San Diego

Where to Watch July 4th Fireworks in San Diego in 2018

From North County to downtown San Diego, our skyline will be red, white and blue with dazzling fireworks shows on Independence Day

With patriotic parties aplenty, there will be no shortage of fireworks in San Diego this 4th of July. Here's our guide to the dazzling shows that will illuminate our skyline on Independence Day.

Big Bay Boom
9 p.m., San Diego Bay
Whether you decide to pick a spot on Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Marina District, Seaport Village or the Coronado Ferry Landing, you'll be in for a treat as San Diego's largest fireworks show will start at approximately 9 p.m. on the Fourth of July. Fireworks launch from four barges in the bay and create simultaneous displays all along the city skyline. The Big Bay Boom draws a huge crowd year after year, typically between 300,000 to 500,000 spectators. Be prepared and check out suggestions for getting there.

San Diego County Fair Fireworks
9 p.m., Del Mar Fairgrounds
The 2018 San Diego County Fair runs from 11 a.m. to Midnight on its final day and offers fireworks that can be seen throughout the fairgrounds. The show will begin at approximately 9 p.m. and will be followed by a "Fun After Fireworks" dance party at the Coors Light Rock on Stage.

Chula Vista 4th Fest
6 to 9 p.m., Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Bring your blanket and chair and cuddle up for fireworks at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center located at 2800 Olympic Parkway. The show will sync with music from 91X; Magic 92.5; Z90.3 at approximately 9 p.m.  The gates will open at 6 p.m. Admission is free but parking will cost $10 per vehicle with a 400-car capacity.

Free or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego

July 4th in Coronado
9 p.m., Coronado
There are several events throughout the day Wednesday in Coronado including a 10 a.m. parade on Orange Avenue, a 4 p.m. concert at Spreckels Park and,  fireworks over Glorietta Bay (best views from the golf course or Stingray Point). KYXY 96.5 will provide the patriotic tunes.

Escondido’s Independence Day Festival & Fireworks
9 p.m., California Center for the Arts Escondido
Fireworks will finish off an evening full of events to celebrate American's independence. Food, music and children's activities will be available at the festival on the Great Green at the California Center for the Arts Escondido (340 N. Escondido Blvd.). The fun starts at 4 p.m. Attendees can also expect a performance by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.

Ocean Beach Fireworks
9 p.m., Ocean Beach Pier
Find a spot on the sand in Ocean Beach and celebrate with fireworks off the OB Pier, which begins at 9 p.m. -- OB time. Free parking, though limited, is available at the Main Beach Lot and the Pier Parking Lot. The show will be synced to songs from KyXy 96.5 so attendees are reminded to bring a radio to listen along. As for the legend of the marshmallow war following fireworks, city officials have put an end to the event.

[WXPIC] Why We Love San Diego Gallery II

Ken Grody Ford 4th of July Camp Pendleton Beach Bash
9 p.m., Del Mar Beach Resort at Camp Pendleton
The party on the sand at Camp Pendleton is open only to authorized military personnel with a valid DOD ID card and their sponsored guest. The party will include a DJ, activities for kids, food trucks, prizes, and of course fireworks between 9 and 9:30 p.m. 

Santee Salutes Fireworks Show
9 p.m., Town Center Community Park East
Santee residents can enjoy an evening dedicated to the Fourth of July with the Santee Salutes Festival at Town Center Community Park located at 550 Park Center Dr. There will be a food zone, a kids' zone and fireworks starting at 9 p.m. The event is free but there is a $5 per car charge for parking. Free shuttle service begins at 3:30 p.m. from the Costco or on Cuyamaca near Rio Seco school.

El Cajon Fireworks
9 p.m., Kennedy Park
El Cajon’s July 4th fireworks are set for 9 p.m. at Kennedy Park (1675 E. Madison Ave.). Get there early, spread out a blanket and enjoy food vendors, games, prizes, kiddie train rides and more at the park. The 4th of July event starts at noon.

Lake Murray Fireworks Show
9 p.m., Lake Murray in La Mesa
Enjoy a musicfest at Lake Murray Park (5540 Kiowa Dr.) beginning at 11 a.m. Fireworks go on at 9 p.m. The show is funded through donations, managed by the Lake Murray Fireworks Committee.

San Marcos Fireworks
9 p.m., Bradley Park
Gates open at 6 p.m. at Bradley Park on 1587 Linda Vista Drive in San Marcos. There is no charge for admission to the event that will include kids' activities, music, and food and ends with "A Fireworks Extravaganza,” at 9 p.m. – a show funded by donations from citizens and businesses in the community. 

Scripps Mesa Fireworks
9 p.m., Mira Mesa High School
The communities of Scripps Ranch and Mira Mesa teamed up to find a title sponsor for this year's fireworks show. The celebration will begin at 9 p.m. at Mira Mesa High School (10510 Reagan Rd.). Bring a blanket and chairs and get there early.

Poway Fireworks
9 p.m., Poway High School
The community’s all-day Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration will be held at Old Poway Park with Fourth of July Fireworks at Poway High School. Gates open at 6 p.m. so get there early to snag a spot and enjoy games, activities and a DJ spinning tunes. This event costs $5 per person at the gate; kids 11 and under get in free.

[G] Your #SanDiegoGram Photos

Vista Fireworks
9 p.m., Brengle Terrace Park
The fireworks in Vista will be held at Moonlight Amphitheatre in Brengle Terrace Park (1200 Vale Terrace Dr.). The amphitheater opens at 5 p.m. but the park opens at 7 a.m. so you can get in and enjoy the day. Admission is $5 per person; children 5 and under and active and retired military (and their immediate family) get in free. Parking in the park is $15 per car and $30 per RV.

Ramona Fireworks
9 p.m., Olive Peirce Middle School
Ramona’s fireworks celebration is hosted by the Ramona Rotary Club and members have been working to raise funds throughout the year.  The event begins at 5 p.m. at Olive Peirce Middle School (1521 Hanson Ln.). 

Red, White & Boom! LEGOLand Fireworks
8:30 p.m., LEGOLAND California Resort
A special celebration is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., with fireworks set for 8:30 p.m. Come dressed in your favorite red, white or blue attire and enjoy picnic games, balloon tosses, and a parade. Activities are included with paid admission into the park.

Oceanside Fireworks – July 3rd
9 p.m., Rancho Del Oro Blvd. between Mesa Dr. & Oceanside Blvd.
Oceanside will ring in the 4th a day early – on Tuesday, July 3 – with its fireworks display at 9 p.m. staged Rancho Del Oro Boulevard between Mesa Drive & Oceanside Boulevard. On Wednesday, July 4, the Yankee Doodle Dinghy Parade will take place at 1 p.m. on Oceanside Harbor.

Contact Us