Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, San Diego is everyone’s first choice for 4th of July celebrations. Even locals can’t think of anything better than relaxing with loved ones on a long stretch of sand and watching an extraordinary show of lights in the sky.

Below is a list of our favorite stretches of sand, spectacular fireworks shows around and places to watch the fireworks in San Diego.

Please note, firework displays and events are subject to change and cancellation.

San Diego

Annual Big Bay Boom July 4 Fireworks Show

Location: Multiple Locations along San Diego Bay

Time: 9:00 PM

Take in the largest display in the county, with fireworks launched from four barges strategically placed around North San Diego Bay, they can be seen from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero area and Seaport Village/Coronado Landing. Just find a place along the bay and you will not be disappointed

Sea to Shining Sea 4th of July Fireworks

Location: SeaWorld San Diego – 500 SeaWorld Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Time: Fireworks at 9:30 PM

SeaWorld San Diego is excited to light up the sky with an amazing fireworks extravaganza to celebrate the 4th of July.

Ocean Beach

Location: Ocean Beach Pier at the end of Newport Ave.

Time: 9:00 PM

Spend the day picnicking, swimming in the ocean, walking and playing in the sand and shopping along Newport Ave. Then bundle up as the sun sets and pull up a blanket for a really spectacular fireworks show launched from the OB Pier.

Old Town 4th of July

Location: Old Town State Historic Park

Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Parade, crafts and activities of early San Diego recreate an old fashioned Independence Day celebrated on the frontier. (no fireworks)

Coronado

4th of July Celebration in Coronado

Location: Various Locations on Coronado

Time: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Celebrate the 4th of July in the Crown City with a parade down Orange Avenue at 10:00 AM, a concert in Spreckels Park at 4:00 PM and fireworks over Glorietta Bay at 9:00 PM.

North Coastal

San Diego County Fair 4th of July Celebration

Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds – 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014

Time: Starts at 9:30 AM, Fireworks at 9:00 PM

Independence Day is one of the best days to come to the Fair, because they pull out all the stops with food, fireworks, entertainment and more.

Fourth of July Fireworks at La Jolla Cove

Location: Ellen Browning Scripps Park, 1180 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla, CA 92037

Time: 9:00 PM

After a day on the beautiful beaches of La Jolla, take in a spectacular set of fireworks with a picturesque background.

Red, White and BOOM!

Location: LEGOLAND California – One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Time: Fireworks at 8:30 PM

Take the whole family and spend the day enjoying over 60 rides, shows and attractions along with some all-American picnic games like burlap races and water-balloon tosses and then top it off with an awe-inspiring fireworks display set to patriotic music.

Rancho Santa Fe’s Annual 4th of July Parade & Picnic

Location: 16948 Avenida de Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091

Date: July 4, 2016

Time: 1:00 to 3:00 PM

Pack a few blankets and chairs for Rancho Santa Fe’s Annual 4th of July Parade & Picnic with live music, food, fun and more. (no fireworks)

Oceanside’s Independence Day Parade

Location: North on N Coast Hwy 101 from Wisconsin Ave to Civic Center Drive (just past City Hall)

Date: July 2, 2016

Time: 10:00 AM

Come see floats, bands, walking groups, cool cars and much more. The theme this year is “Legends and Legacies.” (no fireworks)

Oceanside Fireworks Show

Location: El Corazon Site at Rancho Del Oro Road

Date: July 3, 2016

Time: 6:00 to 10:00 PM

Start off your Independence Day celebration a day early by bringing a beach chair and the whole family to enjoy Oceanside Fireworks Show.

North Inland

Independence Day Festival & Fireworks

Location: California Center for the Arts, Escondido – 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025

Time: Starts at 4:00 PM, Fireworks at 9:00 PM

Join 20,000 patriotic festival-goers for the 53rd Annual Independence Day Festival & Fireworks with music, fabulous food vendors, and a wealth of children’s activities and games for everyone to enjoy.

Grand Tradition July 4th

Location: Grand Tradition – 220 Grand Tradition Way, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Time: Starts at 4:00 PM, Fireworks at 9:00 PM

Enjoy a day of live entertainment, dancing, kid friendly activities, Launch a Fire-Quacker, rides, food and drink, and fireworks!

Mira Mesa Fourth of July Celebration

Location: Mira Mesa Community Park, Mira Mesa Boulevard and New Salem Street, Mira Mesa

Time: Fireworks at 9:00 PM

Come early for the parade and family friendly activities and stay late for the fireworks.

An Old Fashioned Fourth of July and Fireworks

Location: Poway High School Stadium – 15500 Espola Road, Poway, CA 92064

Time: 7:00 to 10:00 PM

Following the Poway Old-Fashioned Fourth of July celebration at Old Poway Park (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM), head to Poway High School for music, more food, glow sticks and fireworks.

Rancho Bernardo’s The Spirit of the Fourth

Location: Webb Park – Avena Pl And Bernardo Center Dr, Rancho Bernardo, CA 92128

Time: 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM

It’s a whole day of fun in Rancho Bernardo with a pancake breakfast; a festival with food, music and games; a parade; and fireworks!

San Marcos 4th of July Celebration

Location: Bradley Park – 465 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078

Time: 6:00 to 9:00 PM

Carnival games, jumpers, food and fireworks!

Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade

Location: Scripps Ranch Hoyt Park – 10800 Canyon Lake Dr, San Diego, CA 92131

Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

As a spectator you can cheer on everyone who is in the parade. But, why not dress up as well and join in the fun? (no fireworks)

Vista Independence Day Celebration

Location: Moonlight Amphitheatre – 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, CA 92084

Time: 5:00 to 9:00 PM

Celebrate the 4th of July in Vista at the Moonlight Amphitheatre with live music, an honorary ceremony, family fun and fireworks!

Welk Resorts Independence Day Spectacular

Location: 8860 Lawrence Welk Dr, Escondido, CA 92026

Date: July 4, 2016

Time: 4:00 to 9:00 PM

Step Right Up! Spectacular! Spectacular! No words of the vernacular can describe this great event. You’ll be filled with wonderment! (no fireworks)

East County

El Cajon 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks

Location: Kennedy Park – 1675 East Madison Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92019

Time: 1:00 to 9:30 PM

Enjoy a picnic in sunny San Diego East County and stay for a spectacular fireworks show.

Julian 4th of July Parade

Location: Main Street, Julian, CA 92036

Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Julian presents a homegrown event that celebrates the town’s gold rush era history, the dedication of veterans and active duty military who serve our country, and local residents who cherish the special qualities of the little town tucked into the Cuyamaca Mountains east of San Diego. (no fireworks)

Santee Salutes

Location: Town Center Community Park East – 550 Park Center Drive, Santee, CA 92071

Time: 2:30 to 9:30 PM

Rock out with live music, a patriotic ceremony, kid’s fun zone and a spectacular fireworks display at Santee Salutes!

Ramona Rotary Community Fireworks and Family Picnic

Location: 1521 Hanson Lane, Ramona, CA 92065

Date: July 4, 2016

Time: 5:30 to 10:00 PM

It’s an unforgettable experience when the skies over Ramona explode with color during the annual Ramona Rotary Community Fireworks and Family Picnic on July 4. Old Glory proudly waves, as residents take time to celebrate the Independence Day holiday.

South Bay

Chula Vista 4th Fest

Location: 2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista, CA 91915

Date: July 4, 2016

Time: 9:00 PM

Fourth of July fireworks are back in Chula Vista! Free July 4th fireworks at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, set to a custom soundtrack.

National City’s 4th of July Carnival

Location: Kimball Park – D Ave & E 12th St, National City, CA 91950

Dates: June 30 – July 4, 2016

The National City Host Lions Club invite you to celebrate the 4th of July with a weekend long carnival complete with rides, games, food, fun and fireworks on the 4th of July at 9:00 PM!

Independence Day at the Border & Fireworks

Location: Larsen Field – Cesar Chavez Park – 4061 Camino de la Plaza, San Ysidro, CA 92173

Date: July 2, 2016

Time: 3:00 to 9:00 PM

Come and enjoy an Independence Day Celebration in San Ysidro complete with children’s inflated city, mechanical bulls, live music all day on multiple stages, drinks, food and fireworks!

Are we missing an event? Click here to let us know or just leave a comment below!