Big Bay Boom: Parking, Transit & Where to Watch

All of the transportation and parking info you need for this year's Big Bay Boom 4th of July fireworks celebration

San Diego’s biggest 4th of July fireworks show, the Big Bay Boom, goes down Monday, and is expected to draw up to a half-million patriotic spectators. 

With that large of a crowd, organizers of the Port of San Diego's 16th annual Big Bay Boom urge visitors to use public transportation to get to the big event, including the MTS trolley and buses.

If you choose to drive, there will be free parking available at Qualcomm Stadium. From there, you can buy a trolley ticket and travel to several spots along downtown San Diego and the Embarcadero considered prime Big Bay Boom fireworks viewing locations.

The Big Bay Boom offers six locations around the San Diego Bay from which spectators can take in the 4th of July show:

  • Shelter Island
  • Harbor Island
  • North Embarcadero
  • Seaport Village
  • South Embarcadero
  • Coronado Ferry Landing

Free shuttle services will be offered to spectators heading to the Shelter Island and Harbor Island viewing spots.

The Shelter Island shuttle will pick up visitors from the corner of Carleton and Rosecrans streets in Point Loma. Street parking is available around that area, though it will be limited. The last return shuttle from Shelter Island (at the Gazebo point) runs at 11 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Harbor Island shuttle service will give visitors a ride from the corner of McCain Road and N. Harbor Drive, west of Airport Terminal 2. The drop off location for Harbor Island will be the San Diego Harbor Police Headquarters, and spectators can walk to their viewing point from there. Those hopping on the Harbor Island shuttle can park at the airport parking lot on McCain Road and N. Harbor Drive, where parking is $12, cash, per car. The final free return shuttle from Harbor Island runs at 11 p.m., too.

The North Embarcadero, Seaport Village, South Embarcadero and the Coronado Ferry Landing viewing points offer limited parking on or around the areas.

North Embarcadero parking is available from Grape Street to Broadway including the B Street Pier. There are various lots and streets from Harbor Drive to Pacific Highway as well.

For Seaport Village and South Embarcadero, parking is available in the Seaport Village and Hilton parking lots. Specifically at Seaport Village, visitors who park before 3p.m. pay $5 for the first three hours, $3 every 30 minutes thereafter. Validation is available with a minimum $10 purchase. Non Validated self-parking is $8 per hour. After 3p.m., there is a flat rate of $25 per car.

Seaport Village also has valet parking available. Before 3p.m., the fees are $15 up to five hours, $30 up to 10 hours and $40 max over 10 hours. After 3p.m., restaurant reservations can valet for $30 and all others can valet for $50.

Finally, parking at the Coronado Ferry Landing is available in the shopping area as well as public street parking in the general vicinity.

The Big Bay Boom starts at 9 p.m. sharp, so plan accordingly. It's sure to be a blast.

For NBC 7's extensive guide on more than a dozen 4th of July fireworks shows across San Diego County, click here.

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