Fireworks and the 4th of July go together like San Diego and sunny skies. This year you won't be able to look up into the night's sky without seeing a fantastic display of pyrotechnics. On Monday, July 4th, we've got you covered for where to go and what to see.
For those who might want a little more history in their observance of America's Independence, head to Historic Old Town for "An 1800s Fourth of July." From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Old Town will be hosting a slew of activities that will date back to the early 19th century, back when Old Town was actually the new part of town. A brass band will begin the festivities followed by patriotic speeches and a flag raising ceremony. There will be a parade around the plaza and historical crafts, games, and contests that all date back over 200 years. Join in the egg toss, cow chip throwing (yes, that kind of cow chip!), cherry pit spitting, and a delicious pie eating contest. Park staff and volunteers will be dressed in period costumes and will be roaming the grounds to answer any questions or explain more about the history of the area.
San Diego usually has the latest in firework innovation and technology, which is yet another reason why our town is simply the best. Here are four different destinations you can chose to sit back and take in the electrifying light shows:
For those who want to spend the day in lovely La Jolla, you can hang out at the beach and then make your way to Ellen Browning Scripps Park for the celebration which will begin at 8:00 PM. This picturesque park will get crowded so we suggest arriving early to enjoy the sunset and then hang out for the fireworks, which begin at 9:00 PM.
Leave it to unique Ocean Beach to coordinate their firework show with music at a local radio station. There will be free parking through out the neighborhood, like at Main Beach Parking Lot and Ocean Beach Pier. Bring a picnic and a radio and tune into KyXy 96.5 at 9:00 PM to enjoy music to go along with the firework display, which will be shot off the pier. Check out their website HERE for more details on the fun.
The Maritime Museum will also be a great place to spend the afternoon exploring the different exhibits and then staying to watch the fireworks aboard one of their ships. They are offering a picnic dinner from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM ($35 for adults, $18 for children) and if you want to arrive right before the show starts there are discounted tickets for 8:30 PM entry ($10 for adults, $8 for children), so you can enjoy the fireworks while floating on a historic vessel.
The grand show stopper will be the "Big Bay Boom!" in downtown San Diego, the largest fireworks show in the county. This is a free event and to accommodate the crowds the Port of San Diego has set up free parking lots with a shuttle service to Harbor Island and Shelter Island. Fireworks will be lit simultaneously on barges placed in six different locations in San Diego Bay, creating a horseshoe display of booms and exploding lights. The show starts at 9:00 PM and will last for 17 minutes.
