4th of July in San Diego

“Local tips on the best places to watch the fireworks and celebrate America’s Birthday”

Old Town Trolley of San Diego wishes you and your family a safe and eventful 4th of July.

Old Town Trolley of San Diego will be open on the 4th of July operating a regular schedule of tours. We hope you take advantage of our top-rated sightseeing tour to see the best attractions and enjoy all the Independence Day decorations in San Diego. Our trolley can take you to almost every 4th of July Celebration around the city allowing you to hop on and off to enjoy the best of the best.

San Diego Residents Receive Free Admission*

*Bring out of town guests for a great trolley tour and get your ticket for free. San Diego Residents Receive Free Admission for Old Town Trolley San Diego with a full paying adult guest. Sign Up For Our Hometown Pass Program today.

Attractions Open July 4th

SAN DIEGO SEAL TOUR

Splash into San Diego’s most unique sightseeing adventure! Both tour bus and boat, the San Diego SEAL Tour journeys through San Diego by sea AND land. Our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles are Coast Guard approved, ensuring you a safe, one of a kind experience. Your fully narrated tour will depart from San Diego’s Seaport Village on Harbor Drive or Embarcadero, and will tour the historic streets of San Diego before making its way into San Diego’s Big Bay.

GHOSTS & GRAVESTONES FRIGHTSEEING TOUR

Pioneer Park is perfect for picnics and for school children to play; indeed, it is a lovely place during the day. Located next to Grant School, hear stories of how the park changes to the darker side when the sun goes down and there is a different feeling in the air.
 
Journey through Old Town, walking through El Campo Santo Cemetery and ending at the Whaley House, both sites of many reported paranormal occurrences.

Restaurants and Places to Eat

CARNITAS’ SNACK SHACK

The “Snack Shack,” as it’s affectionately called, serves up thoughtfully-sourced, pork- centric American cuisine and local craft beers in a fun, no-fuss environment. The Embarcadero location, open this 4th of July, offers a full bar program and panoramic views of the San Diego harbor.

HOTEL DEL CORONADO

Open 4th of July this sheerwater restaurant offers California coastal cuisine. 1500 OCEAN restaurant features the freshest Southland Coastal Cuisine. The Crown Room offers an award-winning Sunday Brunch, holiday celebrations and special events.

Here are some local tips on the best places to celebrate:

Annual Big Bay Boom July 4 Fireworks Show

Location: Multiple Locations along San Diego Bay
The largest fireworks display in the Golden State takes place here in San Diego. Big Bay Boom is a San Diego Independence Day tradition that takes place on four barges located in the San Diego Bay. The fun begins at 9 pm with great viewing from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, and Coronado Ferry Landing. Bring a lawn chair, blanket or, even better, a boat and enjoy the show!

Ocean Beach 4th of July Fireworks

Location: Ocean Beach Pier at the end of Newport Ave.
Celebrate the beautiful San Diego weather with a day spent outdoors! Set up a picnic, go swimming in the ocean, take a beach walk, build a sand castle and shop along Newport Avenue. When the sun begins to set, find the perfect viewing location along the OB Pier for a spectacular fireworks show, which usually begins at 9 p.m.

Old Town 4th of July

Location: Old Town State Historic Park
The birthplace of California, Old Town San Diego is filled with history and a great place to enjoy the 4th of July. In addition to exploring the original adobe buildings that date back centuries and many other fascinating structures in Old Town, you’ll have a blast at their annual 4th of July celebration which includes a parade, crafts, pie-eating contests, music, wagon rides, games, a special keynote speaker and more.

USS Midway Museum

Location: Aboard the USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum has a unique opportunity for adults and children to watch the Big Bay Boom Fireworks from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier. This is definitely one of the best places to watch the fireworks for the 4th of July in San Diego. Tickets are very limited and it is best to purchase them online through the USS Midway website. Doors open at 5:30pm and there will be food, contests, games and rides.

4th of July Celebration in Coronado

Location: Various Locations on Coronado
Break out your best American flag apparel for a 4th of July celebration in the Crown City. A day in Coronado offers a great itinerary of things to do. Enjoy a parade down Orange Avenue in the morning, a concert in Spreckels Park in the afternoon and fireworks over Glorietta Bay in the evening.

San Diego County Fair 4th of July Celebration

Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds – 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014
Enjoy the San Diego County Fair on the 4th of July in Del Mar. The fair runs from early June to shortly after July 4th and features more than 80 different rides, tons of food, art exhibits, shopping, concerts, entertainment and much more. This is a great activity for those looking to escape the daytime crowds in downtown San Diego.

Independence Day Festival & Fireworks

Location: California Center for the Arts, Escondido – 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025
Gather around your fellow patriotic festival-goers for the annual Independence Day Festival & Fireworks event at the California Center for the Arts. Enjoy music, delicious food vendors, and a variety of children’s activities and games for the entire family. And don’t forget the fireworks!

Vista Independence Day Celebration

Location: Moonlight Amphitheatre – 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA 92084
The beach isn’t the only place to catch great fireworks on the 4th of July! Head to the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista for a night of live music, an honorary ceremony, family fun and fireworks!