Independence Day is an excellent time for families and friends to celebrate our beloved country’s birthday. It is also the best time to kick off your summer with so many family-friendly activities and events from the weekend leading up to the 4th of July in San Diego in celebration of the Independence Day of America. Discover the best spots to enjoy patriotic parades, live music, BBQ parties, drone shows, and dazzling firework displays everywhere to end the night of festivities!
To help you celebrate the 4th of July this year, we’ve rounded up the best places in San Diego to catch every startling moment filled with freedom-ringing fun, laughter, and merriment. From parks to beaches and other venues throughout San Diego, the star-spangled happenings will never disappoint you. So, get ready to celebrate Independence Day and mark this momentous occasion with pride and honor!
Coronado Tidelands Park
2000 Mullinex Dr., Coronado, CA 92118
Phone Number: (619) 996-9002
July 4, 2024 | Thursday | 5:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Get ready to grab your race essentials and feel the buzz of excitement as we gear up for an incredible 4th of July run, San Diego’s largest and most patriotic running event. Kick off your Independence Day in Coronado with a red, white, and blue experience unlike any other – running under the largest US flag on the West Coast. Run 7.4 miles to celebrate 7/4, or test your speed with the Crown City 5K.
This Independence Day run’s 12K distance has a subtly patriotic significance. In imperial units, it clocks in at about 7.4 miles. However, competitors wanting a less intense route can register for the 5K, while kiddos can take on the half-mile course.
Coronado Golf Course
PO Box 182041, Coronado, CA 92178
Phone Number: (833) 435-2365
July 4, 2024 | Thursday | 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Coronado’s popular annual Independence Day activities include a parade, concerts in the park, and a fireworks display over Glorietta Bay. Locals flock to Coronado’s Orange Avenue as early as 4:30 am to secure prime seating for the island’s annual Independence Day Parade, which begins at 10 am. Everyone can have a photo op at the Star Park with Adrian Empire Demonstration and San Diego Star Wars Society.
In the afternoon, there will be a Public Kids Concert with Katleen Dugas performing Children’s Songs and Patriotic Concert by Coronado Concert Band. Explore Coronado’s other activities, including a Navy aerial demonstration, free concerts with IT’S NEVER 2L8 and PHT & The Honky Tonk Nights, and a fireworks show at the Coronado Golf Course by 9 pm.
LEGOLAND California
One Legoland Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone Number: (888) 690-5346
July 4, 2024 |Thursday | 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Special 4th of July activities will be happening around LEGOLAND in honor of the holiday. During the day, enjoy picnic games and building activities. Families can enjoy special limited-time treats and D.J. dance parties with everyone on their feet. There will also be lawn games, including LEGO Hamburger Relay and LEGO Picnic Race Run.
Then, at night, you’re in for a treat with an evening fireworks show combining patriotic music “with dazzling pyrotechnics” that explode into 3D LEGO® bricks right before your eyes with special viewing glasses to transform the fireworks into a show you will never forget. Special extended park hours are available to celebrate and enjoy the spectacular fireworks.
Town Center Community Park East
550 Park Center Dr., Santee, CA 920714
Phone Number: (619) 258-4100
July 4, 2024 | Thursday | 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The City of Santee is putting on a Fourth of July event, and fireworks show for the community. The event will feature amusement rides, food vendors, performances by the US Marine Corps Band “PMG” (Popular Music Group), a Patriotic Ceremony, and a live music performance by Whiskey Ridge.
The fireworks show will begin at approximately 9 PM. Listen to the fireworks soundtrack on SanteeTV from anywhere. The festivities start at 2 pm on July 4 at the Town Center Community Park East. View the event announcement for the full schedule of events.
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
Phone Number: (619) 231-1515
July 4, 2024 | Thursday | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The San Diego Zoo is a classic family-fun destination for the 4th of July Independence Day celebration with special events and activities. This iconic attraction boasts some of the most exciting animals globally, all housed in innovative and educational exhibits. While there’s plenty to see this summer at the San Diego Zoo, they recommend checking out their extended evening programming during Nighttime Zoo.
These events include longer parking hours, specialty music and dance performances, and more. Adults can also enjoy drink specials, while the whole family can appreciate tasty fare expressly crafted for this event. Come “rock and roar” this season with live music and other incredible entertainment experiences. Extend your adventure—stay late for all the fun and excitement that awaits!
USS Midway Museum
910 N Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
Phone Number: (619) 544-9600
July 4, 2024 | Thursday | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Celebrate America’s Independence Day with an evening filled with dazzling fireworks, live entertainment, and engaging activities for the whole family, all from Midway’s Flight Deck! You’ll have the best view in town to watch the 4th of July spectacular event — Big Bay Boom fireworks show and other activities in San Diego’s premier Independence Day fireworks display.
Meals and concessions will be offered on-site during the event. Stay tuned for more information. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this patriotic celebration on the bay!
Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista, CA 91915
Phone Number: (888) 828-0948
July 4, 2024 | Thursday | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Free July 4th fireworks at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, set to a custom bilingual soundtrack heard only on Amor 102.9. Gates to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center (CVEATC) open at 7 pm for public viewing. Firework display begins at 9 pm. The event is free, open to the public, and all ages.
Food trucks will be on site. Parking is free, only 600 parking spots on CVEATC campus and adjacent New Hope Church parking lot. Another popular area to view the fireworks is at the City’s Mountain Hawk Park, located at 1475 Lake Crest Drive.
Port of San Diego
3165 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone Number: (619) 686-6200
July 4, 2024 | Thursday | 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. One of the largest pyrotechnic displays on the West Coast, a spectacular show with rockets launching simultaneously from barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Marina District, and Coronado Ferry Landing. The impeccably choreographed display will last approximately 18 minutes.
Free, prime viewing spots include the shores around Point Loma, Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Liberty Station, Spanish Landing, Little Italy, the North Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the South Embarcadero, and the Coronado Ferry Landing, as well as by boat. Come to San Diego Bay for the fireworks – but try not to bring your car. Pack a picnic, grab your lounge chairs, and head to one of these top places to watch the show.
Corona Grandstand Stage at Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
E-mail: dosd@dosd.com
July 4, 2024 | Thursday | 9:00 PM
There’s no better place to view the red, white, and BOOM from the Fair’s Grandstand. Those planning to attend can start with the fair at 11 am. The Grandstand opens at 7 pm. for the fireworks show.
Avoid the crowds and secure your seat for the fireworks spectacular, the grand finale of the San Diego County Fair, and the celebration of the United States of America!
SeaWorld San Diego
500 SeaWorld Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
Phone Number: (619) 222-4732
June 30 – July 4, 2024 | Sunday – Thursday | 9:30 PM – 10:00 PM
In honor of Independence Day, you can get in the patriotic spirit when you witness a dazzling fireworks display—free with admission to SeaWorld. This stunning mix of pyrotechnics, set to a triumphant musical score, will illuminate SeaWorld’s skyline and captivate you with spectacular flames, sparks, and surprises. You can also enjoy live entertainment and presentations as part of Summer Spectacular, exciting animal experiences, and thrilling rides.
Look over Mission Bay and Fiesta Island and enjoy an exclusive viewing of the extended 15-minute Sea to shining sea 4th of July fireworks spectacular in San Diego. You can also purchase reserved seating for the show at the Bayside Amphitheatre and the Sea Lion Amphitheatre. Join the fun and save on Annual Passes, tickets, and Fun Cards during the 4th of July Sale!
Celebrating Independence Day is a long-standing tradition across America. And San Diego is among the best destination to host a 4th of July celebration filled with incredible fireworks displays, patriotic tunes, festive events, and family-friendly activities to highlight the extraordinary occasion of the US Independence Day. Most of these events have free admission. However, some require an entry ticket. So, plan and reserve a spot for you and the entire family. Enjoy the holiday and Happy Fourth of July!
San Diego offers many opportunities for kids to enjoy and have fun all year round! Check out our list of resources, or browse through our things to do in San Diego with kids. Still looking for more activities for kids in San Diego? No problem! Check out our comprehensive listing of sports in the region and our highly recommended seasonal blog posts.
And if you’re in for some significant savings, such as coupon codes or any special offers and promotions for your kids in your area, check out our Deals and Discount category.
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