Independence Day is just around the corner and that means it’s time for Uncle Sam, barbeques and of course fireworks. But you do not have to set your neighbor’s lawn on fire with M-80s and bottle rockets to have a Yankee Doodle good time. If you are looking for the perfect spot to catch the best booming displays in San Diego County, we have you covered with a list of SD’s best fireworks shows.
South County
Independence Day at the Border: San Ysidro, Larsen Field – Cesar Chavez Park
Catch your fireworks a week early and save your backyard celebration for the 4th of July. This free celebration is 3p.m.-10p.m. on Saturday, June 28, with live music, food, drinks and fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
National City’s 4th of July Carnival: National City, Kimball Park
Who said you can only celebrate Independence on the 4th. This free carnival is open July 2-6 with rides, games, food and fireworks at 9p.m., July 4.
East County
El Cajon 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks: El Cajon, Kennedy Park
This all-day event is open from 12 p.m. -10 p.m., July 4. Bring a picnic, bring your family and bring you patriotism. This is community picnic that celebrates Uncle Sam’s birthday with family activities and a variety of vendor booths.
Santee Salutes: Santee, Town Center Community Park East
This 1980s themed event is free with parking for $5-$15. With live music featuring hits from the 80s and your favorite independence classics as well as food inflatable fun zone and fireworks, this salute is fun for the whole family. July 4, 3:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
City of San Diego
Do It Yourself: San Diego, Kate Sessions Park
You don’t have to go to an officially sponsored event to enjoy spectacular fireworks. Kate Sessions Park in the hills north of Pacific beach offers a panoramic view of Mission Bay, Mission Beach and the downtown skyline. Get there at 8 p.m., July 4, and see the Annual Big Bay Boom in port of San Diego, Coronado’s Glorietta Bay and Ocean Beach Pier displays all going off at 9p.m. Stick around and see Mission Bay pop with Sea World’s Sea to Shining Sea 4th of July fireworks around 10p.
North County
If you are going to be in North County there are several places to see great displays including, Del Mar Fair Grounds 9p.m., Ocean Side’s El Corazon site 6 p.m.-10 p.m., LEGOLAND 8:30 p.m. and Escondido’s Grape Day Park 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
