4th of July in San Diego 2023: Fireworks, Events & More

by Noreen Kompanik

Are you ready to celebrate Independence Day? 4th of July in San Diego is a lot of fun, whether you are looking for the best places to watch the San Diego 4th of July fireworks, parades, parties, and more.

Best Places to See 4th of July Fireworks in San Diego

If you are after fireworks on Independence Day, you won’t be disappointed. You can look forward to some of the most amazing 4th of July fireworks in San Diego you have ever seen. Most of our fireworks take place over water, so you get to see a double effect of sparkles. Take a look below for the best places to watch the 4th of July Fireworks in San Diego.

4 red fireworks over San Diego Bay Big Boom Bay Fireworks San Diego 4th of July
Big Boom Bay Fireworks San Diego 4th of July

Big Boom Bay San Diego

Location: San Diego Bay
Time: 9:00 PM – 9:20ish PM

Big Boom Bay San Diego is the largest Fireworks in San Diego on 4th of July. 4 barges are setting off fireworks over the San Diego Bay and can be seen from almost all over Downtown San Diego, Coronado, Point Loma, Old Town, and beyond.

The best place to see the fireworks is of course from the water. If you know anyone with a boat, now is the time to cash in some friendship points and see if you can join them on their boat on the San Diego Bay. The second best places to watch the Big Boom Bay fireworks are along the bay. The barges are located in front of Shelter Island, Harbor Island, and North and South Embarcadero.

The Big Boom Bay fireworks are raising money for the Armed Services YMCA charity to support the Big Bay Boom and the services for military families and Wounded Warriors.

4th of July Fireworks in San Diego photographed from Coronado with the San Diego Bay in the foreground and San Diego skyline in the background

Here are some of the top spots to watch the San Diego fireworks:

FREE

  • Embarcadero Parks
  • Waterfront Park
  • Convention Center
  • Shelter Island Shoreline Park
  • Harbor Island Park
  • G Street Pier
  • Coronado Ferry Landing
  • Coronado Centennial Park
  • Seaport Village

Please note that most restaurants and bars require reservations ahead of time or offer a special prix fix menu or cover charge for the holiday. Make reservations as soon as possible!

Closeup of firework blooms

4th of July Fireworks in San Diego County 2023 Schedule

Central San Diego Fireworks

Big Boom Bay
Location: San Diego Bay
Time: 9 PM

Coronado
Location: Glorietta Bay
Time: 9 PM

San Diego SeaWorld 4th of July Festivities
Location: SeaWorld San Diego
Time: ~ 8:50-9:05 PM

Ocean Beach
Location: Ocean Beach Pier
Time: 9:00 PM

San Diego North County 4th of July Fireworks 2023

La Jolla
Location: La Jolla Cove
Time: 9 – 9:30 PM (this event has been canceled for the last 5 years, so don’t count on it)

Del Mar Fair Grounds
Location: Del Mar Fair Grounds
Time: 9 PM

San Marcos
Location: Bradley Park
Time: 9 PM

Vista
Location: Moonlight Amphitheatre
Time: 9 PM

Carlsbad
Location: Legoland
Time: 8:30 PM

Poway
Location: Old Poway Park
Time: 9 PM

Rancho Bernardo
Location: Rancho Bernardo High School
Time: 9 PM

Escondido
Location: Grape Day Park
Time: 9 PM

La Murray
Location: Lake Murray Community Park
Time: 9 PM

Legoland
Location: Legoland Carlsbad
Time: 8:30 PM

hand holding a mini American flag and a sparkler in the dark

East County San Diego 4th of July Fireworks 2023

El Cajon
Location: Kennedy Park
Time: 9 PM

Santee
Location: Town Center Community Park East
Time: 9 PM

South Bay San Diego Fireworks

Chula Vista
Location: US Olympic Training Center
Time: 9 PM

Imperial Beach
Location: Imperial Beach Pier
Time: 9 PM

San Diego 4th of July Events 2023

Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade
Location: Scripps Ranch Hoyt Park
Time: 10 AM – 11 AM Parade / 11 AM – 1 PM Fair

Old Town 4th of July Festivities
Location: Old Town Plaza
Time: 11 AM – 4 PM

Julian 4th of July Parade
Location: Main Street
Time: 10 AM – 5 PM

Oceanside Independence Day Parade
Location: 101 Café to Civic Center
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM

Coronado Crown City Classic 4th of July Race
Location: Coronado Tidelands Park
Time: 7 AM – 10 AM

Coronado 4th of July Parade
Location: Orange Avenue
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM

USS Midway 4th of July Celebration
Location: USS Midway
Time: 7 PM

Poway 4th of July Celebration
Location: Old Poway Park
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM

A bicycle decorated with red/white/blue decor and American Flags

More Fun Things to Do on 4th of July in San Diego

Fireworks and Parades are fun and will definitely put you in the mood for 4th of July, but there are more fun things to do on that day to celebrate the Birth of America.

  • Beach Day: San Diego has some of the best beaches in the US and on 4th of July, they are the perfect place if you want to party and have a good time. This is NOT the time if you are looking for a quiet, read-your-book kind of relaxing beach day. It will be loud, fun, and a bit crazy. Get there early and try to use public transport or ride-shares as parking will be almost impossible. Check out some of our favorite San Diego beaches here>>
  • Picnic in the Park: A day in the park is always a good idea. Pack up a yummy picnic, a blanket, and some drinks and find a shady spot on the grass to enjoy and end relax.
  • Bonfire on the Beach: If you are lucky, you might be able to score one of the bonfire spots in Mission Bay to have a little BBQ with the family and friends overlooking Mission Bay. You can also see the SeaWorld Fireworks from there, so this is a perfect place to hang out the whole day and evening.
  • Pay Tribute: Visit some of San Diego’s Military Memorials and Monuments and pay your tribute to the heroes that supported this nation throughout the centuries.

San Diego 4th of July Fireworks and Events – Pin for Later:

4th of July in San Diego is a lot of fun, whether you are looking for the best places to watch the San Diego 4th of July fireworks, parades, parties and more. San Diego independence Day - San Diego 4th of July - San Diego Fireworks - San Diego 4th of July events - 4th of July in San Diego - 4th of July Fireworks San Diego

Last Updated on June 9, 2023 by Maria Haase

The post 4th of July in San Diego 2023: Fireworks, Events & More appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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