Ready the red, white and blue! Independence Day falls on a Thursday this year making for an extra-long weekend of fun! Communities throughout San Diego County, including Encinitas, are prepping such star-spangled celebrations as carnivals, concerts, parades, picnics and, of course, firework extravaganzas. Though Encinitas doesn’t have its own fireworks display, there are plenty of festive activities to choose from, and local celebrations in and around Encinitas where you can get in on the fun!
ENCINITAS: Olivenhain Fourth of July Parade. The festivities will kick off at approximately 11am at this annual family event at the Olivenhain Meeting Hall. Boy Scout Troop 2000 will lead the pledge of allegiance and then the parade will commence making its way around the block. Attendees are encouraged to decorate bikes, horses, wagons, and ATVs with patriotic colors and meet us in the lower parking lot for the parade! Snacks for kids are available afterwards and grounds are open to bring your own picnic lunch and chairs! Olivenhain Meeting Hall is located at 423 Rancho Sante Fe Road in Encinitas.
CARLSBAD: Legoland’s “Red, White and Boom!”: Throughout the day on July 4, kids of all ages can participate in all-American family picnic games and building activities. The evening fireworks show at 8:45 p.m. combines patriotic music with fireworks; included with cost of park admission. Visit here.
DEL MAR: Fourth of July Celebration at San Diego County Fair: Patriotic celebration all day on July 4 topped off with fireworks at 9 p.m., which can be viewed throughout the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Admission is $17-$20 in advance, $22-$25 day of the event for ages 6 and older. Children 5 and younger are free. Visit here.
MISSION BAY: SeaWorld fireworks: In honor of Independence Day, you can get in the patriotic spirit when you witness a dazzling fireworks display – free with admission to SeaWorld San Diego. This stunning mix of pyrotechnics, set to a triumphant musical score, is ready to illuminate SeaWorld’s skyline and captivate you with spectacular flames, sparks, and surprises.
This extended fireworks display starts on July 3 and July 4 at 9:00 p.m. Visit here.
RANCHO SANTE FE: Independence Day Parade: Starts at 1 p.m. July 4 and runs along Paseo Delicias and other downtown streets. Features floats, vintage cars, equestrians, firetrucks and the town’s parade princess. Decorated bikes, golf carts and convertibles can join. The parade will be preceded by a barbecue lunch at 11 a.m. on the village green. Hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches and ice cream from The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will be for sale with proceeds benefiting the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center.
SAN DIEGO: Big Bay Boom: California’s Largest Fireworks Show! The free fireworks show will be displayed simultaneously from four barges on San Diego Bay at 9 p.m. July 4. Barge locations will be off the shorelines of Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero Marina Boat District, and Coronado Ferry Landing. Bring lawn chairs or get in a boat to watch. The Metropolitan Transit System will increase train, trolley, and bus services, and will offer “Friends Ride Free,” where a friend may ride free with a fare-paying customer on MTS routes on July 4. Visit here.
Author: Laura Charlton
Laura is the owner of Laura Charlton PR, a boutique public relations firm based in the San Diego area. With extensive experience working within the music, travel, entertainment, non-profit, education and consumer lifestyle industries, and for companies such as Disney, Make-A-Wish and the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, Laura brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate and consumer public relations, media relations and public affairs to her clients.
