This year, Independence Day lands on a Friday, and San Diego is going all out. From coastal displays to inland celebrations, here are our top picks for fireworks shows and 4th of July parties happening around the county in 2025.
1. Big Bay Boom (July 4 at 9pm) - This is the largest Independence Day display in the county, with fireworks launched from four barges situated around North San Diego Bay. The show can be viewed from Harbor Island, Shelter Island, Mission Bay, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village/Coronado Landing and many other areas along the bay. Hopefully the fireworks don't go off all at once like they did in 2012! If you cannot make it out to catch the show, watch live by tuning into Fox 5 (San Diego) or KTLA 5 (Los Angeles), and listen to the musical simulcast on FM 91x.
2. SeaWorld Fireworks (July 3-6 at 8:50pm) - Once upon a time, SeaWorld San Diego lit up the sky nearly every night during the summer months, but its Independence Day fireworks have always been extra explosive. Grab a spot on the sand along Mission Bay for this one. It takes place right before the Big Bay Boom begins so you can enjoy two-for-one. SeaWorld’s Fourth of July Celebration will run from July 3 through July 6, with nightly fireworks and activities included with park admission.
3. San Diego County Fair 4th of July Celebration (July 4 at 9pm) - Head to Del Mar Fairgrounds for one of the last days of the 2025 San Diego County Fair and enjoy one of our area's top fireworks shows. What better place is there to spend Independence Day than at the San Diego County Fair? Highlighting the day will be the traditional fireworks display, which will be visible throughout the fairgrounds. This year also includes pet adoptions in partnership with San Diego Humane Society. Reserved seating for the show is available at the Corona Grandstand Stage.
4. La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club 4th of July Drone Show (July 4 at 9pm) - La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club will host a 500-drone show, viewable from Kellogg Park, from 9-9:30pm. The 4th of July Drone Show at La Jolla Shores features hundreds of drones soaring 350 feet above the shoreline, creating bursts of patriotic imagery. Prime viewing is at the south end of Kellogg Park, but great vantage points include La Jolla Shores Beach and La Jolla Cove.
5. 4th of July Celebration in Coronado (All day on July 4) - Coronado's 4th of July celebration offers a full day of activities, starting with a fun run in the morning, then a parade down Orange Avenue at 10am, followed by a concert in Spreckels Park at 4pm, with the fireworks over Glorietta Bay starting at 9pm. The traffic is going to be heavy for this one, so consider taking the ferry over from downtown San Diego to Coronado. Expect Star Wars photo ops, the Navy Leap Frogs skydiving, and a headline performance by Detroit Underground at 5:45pm.
6. Escondido Independence Day Festival & Fireworks (July 4 at 4-9:30pm) - Taking place at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, join more than 25,000 festival-goers for the 60th annual Independence Day Festival & Fireworks display at this free to attend event. The party includes an artisan market, food trucks, a craft beer garden, arts & crafts, games, and, of course, fireworks.
7. El Cajon 4th of July Picnic & Fireworks (July 4 at 3-9pm) - El Cajon's 4th of July celebration takes over Kennedy Park at 1675 East Madison Avenue. Picnic at the park and enjoy sunny San Diego East County, with food, games, prizes, kiddie train rides and fireworks starting at 9pm. DJ Danny will be spinning live before the fireworks.
6. Escondido Independence Day Festival & Fireworks (July 4 at 4-9:30pm) - Taking place at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, join more than 25,000 festival-goers for the 60th annual Independence Day Festival & Fireworks display at this free to attend event. The party includes an artisan market, food trucks, a craft beer garden, arts & crafts, games, and, of course, fireworks.
7. El Cajon 4th of July Picnic & Fireworks (July 4 at 3-9pm) - El Cajon's 4th of July celebration takes over Kennedy Park at 1675 East Madison Avenue. Picnic at the park and enjoy sunny San Diego East County, with food, games, prizes, kiddie train rides and fireworks starting at 9pm. DJ Danny will be spinning live before the fireworks.
8. Almost Nakey Freedom Fest (July 5 from 2-10pm) - For the 5th year, San Diego's wildest 4th of July weekend bash returns to the iconic Belmont Park, promising the biggest party of Independence Day weekend. Almost Nakey Freedom Fest combines a stacked music lineup, outrageous inflatables, and red-white-and-booty-shakin’ freedom all set along the Mission Beach boardwalk. This year’s mainstage is headlined by hip-hop legend Nelly, whose mega-hits like "Hot in Herre", "Dilemma", and "Ride Wit Me" helped define a generation. Promo code SDVILLE saves on tickets.
9. 4th of July Fireworks Viewing Party at USS Midway (July 4 at 9pm) – Take in the Big Bay Boom from the flight deck of the historic USS Midway Museum aircraft carrier in downtown San Diego. This event features live entertainment and family-friendly activities. Lawn chairs or blankets are welcome, but tickets will sell out fast.
10. Red, White and BOOM! at Legoland California (July 4 at 8:30pm) - Bring the entire family and spend the day enjoying over 60 rides, shows and attractions, as well as some all-American picnic games like burlap races, water-balloon tosses, the Family Build Challenge and Lego Hamburger relay. Finish the day with an awe-inspiring fireworks display set to patriotic music. Grab your special 3D firework viewing glasses to transform the fireworks into a show you will never forget!
11. Padres Independence Day Party In The Park (July 4 at 3:40pm) - Head to Petco Park as the San Diego Padres take on the Texas Rangers and enjoy a special star-spangled Party in the Park featuring $5 drink specials in a festive atmosphere in Gallagher Square.
12. Mission Bay 4th of July Family Fireworks Cruise (July 4 from 7:30-10pm) - Departing from the Bahia Resort Hotel, this family-friendly cruise on Mission Bay offers a scenic evening complete with a live band, DJ, photo booth, and cash bar. Enjoy front-row views of SeaWorld’s fireworks show from the water. Boarding is from 7:30–8:00pm; the boat returns to the Bahia at 10:00pm. Tickets are $67.66 for general admission, or opt for discounted Family or Friends Packs. Reservations required.
13. Chula Vista 4th Fest (July 4 at 9pm) - Enjoy free July 4th fireworks at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center (previously the U.S. Olympic Training Center), set to a custom soundtrack heard only on Amor 102.9. Gates open at 7pm for public viewing. No alcohol, smoking, drones, animals, tents, umbrellas, or skateboards are allowed on the USOTC campus and vehicles and pedestrians will be searched upon entry. Parking is free with only 600 parking spots. There is also free parking along Olympic Parkway and Lake Crest Drive.
14. Poway's An Old Fashioned Fourth of July & Fireworks (July 4 at 9pm) - Head to Old Poway Park and celebrate the country’s independence "turn-of-the-20th-century-style". This all-day event will feature patriotic entertainment, western re-enactments, free crafts, model train displays, and old-fashioned games. Tasty treats and train rides will be available for a nominal fee. Then as the sun sets, get ready to enjoy spectacular fireworks as they light up the sky over Poway Sportsplex with a $6 entrance fee. Games, activities, and a DJ spinning the tunes round out the fun.
15. 4th of July: America In Song With The San Diego Symphony Orchestra (July 4 at 7:30pm) - Head to San Diego's iconic The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park for a special Independence Day concert with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra spreading patriotic spirit. Expect songs like the Gershwin's’ "Summertime," Bob Dylan’s "The Times They Are a-Changin’", Dolly Parton’s "Coat of Many Colors," the Louis Armstrong classic "Basin Street Blues," Paul Simon’s "American Tune" and many more.
16. City Cruises San Diego 4th of July Signature Dinner Cruise (July 4 from 7-10pm) - A great way to celebrate Independence Day, City Cruises offers front row views to the Big Bay Boom, plus a massive dinner buffet, full bar, live DJ entertainment, and various upgrades. This is a great time at a good value for less than $200 per person including unlimited food and drinks.
17. Vista Independence Day Celebration (July 4 at 9pm) - Taking place at Moonlight Amphitheatre in Brengle Terrace Park, the annual celebration includes a Fun Filled 4th Dinner, a military heroes salute and a live performance from The Cassie B Project, followed by a fireworks show. Admission to the Moonlight Amphitheatre is $5 per person. Children five and under, active and retired military and their immediate family receive free admission to the Moonlight Amphitheatre.
18. Santee Salutes 4th of July Celebration (July 4 at 2-10pm) - An all-day event with live music, a patriotic ceremony, a food garden and a kid's fun zone will end with a firework show. The event takes place at Town Center Community Park from 2-10pm and parking is $10 per car with no in and out privileges.
19. Rancho Bernardo's The Spirit of the 4th (July 4 at 9pm) - After an entire day of fun at the community fair at Webb Park in Rancho Bernardo, end the holiday with fireworks at Rancho Bernardo High School. A $10 donation is requested for entry.
20. Imperial Beach Independence Day Fireworks (July 4 at 9pm) - Gather your friends and family, bring a picnic or grab a snack from neighboring businesses, then spread your beach blanket early to claim some space and catch all the action at the IB Pier. Tune to KyXy 96.5 FM for a synced soundtrack.
19. Rancho Bernardo's The Spirit of the 4th (July 4 at 9pm) - After an entire day of fun at the community fair at Webb Park in Rancho Bernardo, end the holiday with fireworks at Rancho Bernardo High School. A $10 donation is requested for entry.
20. Imperial Beach Independence Day Fireworks (July 4 at 9pm) - Gather your friends and family, bring a picnic or grab a snack from neighboring businesses, then spread your beach blanket early to claim some space and catch all the action at the IB Pier. Tune to KyXy 96.5 FM for a synced soundtrack.
21. San Marcos Fireworks Extravaganza (July 4 at 9pm) - Head to Bradley Park in San Marcos and enjoy live music by Republic of Music, as well as carnival games, jumpers, food vendors, and a fireworks display.
22. Julian 4th of July Parade (July 4 from 9am-12pm) - Head to Main Street in historic Julian for a parade featuring history, a pie eating contest, live music, raffles, and even a vintage airplane flyover.
23. 54th Annual Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade (July 4 at 10am) - Get ready to celebrate one of Scripps Ranch’s most cherished traditions! The parade kicks off from Red Cedar Drive and Ironwood Road and cruises through the neighborhood to Aviary Drive at Canyon Lake Drive. This year’s patriotic theme, "Life is a Highway," invites residents, businesses, and community groups to join the fun - whether walking, dancing, driving, or performing along the route.
24. Mister A’s 4th of July Spectacular (July 4 from 6:30–9pm) - Enjoy a four-course dinner and rooftop views of the Big Bay Boom fireworks at this Bankers Hill favorite, just as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. A premium $145 prix-fixe menu includes seasonal dishes like Chino Farm corn chowder, smoked salmon tater tots, prime 8 ounce filet of steak Diane, and much more, as well as prime skyline views.
25. Ramona July 4th Family Picnic & Fireworks Show (9pm) - Presented by the Ramona Kiwanis, Ramona Rotary and Ramona Chamber of Commerce, this event begins on the back field behind Olive Peirce Middle School (1521 Hanson Lane) starting at 4pm. Bring your chairs & blankets and settle in for a fun time! Fireworks donations are accepted online, and by check to the Ramona Chamber of Commerce office.
27. Oceanside's 136th Anniversary & Independence Fireworks Show (July 3, 9pm) - Taking place at SoCal Soccer Complex at El Corazon on Rancho del Oro Road, this year's event will feature live entertainment, a family fun zone with inflatables, a picnic area, and food vendors. No alcohol or dogs are permitted at this free, family-friendly event. Bring a beach chair!
On the morning after 4th of July, Saturday, July 5, there will be a big mess to clean up, and the Surfrider Foundation San Diego County Chapter will be leading the cleanup efforts! Join in on Surfrider's Morning After Mess Cleanup from 9am-12pm at one of the many hosted locations - Oceanside Beach, Moonlight Beach, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Fiesta Island, OB Dog Beach & Estuary, Ocean Beach, Seaport Village and Imperial Beach.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy and safe 4th of July, as well as an amazing summer!
Originally published on June 20, 2025.
