The 4th of July is one of those holidays where our town can feel like you’re in old-fashioned Main Street, USA. You can barbecue, talk with locals, catch a small parade and then end the evening with a spectacular fireworks display. Starting at 9pm, San Diego’s skies light up in all directions with different firework shows along the shore. Before then, however, here are a few of our highlights for what to do. . .
Small towns across the US will be having local 4th of July parades, and even though San Diego is a massive city, if you take the short drive to Coronado Island, than you too can participate in this tradition. Based on how popular this parade is, Coronado suggests you get there early to reserve your spot on Orange Ave, and bike or walk as much as possible (parking is going to be sparse). This is a military town, so expect precise and exceptional marching bands and poignant floats.
If you haven’t checked out this year’s San Diego County Fair, than Saturday is a great day to go. Patriotic festivities kick off at 10:30am with the Stars, Stripes, and Stems Floral Design Contest and family-oriented fun like, the pie-eating contest at noon, go until the 9:00pm fireworks. Comedian and actor Dana Carvey will be performing as the light show winds down at 9:30pm. And, if you wear your red, white and blues you might win the ‘Most Patriotic Costume’ contest.
What can be more all-American than a barbecue at the beach? Many of our shores are dotted with fire pits ready to cook hot dogs, s’mores, or veggie shish kabobs. Fire pits are first come first serve with a few basic rules (fires are permitted from 5am to 12midnight; fires must be extinguished when you leave; you can only burn charcoal, wood, and paper products). Here is a brief list of some of our favorite beaches and beach-side parks (and, no surprise, most of them are in Mission Bay):
La Jolla Shore is a perfect spot to spend a whole day. Not only does it have fire pits, but also a grassy park area, picnic tables, a playground, volleyball area, restrooms, and showers.
Ski Beach in Mission Bay doesn’t allow swimming but it does offer a boat launch, a grassy area with a picnic tables, and of course, fire rings.
Crown Point Shores Park Beach, also in Mission Bay, has picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire rings, and an outdoor rinsing station right next to the water.
Sunset Point Park (Mission Bay) sits across from Vacation Isle and has a panoramic view of Mission Bay. Lined with tall palm trees, this beachside park has fire rings, picnic tables and a paved path for bike riding.
Fiesta Island is a man-made island at the heart of Mission Bay with 37 fire rings along the shore line. The south side of the island is a lease-free dog zone, however we should mention there are no public restrooms on the island.
The fire pits in Ocean Beach are popular thanks to the beach’s relaxed vibe (as we’ve mentioned before), and their reputation for being very dog friendly.
The beach on Coronado Island has fire pits ready to BBQ on, volleyball courts, a snack bar, and public restrooms. They are also known for having one of the cleanest shorelines in California.
San Diego has the gift of being a large city that feels like a sweet, small town. From Oceanside to San Diego Bay (with Ocean Beach, Mission Bay, Harbor Island, and La Jolla in between!), you can’t miss the fireworks display this year. So pack a picnic, grab your bike (to avoid traffic) and plan to soak up the sun and then enjoy the fireworks that night. Here at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals, we can’t wait to celebrate this great country we live in and our great town!
