Ultimate Fourth of July Guide to Fireworks, Food and Fun

It’s America’s birthday and San Diego County is ready to party.

Whether you are keeping it local or trekking down to a nearby town, Patch has you covered. 

Fourth of July celebrations include a fireworks show at Legoland in Carlsbad, Big Bay Boom display in Coronado and Hometown Heroes Parade at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar.

Here is your guide to family fun, delicious food and colorful things that go boom.

CENTRAL SAN DIEGO

Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show

• What: The 13th annual show will launch the largest fireworks display in the county at four locations. The Big Bay will light up the sky for 18 minutes and is accompanied by patriotic music on 105.7 "The Walrus" FM radio. 
• When/Where: 9 p.m. at Coronado Landing, Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Shelter Island and Harbor Island.
• Cost: Free.

• What: Coronado celebrations include Art in the Park from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Spreckels Park, Independence Day Parade at 10 a.m. along Orange Avenue and fireworks display at 9 p.m. over Glorietta Bay. 
• When/Where: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Various locations in Coronado.
• Cost: Free. 

• What: Hop aboard the USS Midway for live entertainment, family activities and a fireworks viewing spot on the flight deck. 
• When/Where: Doors open at 6 p.m. USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr.
• Cost: $15 general admission & $10 youth and museum members.

• What: Join Shamu and the SeaWorld gang for an extended fireworks show to patriotic music. 
• When/Where: 9:30 p.m. 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego.
• Cost: Park admission.

• What: Pack your picnic blankets and lawn chairs to celebrate Oceanside's 15th anniversary. Fireworks will launch just north of the El Corazon Senior Center. Fireworks viewing spot will be at  Rancho Del Oro Rd. Parking is limited. 
• When/Where: 6 to 10 p.m. on July 3 at 3302 Senior Center Dr., Oceanside.  
• Cost: Free. 

• What: Legoland will host an all day event including a building competition, stroller parade, lawn games, dance party and fireworks show at 8:30 p.m. 
• When/Where: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. One Legoland Dr., Carlsbad.
• Cost: Park Admission.

• What: San Diego County Fair will host July 4th events starting with Opening Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at O'Brien Gate, Hometown Heroes Parade at 7 p.m. and fireworks show at 9 p.m. 
• When/Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar.
• Cost: Fair admission. 

• What: The Del Mar Foundation and the City of Del Mar will host a parade. Families are welcome to stroll down Coast Boulevard and decorate their bikes, scooters, wagons , golf carts and baby strollers. 
• When/Where: Powerhouse Park, 1658 Coast Blvd., Del Mar
• Cost: Free. 

• What: La Jolla Community Fireworks Foundation (LJCFF) will host the annual fireworks show along the coast. Events include live music and fireworks display at 9 p.m. 
• When/Where: 5:30 to 10 p.m. at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, 1180 Coast Blvd., La Jolla.
• Cost: Free. 

• What: Kids, families and everyone in between will enjoy live music, games and fireworks display at 9 p.m. 
• When/Where: 7 to 10 p.m. Poway High School Stadium, 15500 Espola Rd., Poway. 
• Cost: $2 General admission & kids under 11 are free. 

• What: Spirit of the Fourth will kick off with community fair at 7 a.m. featuring 35 vendors, live entertainment, patriotic pet contest, veterans memorial service, RB idol winners and fireworks show at 9 p.m. at Bernardo Heights Middle School.
• When/Where: Various locations in Rancho Bernardo. Click here for detailed locations.
• Cost: Admission for evening events and fireworks is $10 per person or $20 per family.

• What: Bring your picnic blanket and kiddos for a day filled with patriotic events. Escondido's annual celebration will include live entertainment, kids activities and fireworks show at 9 p.m. 
• When/Where: 4 to 9 p.m. Grape Day Park, 321 N Broadway, Escondido.
• Cost: Free. 

• What: Ramona Rotary Club will celebrate the 21st annual Family Picnic and Fireworks show. Activities include games, food, live entertainment and fireworks show at 9 p.m.
• When/Where: 5 to 9 p.m. Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Ln, Ramona.
• Cost: Free. 

• What: Kids and families will enjoy live music, food, inflatable toys, carnival rides and games and fireworks show at 9 p.m. 
• When/Where: Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Dr., Santee. 
• Cost: Free admission, parking $5-15 and minimal cost for food and activities.

• What: City of El Cajon will host a celebration featuring kiddie train rides, live entertainment, crafts, family games and fireworks show at 9 p.m. 
• When/Where: 1 to 10 p.m. John F. Kennedy Park, 1675 E Madison Ave., El Cajon.
• Cost: Free. 

• What: National City and the National City Lions Club will host the annual carnival from July 3-7. The weeklong event will feature games, rides, food and drink items for sale and live entertainment. 
• When/Where: 5 to 11 p.m. on July 3, Noon to midnight on July 4, 5 to 11 p.m. on July 5 and 1 to 11 p.m on July 6 & 7. Kimball Park & Recreation Center,  148 E. 12th Street, National City. 
• Cost: Free admission, fees for food and activities.