Cue that patriotic playlist. Independence Day is coming and the skies across San Diego County will light up with colorful fireworks displays. We’ve rounded up 15 spectacular, sparkly shows — most start around 9 p.m. Boom, we’ve got you.
Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom, San Diego Bay
Billed as “California’s largest fireworks show,” prime viewing locations include Shelter and Harbor islands, North Embarcadero, Marina District, and Coronado Ferry Landing. Pro tip: Take public transit — peep MTS’ expanded Trolley service.
Each year, the San Diego County Fair closes out its season with a big Fourth of July fireworks show.
Photo via Fred Greaves + San Diego County Fair
Fireworks Spectacular, San Diego County Fair
Fair season will go out with a bang at this show over the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Pro tip: Opt for reserved seats starting at $20.
Chula Vista 4th Fest, Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
All that glitters is gold at this free community event featuring food trucks and fireworks — in a world-class Olympic training facility, no less.
Poway Fireworks, Poway High School Stadium
Have a blast with family-friendly games and a DJ spinning tunes, 6-10 p.m. Admission is $5 at the gate; kids 11 and under get in free.
Santee Salutes, Town Center Community Park East
This free festival starts at 2 p.m., culminating with a patriotic fireworks show. Pro tip: Purchase parking in advance.
Big Bay Boom in 2022.
Photo via @rolfolsenphoto
🎆 More July 4 fireworks:
- Lake Murray Fireworks and Music Fest, Lake Murray
- 4th of July Independence Day Fireworks Show, Imperial Beach
- Star-Spangled Extravaganza, Kennedy Park, El Cajon
- The Spirit of the Fourth, Rancho Bernardo High School
- Red, White and Boom, Bradley Park, San Marcos
- Independence Day Fireworks, Grape Day Park, Escondido
- Coronado Fireworks Over Glorietta Bay, near Stingray Point
- Independence Day Celebration, Brengle Terrace Park, Vista
- July 4th Picnic + Fireworks, Olive Peirce Middle School, Ramona
Want to celebrate early? Head to SoCal Sports Complex for the Oceanside Fireworks Show or Fireworks on Mission Bay at Mission Bay Yacht Club (if enough money for the show is raised) — both on Monday, July 3, 9 p.m.
Drone Shows
Not in the mood for traditional fireworks this Fourth of July? There are two patriotic drone shows in San Diego on the holiday, too.
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club teamed with San Diego-based Drone Studios and will deploy a fleet of 100 drones above the shoreline. The free, synchronized performance begins at 8:45 p.m. and can be seen from various locations — but Kellogg Park is a prime viewing spot.
This year, the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association announced the LUMINOSITY drone show will replace the community’s fireworks display — which ended in 2018 due to structural damage to the OB Pier. A fleet of 300 aircraft will soar into the sky starting at 9:05 p.m., with viewing sites in OB and Point Loma.
Drone shows are fun, zero-emission celebrations that don’t have the loud noises that tend to scare pets. Viewing sites may allow dogs, but expect crowds and noises from other nearby fireworks.
