San Diego 4th of July Fireworks 2009 Guide

San Diegans and visitors have a lot of choices in where to take in the sights and sounds of the 4th of July fireworks in San Diego.  The beaches will be packed by day, but by night, find an open sky or large body of water and look skyward to see the brilliant colors and magic of fireworks.

Despite tight budget constraints, only a few cities had to cancel the 2009 firework displays. There’s still plenty of good ol’ American picnic, fairs and fireworks to enjoy across San Diego County.  Grab a chair, a picnic basket,  the family and friends you love, and have fun this 4th of July whatever you choose to do.

Here are the locations for viewing the snap, crackle and pop:

SAN DIEGO

BIG BAY BOOM! San Diego Bay (Embarcadero)   Fireworks at  9:00 p.m.   The Port of San Diego- this is the “Big Kahuna” of fireworks displays. 16-1/2 minutes of sizzle.  It will be televised on Fox 5 HD and Cox 4 HD.

Best views from boat or land at Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the North Embarcadero, and Seaport Village/Coronado Landing.  Simulcast on 105.7 The Walrus FM.

Nearly 3/4 million people come out to watch this event. You might consider piling folks into the car or taking public transportation. The Port will be working with Old Town Trolley to provide free shuttle service for Shelter Island and Harbor Island viewing.

FREE PARKING AND SHUTTLE INFORMATION - Free parking lots with shuttle service for Harbor Island and Shelter Island. Paid parking lots also are available.  

Before the Show: All shuttles will leave from designated parking lots at 5:30 p.m. and will run continuously until passengers have been taken to where they are going. Limit any carry-on items.

Shelter Island Shuttle: Pick-up is at the corner of Carleton street adjacent to West Marine. Do not park at West Marine. Use street parking only. Drop-off and return pick-up is in front of the Shelter Island Gazebo.

Harbor Island Shuttle: Pick-up is at the Port of San Diego Administration building (3165 Pacific Highway). Park in the Port Administration building parking lot or in the Port employee lot in the southwest corner of Pacific Highway and Sassafras. Drop-off and return is at Harbor Island Park.

After the Show: There is one pick-up spot on both islands. On Shelter Island, riders should meet the shuttle at the Shelter Island Gazebo. On Harbor Island, the pick-up point is at the lot east of the Sheraton, across Harbor Island Drive. The first shuttles will leave shortly after the fireworks show. EXPECT TO WAIT for shuttles. The final shuttle run from the islands will be at 11 p.m.

San Diego Harbor - on the Trolley or any downtown bus. Prime viewing locations easily accessible by MTS include Harbor Drive north of Broadway. 

San Diego Symphony Pops 2009 - July 3-5 Marvin Hamlisch Leads A Star-Spangled Pops! Embarcadero Marina Park South

USS Midway  -  A great addition to the celebration! Take the opportunity to watch the Big Bay Boom fireworks displays from the deck of the USS Midway. Bring your chairs, blankets and coolers but no alcohol allowed. $12/Adults, $7/Children(6-17) Deck opens at 6 p.m.

Coronado - Glorietta Bay -Orange Avenue and Glorietta - Fireworks at 9 p.m. The day starts at 7am with things do for everyone. Hang out all day for the half-marathon, rough water swim, Art in the Park and live music in the park. The July 4th Parade takes place at 10 a.m. 

La Jolla Cove - Fireworks at 9 p.m.  Catch a view from Scripps Park, La Jolla Cove, and La Jolla Shores Beach.

Mira Mesa Recreation Center  -  8575 New Salem Street - Fireworks at  9:00 p.m.  Parade begins at noon including: food, rides, games and entertainment in Mira Mesa Community Park.

Mission Bay Yacht Club - 1251 Carmel Place - West Mission Bay   Fireworks at  9:00 p.m.  View boat parade and  fireworks show near the Mission Bay Yacht Club.

Ocean Beach Pier - Ocean Blvd. & Newport Ave.  30th Annual  Celebration   Fireworks at 9 p.m.  Turn your radios to Radio SOPHIE 103.7 for a live simulcast.

Mira Mesa  Gil Johnson Recreation Center - 8575 New Salem St   Fireworks at 9:00 p.m. -9:30 p.m. Annual 4^th of July Parade and Festival.  All day events with parade at 11:30.  PARADE: 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.  FESTIVAL:  1:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

SeaWorld -  SeaWorld  Independence Day Fireworks   (July 3-July 5)  Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Viewing also available along Crown Point, I-5 freeway (do not stop on freeway) and all around the SeaWorld area or high spots with view corridors to SeaWorld.

Visit SeaWorld’s website or call SeaWorld at (800) 25-SHAMU for more information on celebrations with paid admission.

Mission Bay- Paradise Point Resort & Spa  - 1404 Vacation Road, Mission Bay - This event is held on JULY 3, 2009 at Paradise Point.  It is the 9th Annual “All American BBQ and Fireworks Extravaganza,” with live entertainment, all-you-can-eat Kansas-Style BBQ, carnival activities and a 30 minute firwork display over Mission Bay. Open to the public. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. $59 for adults, $25 for children (ages 12 and under) includes tax and gratuity.  For more information/tickets: (800)344-2626

EAST COUNTY

Lake Murray - Music Fest  - Fireworks  start at 9:15 p.m.  Three bands:  Pullman Standard: 12:00-1:00 p.m & 1:30- 2:30 p.m.,  The Surf City All Stars:  3:00 - 5:30 p.m., Rockola:  6:00-9:00 p.m.

Ramona - Olive Pierce Middle School - Hanson Lane. Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.  Celebration starts at 5 p.m. Tune in with your radio to KYXY 96.5FM.

Julian - SR 78 & SR 79  - Celebration starts at 10:00 a.m. Parade starts at 12:00 noon.  No fireworks due to fire risk.

Santee  - Town Center Community Park Ballfields - 9400 Cuyamaca   Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.  Parking and shuttles at Costco and City of Santee Aquatics Center.

Spring Valley -  Spring Valley Swap Meet - Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.  The fireworks will be launched from the Swap Meet parking lot at 9:00 p.m.  Spring Valley Park being the best spot to watch the show.  If you want to see the fireworks from the park, arrive before dark to find parking.  No alcoholic beverages allowed.

NORTH  COUNTY

Camp Pendleton  - Del Mar Beach  Fireworks at 9:00  p.m.  The Beach Bash has activities all day with music, food and games. Live bands start at 12 p.m.

Escondido - Grape Day Park 321 N. Broadway - Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.  Hang out in the afternoon from 4pm for the festivities, including game and food booths, music and entertainment for all ages. Donations accepted.

Rancho Bernardo -  Webb Park 11000 Avena  Place - Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.   The Annual  Rancho Bernardo Spirit of the 4th Festival & Parade runs from 7:00 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. Patriotic festival starting with a pancake breakfast and including a festival of music, food, beer, crafts, games, and fireworks. The Rancho Bernardo Spirit of the 4th Parade starts at 3:30.  Route: Acena & Lomica Dr. to Acena Dr. to Rancho Bernardo Rd. to Bernardo Center Dr. to Lomica Dr. to Acena & Lomica Dr. Fireworks at  9:00 p.m  Bernardo Heights Middle School. 

Poway -  Old Poway Park  - 14134 Midland Road  - Old Fashioned Fourth of July -   10:00 am - 4:00 p.m. Free event includes live musical entertainment, train robbery reenactments. There’s fun for all including photos with  Uncle Sam, face painting, create your own patriotic arts & crafts, and old fashioned games. Iron working demonstrations. Ride the steam train. Antique quilts and model train displays. Patriotic displays in the Heritage Museum.   You’ll find an authentic arts & crafts market and  carnival-type food.

Poway -  Poway High School Stadium -  15500 Espola Road   Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration - Fireworks start at 9 p.m.   Event funs from  7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.  DJ music and recreation games.  Tickets are $2 at the gate. Children under 11 accompanied by an adult are free!

LEGOLAND - Fireworks at 8:30 p.m.  Inside Legoland: All Red, White and Boom! festivities all day with paid admission from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.  More info: 760-918-LEGO.

Oceanside  -  No fireworks due to budget constraints.  MainStreet Oceanside 4th of July Street Fair 9:00 a.m. - 6 p.m. Coast Highway and Pier View Way - Oceanside Pier 

Oceanside - Yankee Doodle Dingy Parade -  11:00 am - 2:00 pm  Oceanside Yacht Club  - Participants decorate their dingys with the most creative patriotic themes & cruise the harbor for all to enjoy and to be judged. 

San Diego County Fair  (Del Mar Fairgrounds)-  Fireworks at 9 p.m.  The Grandstand Stage show kick off the celebration with the Navy Band Southwest at 7:30 p.m., a Fourth of July tradition since 1993. Smokey Robinson will perform at 9:30 p.m. Concert is free with admission.  If you want some information about the San Diego County Fair, check out the San Diego County Fair Guide 2009.

San Marcos - William R. Bradley Park - 465 S. Rancho Santa Fe Independence Day - Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.  Festival Festivities 5:00 p.m. - 10 p.m. day. Magic show from 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Vista - Brengle Terrace Park 1200 Vale Terrace Drive - Fireworks at 9 p.m. Activities going all day include food, live entertainment and children’s games from 11 a.m - 9:30 p.m. Parking is $5 per vehicle at the park. Parking and shuttle services are available at no charge from Vista High School -One Panther Way, Vista.

SOUTH BAY - SOUTH SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Chula Vista  - No fireworks display due to budget constraints.

National City - Kimball Park 12th Street and “D” Avenue  Fireworks at  9:00 p.m.  Annual 4th of July Carnival 

Like to listen the music of July 4th and not watch fireworks?  KYXY 96.5 FM will be sychronized with these locations around San Diego County.

Camp Pendleton - Del Mar Beach
Coronado - Glorietta Bay
El Cajon - Kennedy Park
Mira Mesa - Mira Mesa High School
Ocean Beach - OB Pier
Ramona - Olive Pierce Middle School
Rancho Bernardo - Rancho Bernardo Middle School
San Marcos - Bradley Park
Spring Valley - Spring Valley Swap Meet
Vista - Brengle Terrace Park 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - The crowds will be inundating the coastal areas around San Diego’s Big Bay.  You might consider taking the Trolley or finding an alternate way to see the fireworks, but not blow your own top trying to get to them.

The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) will operate expanded service on all three Trolley lines until at least one hour after the end of the fireworks. This includes late Green Line into Santee. Some buses will have extra service as well to accommodate crowds (i.e. the 901 to Coronado and the 30 to Pacific Beach and La Jolla)

Remember - with the exception of extra holiday service, MTS buses and Trolleys will be on a Sunday schedule for July 3 and a Saturday schedule for July 4. Remember, you can always use the MTS trip planner.

Julie Gelfat is the co-editor of the Visitors Guide for SDNN and the co-owner of San Diego Travel Tips.com, a local’s guide to San Diego. Email Julie at: sdtips (at) sandiegotraveltips.com

Tags: Array, SDNN

This entry was posted on Monday, June 22nd, 2009 at 5:03 pm and is filed under Visitors Guide. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.