We just moved here somewhat recently and don't know what people do for the fourth? I assume go to the beach but what's that like? I assume you have to get there early af. What other things do people do?
if you are planning on going to the beach, you have to go really early.
I personally avoid it
Yep, some people even camp out in the parking lots, even though it's legally not allowed, and stake their spots with canopies
Big bay boom lmao
i usually do mission bay but you gotta get there early to set up a spot. whole beach is packed by like 9am
Traffic getting out of the beach after fireworks is horrendous and yes you need to be there super early. It is a fun day, super crowded but a major cf
Last year it took a hour to get out of south mission. Never again.
If you don't want to sit in traffic to see fireworks, a lot of locals just chill at home or with family doing a BBQ or something.
They’ll have the bay fireworks at 9pm. You can view them from multiple places. Google it, and if you’re going to a specific location, know parking may be an issue so plan ahead. Coronado I believe has a parade in the morning (if you have littles, they might like it) but with it falling mid week, it can usually be a low key day with BBQ’s with friends at home, or as you mentioned a beach day.
Stay in or find a good spot to look over the city to see big bay boom from a distance. Going to beach or downtown in general is going to be a nightmare.
FYI, not all beach areas have fireworks. The Big Bay Boom is over the bay adjacent to downtown & can also be viewed from Point Loma etc. Some long standing fireworks shows aren’t around anymore (La Jolla), or are smaller community events (OB). If you choose to view the bay fireworks, Google good viewing spots where you don’t have to mess with getting in and out of the area too much. Otherwise go all in and hit up places in the Embarcadero, SD Maritime Museum, or The Midway carrier museum. Up close and personal viewing, usually ticketed events
People start staking out beach spots at 6 am. Try to find a viewing point that is not at the beach, unless you don’t mind staying an hour or two after to get out of the area by car.
Eat food at home then pop over to Sunset park to see the the La Mesa show. You get your fireworks in and don’t have to deal with as big of a traffic nightmare
You can watch the biggest fireworks display, the big bay boom, on the local fox affiliate which is channel 5.
If you are headed to the beach plan to get there really early otherwise you will be circling around forever to find a parking spot.
What part of town did you move to. The biggest issue with fireworks is your escape route afterwards. Eg anywhere in the vicinity of downtown La Jolla can take an hour to get to the freeway alone.
Years and years ago we would hike cowles and watch all the synchronized fireworks displays from a distance. Super cool.
You could take the ferry to Coronado and watch the parade. Get there early, be prepared for mega crowds
Go to the embarcadero and watch the fireworks show. get there early, be prepared for mega crowds
Go to one of the beaches north of MB to avoid the sewage from Mexico. Pray that you find parking, fight for space on the beach. Get there early, be prepared for mega crowds
Go to Seaworld. See instructions above.
Stay home to avoid the insanity
I think that the two most popular things to do on the Fourth of July, is to go to the beach, and stay to watch the sunset and fireworks – the second is going to the San Diego county fair.
You’ll almost definitely have neighbors setting off fireworks
Where in San Diego do you live? Theres fireworks in Mira Mesa July 3rd and I think Poway does things for the 4th of July. You can also go to Fiesta Island and watch the fireworks being shot from Seaworld for free
Things to do 1. Go to the beach, then watch the fireworks at 9pm 2. Go to anywhere along the San Diego Bay and watch the fireworks at 9pm 3. Go hiking and watch fireworks from one of the peaks 4. Go to a BBQ or throw your own bbq and watch fireworks nearby 5. Go to a neighborhood park and picnic then watch fireworks 6. Go to the SD county fair, and watch fireworks from there 7. Stay at home and avoid the crowds 8. La Jolla May have a drone show
Lighting fireworks of any kind is illegal in SD county but you'll always find some people putting on a show in your neighborhood.
I go to my family’s cabin with my cousins family. It’s on a lake so it’s nice and relaxing. Shoot some fireworks. Enjoy it, America!
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stay at home and cook enough food to last at least 2 to 3 weeks so that not have to eat outside