Super Local SUN Diego, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach 2024 Guidebook

Laura
Super Local SUN Diego, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach 2024 Guidebook

Sightseeing

Beaches, restaurants, bars, coffee, shops, farmers market Thursdays, Pier, etc.
700 abantu bendawo batusa
Pacific Beach
700 abantu bendawo batusa
Beaches, restaurants, bars, coffee, shops, farmers market Thursdays, Pier, etc.
SeaWorld
1754 abantu bendawo batusa
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.
1754 abantu bendawo batusa
SeaWorld
Close to the airport too
286 abantu bendawo batusa
San Diego International Airport
3225 N Harbor Dr
286 abantu bendawo batusa
Close to the airport too
One of the best zoos in the country!
2510 abantu bendawo batusa
Izoo yaseSan Diego
2920 Zoo Dr
2510 abantu bendawo batusa
One of the best zoos in the country!

Parks & Nature

You can go for a walk, hike and just enjoy the scenery. What's not to love about Bird rock?
23 abantu bendawo batusa
Calumet Park
5435 Calumet Ave
23 abantu bendawo batusa
You can go for a walk, hike and just enjoy the scenery. What's not to love about Bird rock?

Shopping

Clothing, jewelry,purses
12 abantu bendawo batusa
mimi & red boutique
3041 University Ave
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Clothing, jewelry,purses
Formal Wears and Men's clothing
A Better Deal Tuxedos & Suits
369 Bird Rock Ave
Formal Wears and Men's clothing

Essentials

Children's grooming
Little Locks
5717 La Jolla Blvd
Children's grooming

Entertainment & Activities

Performing Arts
The Troublefield Lifestyle
Performing Arts
2024 4th of July SUN Diego, Pacific Beach & Mission Beach Activities
Mission Beach
2024 4th of July SUN Diego, Pacific Beach & Mission Beach Activities

4th of July 2024, Mission Beach & Pacific Beach

sandiego ⚫️ org/explore/events.aspx sandiegomagazine ⚫️ com/things-to-do/fourth-of-july-events-san-diego-2024/ sandiegofamily ⚫️ com/things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/4th-of-july-events Celebrate 4th of July! Add some spark to your 2024 Independence Day celebration with fireworks displays, parades, dinner cruises, and other star-spangled July 4 festivities. Here's what's happening in San Diego and around the county for the Fourth of July. Parades, Concerts and July 4 Festivities FREE Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade & Festival. Parade, July 4, 10 am from Ironwood to Aviary Dr.; festival, 11 am–1 pm at Hoyt Park, 10800 Canyon Lake Dr. scrippsranch⚫️org Crown City Classic. 12K & 5K and kids half mile run along the Coronado Bay. Start & finish at Tidelands Park. $29–$79. Register: crowncityrun ⚫️com July 4th Run & Ride. 10K & 2 mile run or 22.5 mile gravel bike ride. Starting on Red Cedar Dr. & ending at Hoyt Park, Scripps Ranch. Register: www.runride ⚫️org UC Celebration. Run, parade, games, book barn, pancake breakfast and more. Standley Park, 3585 Governor Dr. Details: https://uccelebration ⚫️com FREE Julian’s 4th of July Parade. Theme “Soar Like an Eagle.” Pre-parade activities, 9:30 am; parade, 12 noon. Main St. Details: www.julianparade⚫️com FREE Santee Summer Concert Series. Thursdays through Aug. 15, 6:30–8 pm. Town Center Community Park E., 550 Park Center Dr. www.cityofsanteeca⚫️gov FREE Military, Fire & Law Day. Active or retired military, firefighters and law enforcement personnel receive free admission with a valid ID. July 4, 10 am–4 pm. The Wave Waterpark, 101 Wave Dr., Vista. www.thewavewaterpark⚫️com July 3 FIREWORKS 3rd of July Fireworks Cruise. Watch the impressive fireworks shows all set to a festive soundtrack . 7–10 pm. $45. Departs from the Bahia Resort Hotel or Catamaran Resort. www.bahiahotel⚫️com FREE Mission Bay Fireworks Celebration. The skies will dance with colors and lights, set against the beautiful backdrop of San Diego’s Mission Bay. 9 pm. www.discovermissionbay⚫️org July 4 FIREWORKS FREE Big Bay Boom Fireworks. Four barges on San Diego Bay. Watch from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Marina District and Coronado Ferry Landing. 9 pm. www.bigbayboom⚫️com Red White & Boom! Unforgettable fireworks that explode into 3D LEGO bricks right before your eyes with special viewing glasses. Themed entertainment, lawn games, fireworks and more. Included with admission. LEGOLAND, 1 LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. Tickets: www.legoland⚫️com July 4th BBQ Dinner & Fireworks Viewing. Enjoy spectacular fireworks viewing from the McKinney Deck of the 1898 Berkeley. Dinner for purchase. 7–9:30 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. $25. Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N. Harbor Dr. www.sdmaritime⚫️org FREE Fireworks in El Cajon. Train rides, crafts, live music and more. Starting at 2 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. Kennedy Park, 1675 E. Madison Ave. www.elcajon⚫️gov FREE San Marcos Red, White and Boom! Carnival games, jumpers and more. Entertainment, 6 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. Bradley Park, 1587 Linda Vista Dr. www.san-marcos⚫️net Fireworks Spectacular at the Fair. 9 pm. $20–$25; includes fair admission. Corona Grandstand Stage, Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. www.sdfair⚫️com 4th of July Fireworks. 9 pm. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. www.seaworldsandiego⚫️ com Fourth of July Fireworks in Poway. Enjoy two spectacular firework shows as they light up the sky over the Poway High School Stadium ($6, gates open 6 pm for games, activities and more) and Poway Sportsplex (12349 McIvers Ct.). Fireworks, 9 pm. www.poway⚫️ com FREE Coronado Fourth of July. Parade, 10 am; concert, 4 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. Schedule: www.coronadofourthofjuly⚫️ com Spirit of the Fourth. Activities start at 9 am at Webb Park; parade, 3:30 pm; concert, 6 pm. Fireworks, 9 pm at Rancho Bernardo High School, 13010 Paseo Lucido. www.spiritofthefourth⚫️ com FREE Chula Vista 4th Fest & Fireworks. 7–9:30 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, 2800 Olympic Pkwy. www.chulavistaca⚫️ com FREE Lake Murray Fireworks & Music Fest. Music Fest, 11 am–9 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. Lake Murray Community Park, 7001 Murray Park Dr. www.lakemurrayfireworks⚫️ com FREE Ramona July 4th Family Picnic & Fireworks Show. 4–9:15 pm; fireworks 9 pm. Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Ln. www.ramonachamber⚫️ com FREE 4th of July Extravaganza: Parade & Fireworks. Parade, 10 am at Old Town Temecula, then head to the Ronald Reagan Sports Park for live music, vendors and fun zone. 2–10 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. www.temeculaca⚫️ com/1087/4th-of-july FREE Imperial Beach 4th of July Fireworks. 9 pm. Imperial Beach Pier. www.ib-chamber⚫️ com 4th of July Fireworks Cruise. View SeaWorld’s spectacular Independence Day fireworks. 8–10 pm. Bahia Resort Hotel, Mission Bay. Reservations: www.bahiahotel⚫️ com Where to Celebrate the Fourth of July in San Diego 2024 America’s Independence Day arrives with a bang at these 15 festive community events The San Diego 4th of July Firework Show called the Big Bay Boom happening in 2024 Courtesy of Big Bay Boom By Bethany Mavis Get ready to paint the town red, white, and blue this Fourth of July at these patriotic celebrations around San Diego County. While fireworks displays are, of course, the main attraction on this summer holiday, several events offer family-friendly fun before the pyrotechnics start. From early morning races and neighborhood parades to theme park activities and live outdoor concerts, spend the day and night celebrating the land of the free and home of the brave. Fourth of July event San Diego featuring the Oceanside Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Display with a plane flying by Courtesy of Visit Oceanside 4th of July Events in San Diego Oceanside Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Display June 29 & July 3 Start the festivities a little early in Oceanside with the annual Independence Day Parade on Coast Highway. Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, cheer on the floats, bands (including the 1st Marine Division Band), walking groups, and decked-out cars. Then, on July 3, witness a spectacular fireworks show, hosted by the Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department. The pyrotechnics start at 9 p.m. at the SoCal Soccer Complex, but the gates open at 4 p.m. with family-friendly activities and food trucks. Subscribe and get 1 year for $18 SUBSCRIBE AND GET 1 YEAR FOR $18 3300 Dr Hugh La Bounty Dr, Oceanside SeaWorld San Diego 4th of July Fireworks June 30–July 4 Oh, say, you can see some glimmering pyrotechnics after a day of sea-themed fun. The week of June 30 through July 4, view nightly SeaWorld fireworks at 9:30 p.m. from around the park. The festive explosives show is synced to music to ring in another year of America’s independence. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay Chula Vista 4th Fest July 4 BYO blankets and chairs to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center for a free fireworks display set to a bilingual soundtrack on Amor 102.9. Get to South Bay early—the gates open at 7 p.m., and free parking is limited to 600 spots. There will be food trucks onsite to enjoy while you wait for the show to start. If you miss out on the training center parking, you can still get a great view of the fireworks from nearby Mountain Hawk Park. 2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista Fourth of July event in San Diego called the Crown City Classic Run featuring a 12k or 5k on Coronado Island Courtesy of Crown City Classic Crown City Classic Run July 4 Burn off some pre-barbecue calories with a patriotic 12K or 5K run on Coronado Island. (Why 12K? A nod to America’s birthday—it equates to 7.4 miles.) The out-and-back race, now in its 51st year, starts in Tidelands Park, wraps around the golf course and Glorietta Bay, and heads out onto the Silver Strand with scenic views of the Coronado Bridge. You can bring the whole family—there’s a Crown City Half Mile race for kids. Then stick around after your run for more star-spangled Coronado festivities (see below). 2000 Mullinex Drive, Coronado Coronado Fourth of July July 4 From sunup to sundown, celebrate our nation’s independence with a packed schedule of patriotic events for the whole family. The 75th annual parade on Coronado’s Orange Avenue doesn’t set out till 10 a.m., but spectators start saving their spots at 5 a.m., and the pre-parade entertainment begins at 7:30. Afterward, catch a demonstration by the US Navy parachute team, live musical performances in Spreckels Park, and a colorful fireworks show you can watch from the Coronado Golf Course at 9 p.m. Various locations, Coronado El Cajon Fourth of July Fireworks July 4 East County’s Kennedy Park hosts this patriotic fireworks display starting at 9 p.m., but the family-friendly activities start at 2 p.m. Arrive early to the park to enjoy free train rides, arts and crafts, and games and watch live music from two bands. Then sit back to ooh and ahh as the fireworks light up the sky. 1675 East Madison Avenue, El Cajon Fourth of July event in San Diego called the Big Bay Boom firework show happening in 2024 Courtesy of Big Bay Boom Big Bay Boom Firework Show July 4 The Big Bay Boom is the largest fireworks display in California. Bring lawn chairs to watch from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the North Embarcadero, the Marina District, or the Coronado Ferry Landing at 9 p.m., or get a closer view from your own vessel on the bay. To avoid parking downtown, consider taking advantage of the expanded trolley service that night. Various locations Maritime Museum July 4th BBQ Dinner & Fireworks Viewing July 4 The San Diego Maritime Museum opens up the McKinney Deck of the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley and the waterfront barge behind it for visitors to enjoy a barbecue dinner along the water starting at 7 p.m., then a front-row seat to the 9 p.m. fireworks show over the bay. Purchase your tickets online in advance, and bring a blanket for the first-come, first-serve seating on the boat. 1492 North Harbor Drive, Waterfront Old Town Historic 4th of July Celebration July 4 Join Old Town San Diego State Historic Park’s staff and volunteers to experience an 1800s-style Independence Day celebration. Running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the free event offers games, crafts, and live music from Big Mountain Blue Grass Band. Previous years’ activities have included potato sack races, tug-of-war, and folk dances. San Diego Avenue & Twiggs Street, Old Town Fourth of July event in San Diego featuring the Old-Fashioned Fourth of July at OId Poway Park featuring the Poway-Midland Railroad Courtesy of Poway-Midland Railroad Old-Fashioned Fourth of July July 4 Flash back to the turn of the 20th century at Old Poway Park’s Independence Day celebration. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy train displays, children’s crafts, old-fashioned games, patriotic entertainment, train rides, and tasty food. Follow that up with two glimmering fireworks displays illuminating the sky over the Poway High School Stadium and the Poway Sportsplex. The high school gates open at 6 p.m., and for $6 per adult (kids 11 and under are free), you can enjoy games, activities, and music leading up to the big show. 14134 Midland Road | 15500 Espola Road | 12349 McIvers Court, Poway San Diego County Fair Fireworks Spectacular July 4 The Del Mar Fairgrounds has hosted the San Diego County Fair—the unofficial summer kick-off in SD—since 1936. Spend the day riding the Ferris wheel, cheering on piglets in the Swifty Swine Pig Races, or housing fried chicken sandwiched between two hot honey–drizzled funnel cakes. Then, head to the Corona Grandstand Stage to watch the dazzling fireworks show at 9 p.m. General admission (standing room only) is free, or you can pay to reserve a seat. 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar Escondido Independence Day Festival July 4 Let freedom ring in the heart of Escondido at this annual Independence Day Festival. Starting at 4 p.m. in Grape Day Park, you can explore the artisan market; order eats from local food trucks; drink local craft beers and spirits; and listen to live performances, including one from the Navy 32nd Street Brass Band, hosted by the adjacent California Center for the Arts. Then settle down on a blanket or lawn chair for the spectacular fireworks finale at 9:05 p.m. For the first time this year, the Center for the Arts is extending the celebration to a four-day free concert series, so come back on July 5, 6, or 7 for more live shows. 321 North Broadway, Escondido Fourth of July event in San Diego featuring Legoland’s Red, White & Boom! celebration featuring a lego mascot dressed as a hot dog Courtesy of Legoland Legoland’s Red, White & Boom! July 4 Spend Fourth of July at Legoland with a full schedule of USA-themed activities—DJ dance parties, limited-edition treats, lawn games, and meet-and-greets—in addition to the normal brick-building fun and rides. Then put on magic glasses to see a spectacular show: fireworks exploding into 3D Lego bricks. The special event is included with regular park admission. One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad Santee Salutes July 4 Enjoy an all-American afternoon in East County at Santee’s Town Center Park. The gates open at 2 p.m., inviting guests to partake in amusement rides and food trucks in between performances by the US Marine Corps Band Popular Music Group and country band Whiskey Ridge. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. and will be synced to the fireworks soundtrack on SanteeTV. 550 Park Center Drive, Santee Julian 4th of July Parade July 4 Experience small-town charm in the Cuayamaca Mountains with this annual patriotic parade. For more than 20 years, Julian residents and their friends have lined up on Main Street to wave their flags and cheer on local school marching bands. Pre-parade activities include musical performances, an Old West reenactment, pie-eating contests, and a vintage airplane fly-over before the main event starts at noon. By Bethany Mavis Bethany Mavis is a writer, editor and aficionado of hiking, crafting and thrifting. She is an adjunct professor in journalism at Point Loma Nazarene University, and she lives in Escondido with her husband and three daughters.
Mission Beach
sandiego ⚫️ org/explore/events.aspx sandiegomagazine ⚫️ com/things-to-do/fourth-of-july-events-san-diego-2024/ sandiegofamily ⚫️ com/things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/4th-of-july-events Celebrate 4th of July! Add some spark to your 2024 Independence Day celebration with fireworks displays, parades, dinner cruises, and other star-spangled July 4 festivities. Here's what's happening in San Diego and around the county for the Fourth of July. Parades, Concerts and July 4 Festivities FREE Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade & Festival. Parade, July 4, 10 am from Ironwood to Aviary Dr.; festival, 11 am–1 pm at Hoyt Park, 10800 Canyon Lake Dr. scrippsranch⚫️org Crown City Classic. 12K & 5K and kids half mile run along the Coronado Bay. Start & finish at Tidelands Park. $29–$79. Register: crowncityrun ⚫️com July 4th Run & Ride. 10K & 2 mile run or 22.5 mile gravel bike ride. Starting on Red Cedar Dr. & ending at Hoyt Park, Scripps Ranch. Register: www.runride ⚫️org UC Celebration. Run, parade, games, book barn, pancake breakfast and more. Standley Park, 3585 Governor Dr. Details: https://uccelebration ⚫️com FREE Julian’s 4th of July Parade. Theme “Soar Like an Eagle.” Pre-parade activities, 9:30 am; parade, 12 noon. Main St. Details: www.julianparade⚫️com FREE Santee Summer Concert Series. Thursdays through Aug. 15, 6:30–8 pm. Town Center Community Park E., 550 Park Center Dr. www.cityofsanteeca⚫️gov FREE Military, Fire & Law Day. Active or retired military, firefighters and law enforcement personnel receive free admission with a valid ID. July 4, 10 am–4 pm. The Wave Waterpark, 101 Wave Dr., Vista. www.thewavewaterpark⚫️com July 3 FIREWORKS 3rd of July Fireworks Cruise. Watch the impressive fireworks shows all set to a festive soundtrack . 7–10 pm. $45. Departs from the Bahia Resort Hotel or Catamaran Resort. www.bahiahotel⚫️com FREE Mission Bay Fireworks Celebration. The skies will dance with colors and lights, set against the beautiful backdrop of San Diego’s Mission Bay. 9 pm. www.discovermissionbay⚫️org July 4 FIREWORKS FREE Big Bay Boom Fireworks. Four barges on San Diego Bay. Watch from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Marina District and Coronado Ferry Landing. 9 pm. www.bigbayboom⚫️com Red White & Boom! Unforgettable fireworks that explode into 3D LEGO bricks right before your eyes with special viewing glasses. Themed entertainment, lawn games, fireworks and more. Included with admission. LEGOLAND, 1 LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. Tickets: www.legoland⚫️com July 4th BBQ Dinner & Fireworks Viewing. Enjoy spectacular fireworks viewing from the McKinney Deck of the 1898 Berkeley. Dinner for purchase. 7–9:30 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. $25. Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 N. Harbor Dr. www.sdmaritime⚫️org FREE Fireworks in El Cajon. Train rides, crafts, live music and more. Starting at 2 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. Kennedy Park, 1675 E. Madison Ave. www.elcajon⚫️gov FREE San Marcos Red, White and Boom! Carnival games, jumpers and more. Entertainment, 6 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. Bradley Park, 1587 Linda Vista Dr. www.san-marcos⚫️net Fireworks Spectacular at the Fair. 9 pm. $20–$25; includes fair admission. Corona Grandstand Stage, Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. www.sdfair⚫️com 4th of July Fireworks. 9 pm. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. www.seaworldsandiego⚫️ com Fourth of July Fireworks in Poway. Enjoy two spectacular firework shows as they light up the sky over the Poway High School Stadium ($6, gates open 6 pm for games, activities and more) and Poway Sportsplex (12349 McIvers Ct.). Fireworks, 9 pm. www.poway⚫️ com FREE Coronado Fourth of July. Parade, 10 am; concert, 4 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. Schedule: www.coronadofourthofjuly⚫️ com Spirit of the Fourth. Activities start at 9 am at Webb Park; parade, 3:30 pm; concert, 6 pm. Fireworks, 9 pm at Rancho Bernardo High School, 13010 Paseo Lucido. www.spiritofthefourth⚫️ com FREE Chula Vista 4th Fest & Fireworks. 7–9:30 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, 2800 Olympic Pkwy. www.chulavistaca⚫️ com FREE Lake Murray Fireworks & Music Fest. Music Fest, 11 am–9 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. Lake Murray Community Park, 7001 Murray Park Dr. www.lakemurrayfireworks⚫️ com FREE Ramona July 4th Family Picnic & Fireworks Show. 4–9:15 pm; fireworks 9 pm. Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Ln. www.ramonachamber⚫️ com FREE 4th of July Extravaganza: Parade & Fireworks. Parade, 10 am at Old Town Temecula, then head to the Ronald Reagan Sports Park for live music, vendors and fun zone. 2–10 pm; fireworks, 9 pm. www.temeculaca⚫️ com/1087/4th-of-july FREE Imperial Beach 4th of July Fireworks. 9 pm. Imperial Beach Pier. www.ib-chamber⚫️ com 4th of July Fireworks Cruise. View SeaWorld’s spectacular Independence Day fireworks. 8–10 pm. Bahia Resort Hotel, Mission Bay. Reservations: www.bahiahotel⚫️ com Where to Celebrate the Fourth of July in San Diego 2024 America’s Independence Day arrives with a bang at these 15 festive community events The San Diego 4th of July Firework Show called the Big Bay Boom happening in 2024 Courtesy of Big Bay Boom By Bethany Mavis Get ready to paint the town red, white, and blue this Fourth of July at these patriotic celebrations around San Diego County. While fireworks displays are, of course, the main attraction on this summer holiday, several events offer family-friendly fun before the pyrotechnics start. From early morning races and neighborhood parades to theme park activities and live outdoor concerts, spend the day and night celebrating the land of the free and home of the brave. Fourth of July event San Diego featuring the Oceanside Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Display with a plane flying by Courtesy of Visit Oceanside 4th of July Events in San Diego Oceanside Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Display June 29 & July 3 Start the festivities a little early in Oceanside with the annual Independence Day Parade on Coast Highway. Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, cheer on the floats, bands (including the 1st Marine Division Band), walking groups, and decked-out cars. Then, on July 3, witness a spectacular fireworks show, hosted by the Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department. The pyrotechnics start at 9 p.m. at the SoCal Soccer Complex, but the gates open at 4 p.m. with family-friendly activities and food trucks. Subscribe and get 1 year for $18 SUBSCRIBE AND GET 1 YEAR FOR $18 3300 Dr Hugh La Bounty Dr, Oceanside SeaWorld San Diego 4th of July Fireworks June 30–July 4 Oh, say, you can see some glimmering pyrotechnics after a day of sea-themed fun. The week of June 30 through July 4, view nightly SeaWorld fireworks at 9:30 p.m. from around the park. The festive explosives show is synced to music to ring in another year of America’s independence. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay Chula Vista 4th Fest July 4 BYO blankets and chairs to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center for a free fireworks display set to a bilingual soundtrack on Amor 102.9. Get to South Bay early—the gates open at 7 p.m., and free parking is limited to 600 spots. There will be food trucks onsite to enjoy while you wait for the show to start. If you miss out on the training center parking, you can still get a great view of the fireworks from nearby Mountain Hawk Park. 2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista Fourth of July event in San Diego called the Crown City Classic Run featuring a 12k or 5k on Coronado Island Courtesy of Crown City Classic Crown City Classic Run July 4 Burn off some pre-barbecue calories with a patriotic 12K or 5K run on Coronado Island. (Why 12K? A nod to America’s birthday—it equates to 7.4 miles.) The out-and-back race, now in its 51st year, starts in Tidelands Park, wraps around the golf course and Glorietta Bay, and heads out onto the Silver Strand with scenic views of the Coronado Bridge. You can bring the whole family—there’s a Crown City Half Mile race for kids. Then stick around after your run for more star-spangled Coronado festivities (see below). 2000 Mullinex Drive, Coronado Coronado Fourth of July July 4 From sunup to sundown, celebrate our nation’s independence with a packed schedule of patriotic events for the whole family. The 75th annual parade on Coronado’s Orange Avenue doesn’t set out till 10 a.m., but spectators start saving their spots at 5 a.m., and the pre-parade entertainment begins at 7:30. Afterward, catch a demonstration by the US Navy parachute team, live musical performances in Spreckels Park, and a colorful fireworks show you can watch from the Coronado Golf Course at 9 p.m. Various locations, Coronado El Cajon Fourth of July Fireworks July 4 East County’s Kennedy Park hosts this patriotic fireworks display starting at 9 p.m., but the family-friendly activities start at 2 p.m. Arrive early to the park to enjoy free train rides, arts and crafts, and games and watch live music from two bands. Then sit back to ooh and ahh as the fireworks light up the sky. 1675 East Madison Avenue, El Cajon Fourth of July event in San Diego called the Big Bay Boom firework show happening in 2024 Courtesy of Big Bay Boom Big Bay Boom Firework Show July 4 The Big Bay Boom is the largest fireworks display in California. Bring lawn chairs to watch from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the North Embarcadero, the Marina District, or the Coronado Ferry Landing at 9 p.m., or get a closer view from your own vessel on the bay. To avoid parking downtown, consider taking advantage of the expanded trolley service that night. Various locations Maritime Museum July 4th BBQ Dinner & Fireworks Viewing July 4 The San Diego Maritime Museum opens up the McKinney Deck of the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley and the waterfront barge behind it for visitors to enjoy a barbecue dinner along the water starting at 7 p.m., then a front-row seat to the 9 p.m. fireworks show over the bay. Purchase your tickets online in advance, and bring a blanket for the first-come, first-serve seating on the boat. 1492 North Harbor Drive, Waterfront Old Town Historic 4th of July Celebration July 4 Join Old Town San Diego State Historic Park’s staff and volunteers to experience an 1800s-style Independence Day celebration. Running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the free event offers games, crafts, and live music from Big Mountain Blue Grass Band. Previous years’ activities have included potato sack races, tug-of-war, and folk dances. San Diego Avenue & Twiggs Street, Old Town Fourth of July event in San Diego featuring the Old-Fashioned Fourth of July at OId Poway Park featuring the Poway-Midland Railroad Courtesy of Poway-Midland Railroad Old-Fashioned Fourth of July July 4 Flash back to the turn of the 20th century at Old Poway Park’s Independence Day celebration. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy train displays, children’s crafts, old-fashioned games, patriotic entertainment, train rides, and tasty food. Follow that up with two glimmering fireworks displays illuminating the sky over the Poway High School Stadium and the Poway Sportsplex. The high school gates open at 6 p.m., and for $6 per adult (kids 11 and under are free), you can enjoy games, activities, and music leading up to the big show. 14134 Midland Road | 15500 Espola Road | 12349 McIvers Court, Poway San Diego County Fair Fireworks Spectacular July 4 The Del Mar Fairgrounds has hosted the San Diego County Fair—the unofficial summer kick-off in SD—since 1936. Spend the day riding the Ferris wheel, cheering on piglets in the Swifty Swine Pig Races, or housing fried chicken sandwiched between two hot honey–drizzled funnel cakes. Then, head to the Corona Grandstand Stage to watch the dazzling fireworks show at 9 p.m. General admission (standing room only) is free, or you can pay to reserve a seat. 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar Escondido Independence Day Festival July 4 Let freedom ring in the heart of Escondido at this annual Independence Day Festival. Starting at 4 p.m. in Grape Day Park, you can explore the artisan market; order eats from local food trucks; drink local craft beers and spirits; and listen to live performances, including one from the Navy 32nd Street Brass Band, hosted by the adjacent California Center for the Arts. Then settle down on a blanket or lawn chair for the spectacular fireworks finale at 9:05 p.m. For the first time this year, the Center for the Arts is extending the celebration to a four-day free concert series, so come back on July 5, 6, or 7 for more live shows. 321 North Broadway, Escondido Fourth of July event in San Diego featuring Legoland’s Red, White & Boom! celebration featuring a lego mascot dressed as a hot dog Courtesy of Legoland Legoland’s Red, White & Boom! July 4 Spend Fourth of July at Legoland with a full schedule of USA-themed activities—DJ dance parties, limited-edition treats, lawn games, and meet-and-greets—in addition to the normal brick-building fun and rides. Then put on magic glasses to see a spectacular show: fireworks exploding into 3D Lego bricks. The special event is included with regular park admission. One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad Santee Salutes July 4 Enjoy an all-American afternoon in East County at Santee’s Town Center Park. The gates open at 2 p.m., inviting guests to partake in amusement rides and food trucks in between performances by the US Marine Corps Band Popular Music Group and country band Whiskey Ridge. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. and will be synced to the fireworks soundtrack on SanteeTV. 550 Park Center Drive, Santee Julian 4th of July Parade July 4 Experience small-town charm in the Cuayamaca Mountains with this annual patriotic parade. For more than 20 years, Julian residents and their friends have lined up on Main Street to wave their flags and cheer on local school marching bands. Pre-parade activities include musical performances, an Old West reenactment, pie-eating contests, and a vintage airplane fly-over before the main event starts at noon. By Bethany Mavis Bethany Mavis is a writer, editor and aficionado of hiking, crafting and thrifting. She is an adjunct professor in journalism at Point Loma Nazarene University, and she lives in Escondido with her husband and three daughters.