Celebrating the 4th of July in San Diego means sun, surf, food and fireworks. Revelers can commemorate the mid-summer holiday in Southern California’s magnificent weather.
The San Diego County Fair has concerts, traditional carnival meals, attractions and exhibits. The fair is an ideal location for families to sample apple pie and view fireworks. San Diego’s Old Town is a historic state park. Guests can watch the annual Independence Day parade, root for pie eating contestants, ride in wagons and discover unique arts and handicrafts. Sea World, San Diego Zoo and other theme parks host special Independence Day programs for their patrons.
Coronado launches its festivities with a 15-kilometer run/walk at daybreak. The next event is a rough-water swim. Other events include a two-hour parade, water carnival, concerts and a fireworks display over Glorietta Bay.
Families can spend the day at one of the city’s beaches or public parks before the Big Bay Boom fireworks display. The event is one of the largest pyrotechnic displays in the country. It began in 2001 when organizers selected the natural amphitheater created by the San Diego Harbor.
Over the years, the number of barges launching pyrotechnics has grown from two to five. Approximately 500,000 people watch the display from Harbor Island, Shelter Island, Seaport Village, Coronado Landing, Embarcadero, Imperial Beach Pier and boats on the bay. Mira Mesa, Mission Bay Yacht Club, San Marco and other communities also sponsor Independence Day fireworks displays and festivities.