Events Where to Watch San Diego's Fireworks This 4th of July

We San Diegans love our pyrotechnics and look for any excuse to celebrate, whether it’s a Padres win, a concert by the bay, or best of all, Independence Day. This year, San Diego commemorates the nation with dozens of parades, picnics, beach parties, festivals, and yes, fireworks displays all around the city, from the border to the bay. Grab your sunscreen, soak up some rays, drink some beers, and snuggle under a blanket while you watch the dazzling displays after sunset. We've rounded up all the best places for you to catch every jaw-dropping moment. Where should I pregame? As you’re undoubtedly aware (because we’ve told you countless times), San Diego has no shortage of bars at which to tipple. For July 4, though, elevate your game by hitting up some of San Diego’s best rooftops; if you need some immediate picks, check out Kairoa Brewing Company for a chill New Zealand-influenced vibe, Altitude Sky Lounge for luxe bird’s eye views, or Catania for some quality Italian food in La Jolla. What will the weather be like? It’s San Diego, so you probably already knew the forecast before asking: on the Fourth, you can expect sunny weather with mild temps in the low 70s (dropping down to the 60s at night, in time for the fireworks). Put on your favorite pair of American flag shorts, coat yourself in a layer of sunscreen, and you’re good to go.

NORTH COASTAL San Diego County Fair Fourth of July Celebration Del Mar

Time: 9pm

The San Diego County Fair goes out with a bang and a breathtaking fireworks program that includes more than 3,600 aerial display counts, with 500 shells in the grand finale alone. Enjoy a full day at the fair and fireworks, visible from most areas of the Fairgrounds, with your entry fee, or purchase a reserved ticket in the Corona Grandstand for premiere seating and comedian Brad Upton’s show afterwards. For a full dinner and show, head to the Wicked Wahine rooftop speakeasy for a luau-style dinner, specialty cocktails, prime fireworks viewing and preferred parking.

Parking: On-site, $17-27 per car or motorcycle (no vehicles over 27 feet in length), free off site parking includes shuttle service, or take public transportation, which will deliver you right to the admission gate. Red, White and BOOM! at Legoland Carlsbad

Time: 8:30pm

Grab the kids and head to Legoland for the day. Enjoy over 60 rides, shows and attractions along with some all-American picnic games like burlap races, water-balloon tosses, a family build contest and hamburger relay races, plus a patriotic costume parade, character meet-and-greets and live entertainment. Top it off with an awe-inspiring fireworks display set to a patriotic musical tribute with great viewing in designated locations throughout the park.

Parking: On site, $25/car or motorcycle, $35/motorhomes, oversized vans and vehicles with trailers. Preferred parking is $35 per car. Oceanside Fireworks Show -- July 3 Oceanside

Time: 9pm

The city of Oceanside celebrates Independence Day with a free, family-friendly event at the beach (the day before Independence Day itself). Arrive anytime after 6pm (park in the nearby lots) and walk to the viewing area on Rancho Del Oro Drive, where there will be food trucks and live music. The fun continues on July Fourth with a Red, White and Blue Attire Festival from Oceanside Pier to Tyson Street Park, the Yankee Doodle Dinghy Parade, and the Star Spangled Sunset Market. On July 5th, you’re invited to return to the beach for the annual “Morning After Mess” beach cleanup, followed by the city’s July First Friday Oceanside Art Walk downtown that evening.

Parking: Free parking is available in the nearby Ocean Ranch Business Park.

EAST COUNTY Santee Salutes Fourth of July Celebration Santee

Time: 9pm

Santee salutes our nation’s 243rd birthday at Town Center Community Park East, beginning at 2:30pm with live music by the 80z All Stars, a patriotic ceremony with Santee’s adopted Marine Unit, a food frenzy, and carnival fun zone. The evening concludes with East County’s best fireworks show.

Parking: $10/car for onsite parking with no in and out privileges; a continuous free shuttle service will be available from 3:30-11pm, running between the Costco parking lot on Cuyamaca near Rio Seco school to the event site. El Cajon Fourth of July Picnic and Fireworks El Cajon

Time: 9pm

Honor Independence Day in El Cajon with a good old-fashioned picnic at John F. Kennedy Park, Rec Center & Skate Park. The Fourth of July event starts at 2pm with food, games, prizes, kiddie train rides, and more; live musical entertainment begins at 3pm, and the fireworks kick off at 9pm. Arrive early to find the best spot for your picnic and to view the fireworks!

Parking: Free parking at JFK Park and surrounding areas

SOUTH BAY Chula Vista Fourth Fest Chula Vista

Time: 9pm

Chula Vista’s Fourth Fest is held at the splendid Elite Athlete Training Center, with gates opening at 6pm; the event is free and open to the public. Fern Street Circus will be providing free shows and kids' activities at nearby viewing area Mountain Hawk Park. Find your perfect spot to watch the fireworks and tune in to one of these participating stations for specially coordinated music: 91X, Magic 92.5, and Z90.3. Even if it’s warm during the day, the evening weather can be cool in this neighborhood, so bring blankets and cozy clothing to layer on.

Parking: $10/car, cash only at the training center; free parking at New Hope Church, 2720 Olympic Parkway. Independence Day Fireworks in Imperial Beach Imperial Beach

Time: 9pm

The fireworks in Imperial Beach are set off from the Imperial Beach Pier, so the best viewing is on the beach from Imperial Beach Boulevard to Palm Avenue, facing the end of Portwood Pier. Pack a picnic (or purchase some snacks from nearby restaurants), spread out a blanket, and tune into KyXy Radio 96.5 for a synced music playlist set to the fireworks show.

Parking: There is some free street parking in residential neighborhoods, along with public lots. Independence Day at the Border -- July 6 San Ysidro

Time: 9pm

The Independence Day celebration at Larsen Field, Cesar Chavez Park in San Ysidro is the perfect free event for family and friends. Starting at 3pm, the festival presents an outstanding musical lineup and features a range of music, dance, and live performances in English and Spanish. There's also a children’s area with an inflatable city, Lucha Libre, interactive children’s activities, face painting, and more to keep everyone busy before the fireworks display.

Parking: Limited free street and surrounding residential areas

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