Entertainment & Events

Where to watch fireworks this weekend

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Downtown's annual "Big Bay" fireworks display (from "TallCJ" via Flikr)

Downtown's annual "Big Bay" fireworks display (from "TallCJ" via Flikr)

Happy 4th of July weekend San Diego! Here’s a listing of the fireworks displays that will be happening around San Diego County this weekend to celebrate America’s 233rd birthday:

Public Transportation

  • MTS will have expanded service on all three Trolley lines until at least one hour after the end of the fireworks
    • Includes late Green Line into Santee
  • Some buses will also have extra service (e.g. 901 to Coronado, 30 to PB and La Jolla)
  • REMEMBER – with the exception of extra holiday service, public transportation will be on a Sunday schedule for July 3rd and a Saturday schedule for July 4!!

San Diego Metro Area

Coronado – Glorietta Bay

  • Fireworks begin at 9 pm
  • Orange Avenue and Glorietta
  • Set to 96.5 KYXY
  • Prime locations:
    • Coronado Golf Course
    • Silver Strand beach
  • Parking:
    • Very difficult!  Come early in the day to get a spot
  • Important info:
    • PATIENCE! Getting off Coronado afterward will probably take at least an hour

Downtown – Annual Big Bay Boom

  • Fireworks begin at 9 pm
  • Fireworks discharged simultaneously from four different  barges around the bay
    • Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero and Seaport Village
  • Set to music from 105.7 “The Walrus”
  • www.thebigbay.com
  • Televised on FOX 5 and COX 4
  • Prime viewing locations:
    • Boat or land at Shelter Island
    • Harbor Island
    • North Embarcadero
    • Seaport Village/Coronado Landing
  • CROWDED!
  • Best ways to get there:
    • Old Town Trolley – provides free shuttle service for Shelter Island and Harbor Island viewing
    • Shelter Island Shuttle
      • Corner of Carleton street adjacent to West Marine (do NOT park on West Marine!  Street parking only!)
      • Drop-off and return pick-up in front of Shelter Island gazebo
    • Harbor Island Shuttle
      • Park in Port Administration building parking lot (3165 Pacific Highway) or Port employee lot (southwest corner of Pacific Highway and Sassafras)
      • Pick-up at Port of San Diego Administration building
      • Drop-off and return – Harbor Island Park
    • Last shuttle from the islands at 11 pm!
    • San Diego Harbor by Trolley or downtown buses
      • Harbor Drive north of Broadway – prime viewing locations easily accessible by MTS
  • Parking:
    • Lots open at 5 pm, free shuttles to Shelter and Harbor Islands
    • Paid parking lots also available

Del Mar Fairgrounds

  • Fireworks begin at 9 pm
  • Included with Fair admission
  • Grand finale
  • Performance by Smokey Robinson

Mission Bay – Sea World – Shamu’s SkySplash

  • Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm (all weekend, July 3-5)
  • Located at 500 Sea World Drive
  • Prime viewing locations:
    • Along Crown Point
    • Kate Sessions Memorial Park in North Pacific Beach
    • Around Sea World and Mission Bay area
    • A friend’s unobstructed balcony!

La Jolla – “Lights Over the Cove”

  • Fireworks begin at 9 pm
  • Prime locations to watch:
    • La Jolla Cove
    • Scripps Park
    • La Jolla Shores
  • Parking:
    • Unregulated all day, no time limits
    • But come early to ensure a spot!

Mira Mesa – Gil Johnson Recreation Center

  • Fireworks begin at 9 pm
  • Located at 8575 New Salem Street
  • Following a full day of festivities
  • Set to 96.5 KYXY
  • Prime viewing locations:
    • Mira Mesa Park and Rec Center, Mira Mesa HS parking lot
    • Locals like to park in the Target parking lot, and watch from there, having a mini “tailgate” party
  • Parking:
    • Mira Mesa HS
    • Mira Mesa Park

Mission Bay – Mission Bay Yacht Club

  • Display begins at 9 pm
  • Located at 1251 Carmel Place – West Mission Bay
  • Fireworks following boat parade
  • Prime viewing locations:
    • Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, a friend’s balcony
  • Parking:
    • Virtually impossible – visitors camp out starting very early
    • Arrive early, and be ready for a LONG wait to exit the bay area
    • Parking available to Yacht Club Members

Ocean Beach – Pier

  • Located at the foot of Niagara Avenue
  • Fireworks begin 9 pm
  • Simulcast to SOPHIE 103.7
  • Prime locations:
    • Ocean Beach shoreline, Sunset Cliffs, Dog Beach, a friend’s balcony
  • Parking:
    • Street parking free, but paid parking will be available near show time

Mission Bay – Paradise Point Resort

  • Fireworks begin at 9 pm on July 3rd
  • Located at 1404 Vacation Road, Mission Bay
  • Part of the 9th annual “All American BBQ and Fireworks Extravaganza”
    • $59 for adults, $25 for kids (12 and under)

East County

Santee – Town Center Community Park Ballfields

  • Fireworks begin at 9 pm
  • Located at 9400 Cuyamaca Street
  • Parking:
    • Limited parking on-site, but parking and shuttles available at Costco and the Aquatics Center

Spring Valley

  • Fireworks begin at 9 pm
  • Located in Spring Valley Swap Meet parking lot (8735 Jamacha Blvd.)
  • Prime location to watch – Spring Valley park
    • Arrive early to find parking!

La Mesa – Lake Murray

  • Fireworks begin at 9:15 pm
  • Follows an all-day Music Festival

El Cajon – Kennedy Park

  • Fireworks begin at 9 pm
  • Located at 1675 East Madison Avenue
  • Set to KYXY 96.5

Ramona – Olive Peirce Middle School

  • Fireworks begin at 9 pm
  • Follows evening festivities
  • Located at 1521 Hanson Lane
  • Set to music on KYXY 96.5

North County

Rancho Bernardo – Webb Lake Park

  • Fireworks begin at 9 pm
  • Located at Webb Lake Park – 11000 Avena Place
  • Follows annual Rancho Bernardo “Spirit of the 4th Festival & Parade”
  • Set to 96.5 KYXY

San Marcos – Bradley Park

  • Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm
  • Follows celebration during the day
  • Located 465 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road
  • Set to 96.5 KYXY

Vista – Brengle Terrace Park

  • Fireworks begin at 9 pm
  • Located at 1200 Vale Terrace Drive
  • Follows daylong festivities
  • Parking:
    • Parking $5/car
    • Free parking and shuttle from Vista High School (1 Panther Way)
  • Set to 96.5 KYXY

Camp Pendleton – Del Mar Beach

  • Fireworks begin at 9 pm
  • Follows afternoon Beach Bash
  • Located at 321 N. Broadway
  • Set to 96.5 KYXY

Carlsbad – Legoland

  • Fireworks begin at 8:30 pm
  • Included with admission

Escondido – Grape Day Park

  • Fireworks begin 9 pm
  • Located at 340 N. Escondido Blvd.

Poway – Poway High School Stadium

  • Fireworks begin at 9 pm
  • Located at 15500 Espola Road
  • Event from 7 – 10pm
  • Tickets $2, children under 11 accompanied by an adult are free!

South Bay

National City – Kimball Park

  • Fireworks begin at 9 pm
  • Located at 12th Street and D Avenue

Miscellaneous Fireworks Stuff

Downtown – Maritime Museum of San Diego

  • Located at 1492 N. Harbor Drive
  • Fireworks cruise aboard the Californian
  • Ages 7+
  • Tickets are $65
  • Check in at 6:15 pm sharp

Downtown – Hornblower Cruises & Events

  • Located at 1066 N. Harbor Drive
  • Dinner cruise and fireworks viewing, plus live music
  • Board at 6:30 pm sharp
  • Adults, $125, discount for kids 4-12

Downtown – Yacht America

  • Sunset and fireworks sail
  • Located at 1050 N. Harbor Drive
  • Departs at 6 pm
  • Traditional picnic fair, BYO alcohol
  • Adults $125, kids 12 and under $80

Downtown – USS Midway Museum, Embarcadero

  • Event begins at 6 pm
  • Bring aboard picnics
  • Live music all night
  • Limited tickets — adults $10, kids $5

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