages, and elevated food and beverage stations serving BBQ classics, burgers, hot dogs, and ice-cold drinks—all with panoramic views of the fireworks show.
There will also be live entertainment by Kat Hall Trio and Sandollar, fun activities for all ages, and panoramic views of San Diego Bay—culminating in the city’s best view of the iconic Big Bay Boom fireworks show. Ticket types include:
VIP – Experience VIP with exclusive access to the Bayview Terrace, offering premium views and elevated hospitality throughout the evening. VIP tickets include guaranteed parking, two drink tickets, access to hotel amenities, and a gourmet BBQ spread. Plus, enjoy a full premium bar and front-row access to live entertainment in the private VIP section on Lane Field.
VIP+ – Enjoy all the benefits of VIP, enhanced with reserved soft lounge seating for up to six guests—featuring unobstructed views of the fireworks and dedicated server service for a truly personalized experience.
GA + – Enjoy all the perks of General Admission, with the added bonus of two drink tickets to elevate your experience.
GA – All-day access to Lane Field with food and beverage concessions available for purchase. Grandstand bleacher seating is available, subject to availability.
3. SeaWorld San Diego 4th of July Fireworks & Celebration
Where: SeaWorld San Diego – 500 SeaWorld Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
When: Check the provided website, as celebrations take place from 9:00 – 9:30 p.m. on certain days before and after the 4th. Historically, SeaWorld puts on a fireworks show on the night of the 4th of July, but check their site for exact times for the fireworks display.
Website: seaworld.com
SeaWorld San Diego will celebrate Independence Day with a 15-minute display of fireworks set to a musical soundtrack, traditionally starting at 9:00 pm on July 4th. Be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date time. Entrance is required, and there are plenty of spots throughout the park to watch the display. You can reserve seats ahead of time via their website.
4. Ocean Beach July 4th Celebration
Where: Ocean Beach Pier (end of Newport Avenue)
When: For 2025, the Village of Ocean Beach is putting on a 4th of July Celebration and Children’s Parade @ 11:00 am. The parade route begins at the Fire Hall and loops the Village Green.
Website: villageofoceanbeach.org.com
Spend a truly So-Cal Independence day picnicking, swimming in the ocean, walking and playing in the sand, and shopping along Newport Ave. Then bundle up as the sun sets and pull up a blanket for a really spectacular fireworks show launched from Ocean Beach Pier! Free parking is typically available at the Main Beach Parking Lot as well as at the Pier Parking Lot, but we do recommend arriving early to reserve a spot — head to their website for more information.
5. Old Town San Diego 4th of July
Where: Old Town State Historic Park
When: The celebration will take place on Friday, July 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free, though some activities may require an additional purchase. Activities: Flag Raising Ceremony: Kick off the festivities with a patriotic flag-raising.
Website: oldtownsandiegoguide.com/events/
6. 4th of July Celebration in Coronado
Where: Various Locations on Coronado
When: The Coronado Independence Day holiday celebration will be observed on Friday, July 4. The Crown City Classic run begins at 7:00 am. The parade down Orange Avenue at 10 am. Be sure to check the website, as there are a bunch of things to see and do on different days and times.
Website: projectcoronado.org
7. San Diego County Fair 4th of July Celebrations
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds (2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014)
When: As with all seasonal events, the time fireworks start at the SD County Fair is subject to change. However, 4th of July celebrations start when the fair opens, and fireworks usually start around 9pm.
Website: sdfair.com
Independence Day is one of the best days to come to the San Diego County Fair, because they generally pull out all the stops with food, fireworks, entertainment, and more! Fireworks are usually launched from the west end of the racetrack and are choreographed to a soundtrack played through the Corona Grandstand Stage sound system. The fireworks are visible from many areas of the Fairgrounds, with favorite viewing areas including reserved Terrace seating and 2nd and 4th levels of the Grandstand, Family Funville, and the Fun Zone.
8. Red, White, and Boom!
Where: LEGOLAND California (One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008)
When: All sorts of festivities take place throughout the park to celebrate Independence Day. Historically, fireworks on the 4th start around 8:30, but double check the website to confirm.
Website: legoland.com/california/things-to-do/seasonal-events/red-white-boom/
Take the whole family and spend the day enjoying over 60 rides, shows, and attractions at LEGOLAND California, along with some all-American picnic games like burlap races and water-balloon tosses. Then cozy up with a blanket and a picnic that evening, and watch the awe-inspiring fireworks display set to patriotic music!
9. Rancho Santa Fe’s Annual 4th of July Parade & Picnic
Where: 16948 Avenida de Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091
When: The parade traditionally takes place at 1pm. Please check the website, as times are subject to change.
Website: https://www.rsfassociation.org/
Pack a few blankets and chairs for Rancho Santa Fe’s Annual 4th of July Parade & Picnic! The parade usually kicks off around noon and includes floats, vintage cars, and equestrians. The picnic and concert typically follows.
10. Poway 4th of July Fireworks
Where: Poway High School
When: Celebrations for the 4th throughout the day start around 6:00 am, and go on throughout the afternoon. Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. Times may change, so double check the website to confirm gate opening times, schedule for activities and firework launch times.
Website: poway.org/Calendar
Bring your family and friends to Old Poway Park and celebrate our country’s independence “turn-of-the-20th-century-style.” This event will feature patriotic entertainment, free children’s crafts, train displays, and old-fashioned games. Tasty treats and train rides will be available for a nominal fee. Free shuttles are available from Poway Adult School and Poway City Hall..
11. Oceanside Fireworks
Where: Oceanside Blvd & Rancho del Oro Road, Oceanside, CA
When: Starting July 3rd, Oceanside is usually a host of various Independence Day activities through the 4th. Fireworks (if not canceled) typically start around 9pm. Check the website for times and updates.
Website: visitoceanside.org
The Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department will host an incredible fireworks display on Wednesday, July 3, 2025, in celebration of Independence Day and the 137th anniversary of the City’s incorporation. Gates to the event open at 4:00 p.m. and there will be family-friendly activities and food trucks..
