Celebrating America’s Birthday in San Diego 

Kick off your holiday weekend celebrations a day early on July 3 at Moonshine Beach with their Red, White and Booze Party. Don’t miss entertainment from DJ Kiki, Real Hypha, Famous Dave, and Blkwood from 7pm to closing complete with a Hot Dog Eating Contest at 7:30pm with a $250 cash prize.

By the beach, Oceanside Parks and Recreation is hosting a fireworks display on July 3 starting at 9pm at the SoCal Soccer Complex at El Corazon (3300 El Corazon Drive). The event will also feature crafts, lawn games music, and food trucks. For more information click here.

Looking for a getaway with a perfect view of the fireworks? San Diego Mission Bay Resort in Misson Bay is inviting guests and locals to take part in their VIP Firework Experience on July 3 with front row seating to Mission Bay’s firework spectacular from the comfort of the resort’s poolside bar, Solrisa. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Oxford Social Club is also celebrating early on July 3 with their Red, White and Boom party. Come by for an exclusive performance for Happy Dad’s special guest Sam Blacky who will be joined by Schmidt and güd karma. Dance the night away from 10:30pm to 2am to enjoy Flecha Azul Tequila and Remix Mixer & Mocktail.

On the big day, explore downtown San Diego while staying at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. The resort features a front seat to the Big Bay Boom fireworks display on July 4. You can also celebrate with traditional BBQ cuisine at the resort’s al fresco dining experience, Agave Bar & Grill, and stop by the pool deck to enjoy a live DJ from 12 to 3pm. 

You can also view the Big Bay Boom from Kona Kai San Diego. The resort is celebrating the red, white and blue throughout Independence weekend with poolside DJs and all American BBQ fare. Reserve a room at this link.

Enjoy a spectacular 4^th of July food buffet and fireworks at the rooftop of Garibaldi, located on the third floor of InterContinental San Diego. Sure to satisfy any cravings from seafood to BBQ, Garibaldi has it all. There are two seatings — one at 6:45pm and the other at 8:30pm perfectly time for fireworks. Reservations can be made online.

Celebrate the holiday with some old fashioned fun while also ringing in Belmont Park’s 99^th birthday with the classic rides you love such as bumper cars and merry-go-rounds, laser tag, and a zipline.

Lakehouse Resort in North County is offering an energetic carnival from 11am to 3pm that is sure to put you in a festive mood! Bring your furry friends and enter them in Lakehouse’s patriotic dog contest for a chance to win the title of most patriotic pup in town! Snacks and refreshments will be offered at the carnival. 

Happy Does will be celebrating the 4^th with Live band karaoke from 9am to 1pm. Guests can enjoy crafted drinks delicious chicken tenders, and classic arcade games don’t miss this epic 4^th of July celebration!

While no fireworks are planned in La Jolla Village on July 4th, La Jolla Country Club traditionally launches fireworks from their property for their members and surrounding communities to enjoy. Plus, for the second year, La Jolla Shores Beach & Tennis Club is hosting a Fourth of July drone show in partnership with San Diego-based Drone Studios. The drones’ cutting-edge technology will emulate a dazzling fireworks display and other patriotic images with minimum impact on our environment. Scheduled to launch at 9pm, the synchronized drone show will feature a fleet of over 200 drones soaring approximately 350 feet above the shoreline. Those attending the free event can anticipate a stunning 15-minute performance showcasing a symphony of lights and color, expertly choreographed to simulate the awe of actual fireworks, as well as an array of patriotic imagery. Main viewing of the show will be from the south end of Kellogg Park, but it can also be enjoyed from the surrounding park and beach areas near the La Jolla Shores Hotel and Beach Club. This year, the show will also be staged and visible from La Jolla Cove in the Village. For more information about the La Jolla Shores Drone Show click here.

Looking for a delish meal before a spectacular firework performance? Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine is offering their specialty firecracker crispy rock shrimp with a bit of a pop featuring gochujang, Japanese-style aioli and negi, priced at $26; and the “Lady in Red,”a sparkling cocktail made with Soto Sake, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and Chandon sparkling wine, priced at $17. Stop by from 5 to 10pm on July 4.

In Encinitas, enjoy festive fare at Temaki Bar: Handroll, Sushi, Sake, open from 11am to 9pm on July 4. Their firecracker roll packed with kanikama, cucumber, avocado and gobo topped with spicy tuna, serrano peppers, spicy mayo, bubu, finadene and pop rocks, priced at $21, is a showstopper you don’t want to miss!

Spend the 4^th in luxury at Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, offering their rodizio experience featuring all-day specials for $75 per person. Guests can savor the 24-karat Golden Steak as a complimentary addition to the rodizio menu. This dining experience is sure to enchant with authentic southern Brazilian experience inspired by the centuries-old tradition of the Brazilian churrascaria, brought to North America by the Brazilian cowboy — the Gaucho. Enjoy lunch from 11:30am to 2:30 pm and dinner from 5 to 9:30 pm. Reserve a table to claim your spot here. 

Tune into a patriotic performance with Ellis Bryant at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar signature concert venue, Grand Social. Ellis Bryant brings country music to the coast with his western influenced guitar and southern vocal stylings. Then, as dusk falls, gather on the lawn for a spectacular drone show illuminating the night sky, perfectly set amongst the canyon landscape. Ahead of the drone show, guests can expect a performance from California-native Jesse Ray Smith. Blending the sounds of acoustic rock, country, deep soul and inspired by Ray Lamontagne, Tom Petty, The Eagles and Bruce Springsteen.  To view the full calendar of 4th of July activities at resort, click here. 

After the fourth, keep celebrating America’s birthday at The Pool House. Party the night away on Sunday, July 7, at their Red, White and Grooves party with DJ Ufberg Hendo and  Tallen.