With is military heritage, and miles of safe, open water, there may be no better place to view July 4 fireworks than San Diego.
Here is Times of San Diego’s comprehensive guide to San Diego fireworks displays, from Imperial Beach to Oceanside, and from La Jolla to El Cajon.
And if you can’t wait until July 4, check out Oceanside’s early bird show on Thursday, July 3.
Big Bay Boom
The annual Big Bay Boom covers the waterfront with fireworks — literally — with displays launched from four floating barges off downtown and Pt. Loma.
If you can’t watch the 9 p.m. spectacle in person, you can view it on either Fox 5 or, in the case of jealous Los Angeles residents, KTLA 5.
The Big Bay Boom website has detailed information about where to watch, where to park and how to use a special shuttle service. Free lots open at 5 p.m. There is a handy flyer that you can download and print.
The Port of San Diego is the title sponsor, and all proceeds benefit the Armed Services YMCA.
Coronado
Coronado residents have their own show, plus great views of the Big Bay Boom. Fireworks will be discharged from a barge in Glorietta Bay at 9 p.m. simultaneously with the other bayfront fireworks. Parking is limited, and you should expect delays of at least one hour when exiting the city via the San Diego-Coronado Bridge or State Route 75 after the fireworks display. Police advise that no stopping or parking is permitted on the bridge to view the fireworks.
El Cajon
El Cajon’s annual fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. at Kennedy Park. Arrive early, because police will be closing surrounding streets to control traffic. Come earlier for kids activities starting at 1 p.m. and music at 3 p.m.
Escondido
Escondido’s 51st annual July 4 fireworks display takes place in Grape Day Park. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and head to the park at 4 p.m. for concession food, a special performance by the 1st Marine Division Band, and fireworks at 9 p.m.
Imperial Beach
After a one-year-absence — two if you count the technical problems in 2012 that caused everything to go off at once — fireworks return to the Imperial Beach pier at 9 p.m.
La Jolla
With legal challenges laid to rest, thanks to a settlement by the city of San Diego, the fireworks at the cove are back The show sponsored by the La Jolla Community Fireworks Foundation starts at 9 p.m. off Ellen Browning Scripps Park.
Mira Mesa
The Scripps Mesa Fireworks organization presents a fireworks extravaganza at 9 p.m. at Mira Mesa High School. Festivities in the neighborhood begin with a pancake breakfast, followed by the annual parade along Mira Mesa Boulevard at 11:30 a.m., and carnival rides and theatre performances in Mira Mesa Community Park in the afternoon.
National City
National City’s fireworks show is at Kimball Park at 9 p.m., following the Lion’s Club Carnival. The carnival opens at 5 p.m. and features games, rides, concession food and a variety of entertainment
Oceanside (July 3)
Oceanside has it’s free annual fireworks show a day early, on July 3. The celebration begins at 8 p.m. with the El Camino and Oceanside High School Bands performing until 9 p.m., when the fireworks display begins. The fireworks will be staged north of the El Corazon Senior Center. Rancho Del Oro Road will be closed at 5 p.m. north of Oceanside Boulevard and south of Mesa Drive. Spectators are encouraged to arrive anytime after 6 p.m., park in the nearby lots, bring a beach chair, and walk to the viewing area on Rancho Del Oro. Food trucks will be selling a wide variety of foods.
Poway
Poway’s fireworks take place at Poway High School Stadium. Gates open at 7 p.m. and the fireworks go off at 9 p.m. The cost is $2 per person, with accompanied children 10 and under free.
San Marcos
San Marcos is offering a free fireworks show preceded by a concert at Bradley Park. Music from the disco band Polyester Express begins at 6 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.
Santee
Santee plans a public celebration with music, kids activities and food concessions starting at 3:30 p.m. at Town Center Community Park. Fireworks go off at 9:00 p.m. Parking in the area is $5 per vehicle.
Other San Diego Fireworks Displays
LEGOLAND in Carlsbad is presenting its annual Red, White and Boom! fireworks show set to patriotic music. Admission to the theme park is required, and includes a full-day of July 4 activities, followed by fireworks at 8:30 p.m. Kids of all ages can enjoy live music and participate in all-American family picnic games like water-balloon tosses, burlap sack races and building activities.
The San Diego County Fair in Del Mar plans fireworks at 9 p.m., following a concert by the Navy Band Southwest.
Vista’s Independence Day Celebration takes place in the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Brengle Terrace Park. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the band Get Back Loretta performs at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks go off at 9 p.m. Admission is $5 and parking is $15.
SeaWorld wraps up the patriotic evening with a fireworks display at 10:10 p.m.
If there are other events that should be included on this list, please contact news@timesofsandiego.com.
