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.
Mission Bay will be the perfect place to set up camp during the 4th of July, with convenient vacation rentals scattered all over Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Mission Bay. If going out on Monday evening is too overwhelming you can always catch a glimpse of some of these shows from the comfort of your vacation rental home. Either way, this is going to be an exciting year to spend by the sea.
Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner and San Diego is
already preparing for a week’s worth of fun.
There will be the annual celebrations and activities that we mentioned last year, such as the Poway Cinco de Mayo Trail Run on May 7th, and
the Fiesta Cinco de Mayo in Old Town from May 6th to the 8th. There will
also be plenty of celebrating in some of San Diego’s best Mexican
restaurants. This week we’ve highlighted
our top three picks for where to go and what to eat.
Along with the three-day Cinco de Mayo festival in Old Town, Casa Guadalajara, one of the most popular eateries in the area, will celebrate the Mexican holiday with mariachis and folkloric dancers on May 2nd, 3rd, and of course, the 5th. Other restaurants in the area, such as Casa de Pico, Casa de Bandini, and Casa Sol Y Mar will also be hosting mariachis and dancers on the 5th.
Casa Guadalajara is an award-winning authentic Mexican
restaurant with entrees from different regions in Mexico. The colorful décor and roaming mariachis will
make you feel like you’ve been transported to the vibrant city of Guadalajara
itself. They are known for their
enormous portions (come hungry!) and homemade tortillas. Not only are they generous with their
entrees, visitors will also be treated to their famous never-ending chips and
salsa, so be sure and pace yourself. Due
to its popularity, Casa Gudalajara can get crowded, and we recommend making
reservations for weekend evenings.
Located downtown across from Seaport Village, Puesto at The Headquarters is hosting “Cincoteca Dos,” touted as “Not Your Madre’s Cinco de
Mayo Fiesta.” Taking place in the
restaurant’s outdoor space, Cincoteca is going to be a mini-music festival with
genres ranging from modern mariachi to Mexican dance hits. The fun starts on the 5th at 3:30 PM
and runs until 10:00 PM. There will be
specials on their signature margaritas and beers, and while you’re there you
might as well order one of their famous tacos.
Speaking of their famous food, if you can’t make it for the
party, we highly recommend a visit to try their innovative take on Mexican
fare. We’ve highlighted Puesto before
just based on their aguas frescas, but their tacos might be the real star. Taco Tuesday is such a popular night, waits
can exceed one hour, but the employees will do their best to accommodate you,
even if that means ordering and eating on the patio. It’s hard to pick a favorite taco from their
menu, but you can’t go wrong with the Maine Lobster, Filet Mignon, or Tuna Asada
tacos. The airy bi-level restaurant
serves food that’s as fresh as their décor.
Another trendy and equally delicious restaurant hosting a
party on the 5th is Coasterra and their Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. Enjoy the spectacular views of San Diego Bay
and Downtown, while listening to live music and DJ. Don’t miss the specials on margaritas, Baja
wines, craft Mexican beers, and appetizers. The party gets started at 4:30 PM
and winds down at 11:00 PM.
Coasterra prides itself on modern Mexican dishes and the
contemporary vibe is also reflected in the stunning architecture and design. There are plenty of tasty options on the
menu, but the guacamole (made at your table), Ahi Tuna Tostada, and Enchiladas
de Mariscos (shrimp) can’t be beat. Without
reservations, there can be a long wait during dinner hours, but outdoor and bar
seating is available as first come, first serve and usually you can snag a seat
pretty fast. Be sure and get there for
sunset and watch the sky change color and the buildings slowly light up. The food is great, but the view of the water
and the city will steal the show. We
suggest taking advantage of the $7 valet parking, as parking can be limited in
the evening.
Just stop by any one of these restaurants, whether on Cinco
de Mayo or any other day, and you’ll see why San Diego is famous for its
Mexican cuisine. Book a stay with us at
Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and then start booking reservations at these
incredible eateries. Your stomach will
thank you!
