From fireworks to parades, San Diego County has big plans to celebrate America’s independence on the Fourth of July.
And this year marks a special milestone with the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776.
Commemorations are widespread and include everything from parades to nighttime fireworks displays. Here are some of the biggest and brightest events happening in San Diego:
What: Fireworks
Where: Multiple locations around San Diego Bay
When: July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
Price: Free
Good to know: This annual show is dubbed the “largest fireworks show on the West Coast,” with displays launching from four areas on San Diego Bay. Parking Meters are Free on July 4th. Posted time limits at meters and payboxes will be enforced at Embarcadero, Shelter Island and Spanish Landing. The Port of San Diego advises getting there early to find a spot.
What: Fireworks
Where: SeaWorld San Diego
When: July 4
Price: Included with admission. Tickets start at $59.99.
Good to Know: The amusement park is honoring the nation’s heroes with a special Military Appreciation Weekend. A patriotic soundtrack will coincide with their displays. Shows start at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.
What: Drone show
Where: Kellogg Park
When: July 4 at 9 p.m.
Price: Free
Good to know: The show will feature 500 synchronized drones about 350 feet above the shoreline. Drone shows mitigate some of the negative environmental impacts of traditional fireworks, according to the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.
What: Fireworks
Where: Legoland Carlsbad
When: July 4 at 8:30 p.m.
Price: Included with admission. Tickets start at $79.
Good to Know: The Independence Day celebration stretches from park open to close — with extended park hours. The event will include special July 4th treats, family-friendly lawn activities, and even a DJ dance party. The celebration concludes with the fireworks display.
What: Fireworks
Where: Corona Grandstand Stage
When: July 4 at 9 p.m.
Price: You can watch the fireworks from many spots at the fair, but for those who want to watch it at the Grandstand stage, reserved seating ranges from $ 27 to $ 33. General admission is free. Tickets can be purchased here.
Several events are being held in Oceanside to celebrate the Fourth of July.
What: Independence Parade
Where: MainStreet Oceanside
When: June 27 at 10 a.m. to noon
Price: Free
Good to know: This event is perfect if you’re looking for something to do before Independence Day. Get ready to line up the streets to view the parade procession. After, enjoy live music at the Amphitheatre from 12 to 6 p.m. Guests are asked to plan for parking. View road closures and parking here.
What: Star Spangled Market
Where: Downtown Oceanside
When: July 2 at 5 to 9p.m.
Price: Free
Good to know: Bring your red, white and blue to downtown Oceanside for classic cookout eats, backyard BBQ beats, face art and more.
What: Oceanside Fireworks Show
Where: SoCal Soccer Complex at El Corazon
When: July 3 at 9 p.m.
Good to know: Gates open for the event at 4 p.m., with family-friendly activities and food trucks. Parking is available for $15 and entry gates close at 8:30 p.m. Public transportation is encouraged.
What: Festival and fireworks
Where: Grape Day Park and California Center for the Arts
When: July 4 at 4 p.m. (Fireworks at 9 p.m.)
Price: Free
Good to know: The 61st annual festival is a free family-friendly event with music, culture, and patriotic fun.
Several events are being held in Poway to celebrate the Fourth of July.
What: Old Fashioned Fourth of July
Where: Old Poway Park
When: July 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Price: free
Good to know: The celebration features children’s crafts, train displays and old-fashioned games.
What: Fourth of July Fireworks
Where: Poway High School Stadium and Poway Sportsplex
When: July 4, 9 p.m.
Price: $6, children 11 and under are free
Good to know: Admission gets guests into the Poway High School lot at 6 p.m. for games, activities and a DJ. The fireworks can also be viewed from Lake Poway, which is open to the public but parking is $10 for non-residents or non-military. Where to park.
What: Fireworks and parade
Where: Webb Park and Rancho Bernardo High School (fireworks)
When: July 4 at 9 a.m.
Price: See website
Good to know: The parade starts at 3:30 p.m. from Acena Drive to Rancho Bernardo Road and then Bernardo Center Drive. Throughout the day, festivities will happen at Webb Park with an evening fireworks show at the high school.
What: Fireworks
Where: Bradley Park
When: July 4 at 9 p.m.
Price: Free
Good to know: Entertainment starts at 5 p.m. and will include live music, carnival games, jumpers and food for sale. More information here.
What: Fireworks
Where: Kennedy Park
When: July 4 at 9 p.m.
Price: Free
Good to know: Head down as early as 3 p.m. for other entertainment, including train rides, arts and crafts and live music.
What: Parade
Where: Main Street
When: July 4 at noon
Good to know: Julian residents and others will line up on the town’s Main Street to wave their flags, cheer the marching bands, salute the Marine Color Guard, and carry a giant American Flag down the thoroughfare.
What: Festival and fireworks
Where: Town Center Community Park East
When: July 4 at 2 p.m. (fireworks at 9 p.m.)
Price: $11.89 parking fee
Good to know: Rideshare is encouraged as parking is limited and passes need to be purchased in advance. There will be free shuttles from the Costco parking lot at 101 Town Center Pkwy. More information here.
What: Fireworks
Where: Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
When: July 4 at 9 p.m.
Price: Free event and parking
Good to know: Gates open at 7 p.m. with food trucks. Organizers say the display can also be seen from Mountain Hawk Park and a broadcast in English in Spanish is available through Amor 102.9.
What: Fireworks
Where: Pier Plaza
When: July 4 at 9 p.m.
Price: Free
Good to know: Ahead of the fireworks show, the pier will have live music from 1-3 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.
What: Independence Day Parade
Where: Orange Ave from 1st Street to Churchill Place
When: July 4 at 10 a.m.
Good to know: The parade will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube. Festivities will continue after the parade with concerts and demonstrations.
What: Fireworks
Where: Glorietta Bay
When: July 4 at 9 p.m.
Price: Free