SAN DIEGO — Parades, festivals, and, of course, fireworks!
San Diego County has no shortage of patriotic festivities to help you celebrate the Fourth of July. Many city-run celebrations are free, annual events that have become community traditions.
There are also plenty of fireworks displays to choose from, ensuring you'll be able to see a fireworks show, or even a few, no matter where you're celebrating.
Here is a list of events across San Diego County for the Fourth of July.
Big Bay Boom
The biggest fireworks show in San Diego will light up the bay with an 18-minute choreographed display. The fireworks are discharged from barges around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Marina District and Coronado Ferry Landing.
"Red, White & Boom!" at Legoland
This family-friendly event includes treats, activities, DJ Dance parties and a Lego fireworks display. All Fourth of July activities are included with regular park admission.
The "Bricktastic Firework Show" starts at 8:45 p.m. Visit Legoland's website for more information.
SeaWorld's 4th of July Celebration
SeaWorld will put on an extended fireworks display at 9 p.m. July 3 and July 4. On the Fourth of July, SeaWorld also offers special themed shows and unique animal encounters. Fireworks are included with a day pass.
For summer, the theme park has a new Enchanted Wonders Fireworks spectacular, nightly through Aug 11. The fireworks start 10 minutes before the park closes.
Coronado's 75th Annual Parade
Coronado has a full day of events planned, starting with a 5k and 12k before a parade, aerial demonstration by the Navy Leapfrogs, concerts and fireworks. The fireworks are set to start at 9 p.m. For a full list of events, visit coronadofourthofjuly.com.
Gaslamp Fourth of July events
Looking to start your Fourth of July celebrations early? Businesses in the Gaslamp Quarter will have a week of events. Visit the Gaslamp Quarter's website to get tickets.
Imperial Beach fireworks
The City of Imperial Beach will start setting off fireworks from the IB pier at around 9 p.m.
For the best view, pick a spot on the beach from Imperial Beach Boulevard to Palm Avenue, facing the end of Portwood Pier.
Del Mar Fair Fireworks Spectacular
The Del Mar Fair will set off fireworks around 9 p.m. from the Corona Grandstand Stage inside the fairgrounds. The fair opens at 11 a.m. on the Fourth of July, and the Grandstand for the show opens at 7 p.m.
Visit the fair's website to reserve a ticket.
Lake Murray Murray Music Fest and Fireworks show
Volunteers and community members are putting together the annual Lake Murray Music Fest and Fireworks show from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Lake Murray Community Park in San Carlos.
The event will feature several food vendors, bands and family-friendly games, including a daylong scavenger hunt.
Santee Lakes 4th of July Golf Cart/Bike Parade
Join in on Santee's Fourth of July parade by decorating your bike, golf cart or anything else you want! There will be prizes for best decor and a festive concert after the parade. The parade begins at 1 p.m.
Santee Salutes 2024
The City of Santee is hosting a free event with live music, food trucks, carnival rides, and more. The U.S. Marine Corps "Popular Music Group" will perform, and there will be a Patriotic Ceremony featuring the National Anthem and the Color Guard. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
El Cajon fireworks
The City of El Cajon will host activities including train rides and arts and crafts starting at 2 p.m. at Kennedy Park. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Scripps Ranch Run & Ride
This annual event in Scripps Ranch includes a 10k race, a 2 mile fun run and a few different options for bike rides. Entrance to a beer garden is free with registration, for participants 21 and up.
Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade
The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Scripps Ranch Hoyt Park. Residents are encouraged to dress up in themed costumes or decorate a vehicle representing their neighborhood.
Ramona July 4th Family Picnic & Fireworks Show
Entrance to Ramona's Fourth of July celebration at Olive Peirce Middle School starts at 4 p.m. Visit the Ramona Chamber of Commerce's website to see a full list of food vendors, entertainment and games. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Julian 4th of July Parade
Julian residents line up on Main Streets to wave flags, support marching bands and salute the Marine Color Guard. The parade has been a tradition for more than 20 years. Visit the parade's website for more information.
Chula Vista 4th Fest
This fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. Gates for this free event open at 7 p.m.
The Spirit of the Fourth Rancho Bernardo
The 55th annual fair, parade, concert and fireworks in Rancho Bernardo is a full-day event starting at 9 a.m. at Webb Park. Evening events and fireworks will be at Rancho Bernardo High School, starting at 6 p.m.
During the fair, check out the Larry Himmel Patriotic Pet Contest, hosted by the Rancho Bernardo Community Council. See classic and vintage cars in the Wheels of Freedom Motor Show, and watch the parade at 3:30 p.m.
Vista Independence Day Celebration
The City of Vista's 56th Annual Independence Day Celebration opens at 7 a.m. at Brengle Terrace Park. Admission for live music at the Moonlight Amphitheater costs $5.
Escondido Independence Day
Escondido will host its 59th Annual Independence Day Festival at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. Expect live music, food trucks, an artisan market, crafts and games, and a fireworks display.
Red, White & Boom in San Marcos
San Marcos' Fourth of July celebration starts at 5 p.m. at Bradley Park. Plan to bring beach chairs or blankets for lawn seating. Entertainment starts at 6 p.m., and fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration in Poway
Poway will celebrate the Fourth of July "turn-of-the-20th-century-style" at Old Poway Park. Starting at 10 a.m., expect patriotic entertainment, western reenactors, crafts, old-fashioned games and more.
Old Town Fourth of July
For another old fashioned Fourth of July option, check out Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Visitors will celebrate with games, crafts and live music, all resembling how San Diegans would celebrate independence in the 1800s.
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