With the largest fireworks display in all of California, San Diego throws an unmatched 4th of July celebration. Here are the best ways to experience San Diego’s Big Boom Fireworks Show.
Experiencing San Diego’s Big Boom Fireworks Show
What to do During the Day
Before the boom, take the day to explore San Diego. The city has several cool neighborhoods, plus an array of beautiful beaches. Throughout town, there will be a handful of celebrations and festivities. One great way to start the day is to go to Old Town, where there will be a mix of games, music, and crafts at Old Town State Park. This celebration takes place from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. With a great central location and several good restaurants, Old Town is a perfect place to start the day. From there, you can either head downtown or cruise to one of San Diego’s many great beaches.
We recommend renting a boat or kayak along Mission Bay and taking a cruise during the day. There are several companies to choose from, and each one has different offerings and prices. We recommend the Mission Bay Sports Center! Nothing says the 4th of July like spending the morning out on the water with friends. Once you’ve wrapped up on the water, hit up Belmont Park for rollercoaster rides and games.
Where to see the Big Boom Fireworks Show
San Diego’s stretch of coastline makes for a perfect place to relax and watch the fireworks show. With the largest fireworks show in California, San Diego does not fail to deliver on the 4th of July. The city strategically places barges around the Bay to ensure a full display of fireworks for everyone in San Diego. The barges are located off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Marina District, and Coronado Ferry Landing.
If you can score a spot on a boat, or have a few friends to split a rental with, we highly recommend being out on the water for this fireworks show! There’s no better way to get a full look at the wonderful fireworks display than by being on the water. Make sure to practice boating safety, and always have a sober driver.
Other Fireworks Shows in San Diego
Aside from the Big Boom, there will be a fireworks display above SeaWorld on the 4th of July. This new event has a mix of live music and choreographed fireworks, making it a special addition to the big day. Fireworks start right after sundown, so plan your day accordingly.
With so many options to choose from for accommodations, we recommend staying in Mission Beach. This strip of shoreline is home to the famous Belmont Park, plus a handful of great shops and restaurants. For some great tacos, we recommend hitting up Sara’s Mexican Restaurant.
Our ITH Backpacker Hostel is a perfect place to spend the night. Just steps from the beach and Belmont Park, our hostel has everything you need for your stay. We offer a free pancake breakfast every morning and nightly events.
Want to know more places to watch the fireworks? Check out this video!
Make sure to join our ITH Traveler’s Club before booking your stay. This free program is an easy way to save money on all future bookings at ITH properties.
