A guide to Fourth of July fireworks in San Diego
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The Big Bay Boom is the city's signature July 4 fireworks show. Photo: Daniel Knighton/Getty Images
It's almost time for fireworks to light up the sky around San Diego!
Why it matters: Fourth of July weekend draws hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors to the beaches, bays and parks, and they're looking for a show.
State of play: Consumer fireworks are illegal in both the city and county of San Diego, so here's a guide to the Independence Day celebrations run by professionals.
Zoom in: San Diego's Big Bay Boom, billed as California's largest fireworks show, is the city's signature pyrotechnic event.
- Fireworks shoot off from four barges starting at 9pm with accompanying music for an 18-minute show.
- Stake out a spot early to watch from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, Coronado Ferry Landing or the USS Midway. Catch the show from Seaport Village, Liberty Station, Port parks, Little Italy, downtown hotels and high-rises or a boat.
- Parking is available, and meters are free on the Fourth, but MTS is running expanded train, trolley and bus services.
The big picture: There are parades and festivals happening all around the county on Friday, with most fireworks shows starting around 9pm.
- Watch the SeaWorld fireworks from the amusement park, around Mission Bay or at Kate Sessions Park.
- Go to Kellogg Park for the La Jolla Shores drone show.
- Chula Vista 4th Fest's fireworks show is set to a bilingual soundtrack.
- Grab 3D glasses for Legoland's "Red, White and Boom!" or visit resorts in Carlsbad.
- See Coronado's fireworks from the golf course.
- In Del Mar, the county fair's final weekend features a spectacular show.
Fun fact: Fiesta Island is one the country's top-ranked viewing spots, according to Yelp.
Our thought bubble: Grant Hill Park is one under-the-radar pick to see the Big Bay Boom show that has Kate Sessions vibes but should be less crowded.
Friction point: Lake Murray will only have a parade instead of its annual fireworks show this year because of cost and environmental concerns, ABC 10 reports.
- Environmental groups are also suing SeaWorld over pollution in Mission Bay.