What to Do in San Diego for the 4th of July!

Happy Birthday America!

This 4th of July will be our great country’s 234th birthday.  Is that a cause for celebration, you betcha!  And what better place to celebrate it than right here in San Diego with the fireworks on the ocean.

You may be wondering where the free (free is such a good word) firework displays will be in San Diego.  Wonder no more!  Below is a list of free fireworks shows and ones that have a minimal fee for admittance.

Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show – a stunning display of fireworks lisghts up San Diego Bay.  Best viewing locations: Shelter Islad, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the Coronado Ferry Landing and the Imperial Beach Pier.  9 pm

Independence Day at San Diego County Fair – Games and rides!  The Hometown Heroes parade, exhibits, fireworks and performances by the the Navy Band Southwest and Joan Jett & Blackhearts.  10 am-10pm, fireworks at 9 pm.  Ages 5 and under free.  Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Red, White, and BOOM! – Come to Legoland California for all-American family picnic games, the Jumpitz music, and a fireworks show that blends tunes with dazzling pyrotechnics.  10 am – 9pm, fireworks 8.30 pm free with admission.

Ocean Beach Firework Off the Pier – Spectacular fireworks display off the Ocean Beach Pier with music from Sophie 103.7.  9 pm, free.

Happy Birthday America!  4th of July Fireworks Celebration – Indulge in the best views of fireworks on San Diego Bay with dinner, live music, photo opps with Abe Lincoln and a Maritime Museum rate.  7-9.30 pm $20-40.00

Patriotic Service & All-American Picnic – Attend a service saluting the military at 10.45 am, then enjoy jumpers, karaoke, a childresn’s “wheels on parade,” classic cars, picnic games and free ice cream.  Free.  Military who RSVP will receive a free meal for their immediate family.  San Diego First Assembly, 8404 Phyllic Place, SanDiego, (858) 560-1870

4th of July Fun in UTC – Pancake breakfast, a 5K fun/walk, bike and pet arades, games,live banks and more.  8 am-7 pm free.  Standley Park, 3585 Governor Drive, (858) 552-1652

Red, White & Blue Parade – Wear our flag’s colors at this annual parade.  10 am meet at Seeds of Wonder at 9.30 am.  Free with admission, $6-12.00, ages 2 and under free.  San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, (760) 436-3036

SeaWorld’s Blast of Fun – Live entertainment, nighttime performances and Shamu’s SkySplash fireworks.  9 am – 11 pm, ages 2 and under for free.

Military/Law/Fire Appreciation Day at the Wave Waterpark – Active and retired military, as well as fire and law enforcement officers receive free admission today, 11 am – 5 pm.  101 Wave Dr, Vista (760) 940-WAVE

Have a Historic 4th of July – Cannon fire demos, patriotic music, a parade, pie eating contests, three-legged races, bucket races, egg tosses and more.  Free admission, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Spirit of the 4th – Community fair at Webb Park featuring an art walk, kids’ games, a dog contest, Wheels of Freedom motor show and more.  Located at Webb Park.  7.30 am – 9.30 pm

July 4th at Scripps Ranch – Take a stroll, run or ride yur bikes with the family.  10K race and two-mile run starts at the corner of Red Cedar Dr and Aviary Dr.

Hornblower Fireworks Dinner Cruise – Come aboard the Inspiration Hornblower and have your fill of tasty delights will watching harbor fireworks amidst music and dancing.  Departs at 1800 N. Harbor Dr.  (619) 686-8715

Call me corny or patriotic, your choice, but I have to say, “I love living here!”  Especially San Diego, it’s an easy place to live.  The climate rocks, not many cloudy skies and it is never boring.  The people are great and it’s rare to see an unfriendly face.

So, this year, let’s put the economy aside, enjoy the 4th and be happy that we live in “America’s Finest City!”

Happy 4th of July, have a good one!