A guide to Fourth of July fireworks in San Diego
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Fireworks explode over San Diego Bay during the Big Bay Boom last year. Photo: Daniel Knighton/Getty Images
Epic fireworks shows, watersports and miles of shoreline make San Diego a Fourth of July destination.
Why it matters: The crowds will be big across beaches and bays with congested roads and a busy airport as locals and hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on the city to celebrate America's Birthday tomorrow.
State of play: All consumer fireworks — including sparklers, firecrackers, roman candles and bottle rockets — are illegal in San Diego County.
- They've been banned for decades due to safety and fire risks, and more fire officials will be on patrol this holiday.
- So, leave the light shows to the pros.
Zoom in: San Diego's Big Bay Boom is advertised as the largest fireworks show on the West Coast, with up to half a million people expected to attend.
- Fireworks shoot off at 9pm from four barges strategically placed around North San Diego Bay with music accompanying the pyrotechnics for the 18-minute show.
- Get out early to watch from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North/South Embarcadero and Coronado Landing. Seaport Village, Liberty Station, Port parks, Little Italy and downtown hotels and high rises or from a boat are also great spots to view the air show.
- There are parking options, but MTS will offer more train, trolley and bus services, plus a "Friends Ride Free" promotion.
If you can't wait, see fireworks shows tonight at Mission Bay or Oceanside's SoCal Soccer Complex at El Corazon; both start at 9pm.
The big picture: Fourth of July events around the county range from parades to fireworks shows. Most celebrations are tomorrow, beginning around 9pm.
- Watch the SeaWorld fireworks from the amusement park, around Mission Bay or at Kate Sessions Park.
- The La Jolla Shores drone show is best seen from Kellogg Park.
- Lake Murray Music Fest and Fireworks is at the community park in San Carlos, but the show can be seen from La Mesa to Del Cerro.
- Chula Vista 4th Fest will have a fireworks show set to a bilingual soundtrack.
- In Carlsbad, Legoland's "Red, White and Boom!" fireworks will explode into 3D Lego bricks.
- Coronado has a full day of events, including concerts, races, a parade and fireworks.
- The county fair, which ends this weekend, will put on a spectacular show in Del Mar.