Celebrate Independence Day at a County Park
Take your Independence Day party outside this Fourth of July and get patriotic at a park.
There are parks in nearly every part of the County from the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans, white with foam. So bring the whole family outdoors this Monday to enjoy fresh air and freedom.
Baby, you’re a firework
Head to Waterfront Park to watch the Port of San Diego’s Big Bay Boom fireworks show on Monday. The park is a prime viewing spot along the San Diego Bay and has a 830-foot-long splash fountain, children’s playground, picnic areas, restrooms and plenty of open space to lay a blanket out for the dazzling pyrotechnic show.
If you’re heading to the Waterfront Park, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Parking will be at a premium. Consider taking public transportation.
- Alcohol or smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not allowed.
- Glass is not permitted.
- Barbecuing is not permitted.
- The concession stand will be open 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Food trucks will sell food at the park between 5 and 10 p.m.
- Restrooms on both the park’s north and south sides will be open.
- Feel free to bring picnics, lawn chairs, towels, sunscreen, blankets and canopies.
- Limited number of 10’ x 10’ canopies will be available for rent for $15.
The fountains will be running from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the Big Bay Boom fireworks show will start at 9 p.m. The Waterfront Park closes at 10 p.m.
Dogs are allowed at the park but if you plan to stay for the fireworks show, we encourage you to leave your pets at home. Fireworks can terrify dogs, leading to injuries.
For more information about the Waterfront Park, call its office at (619) 232-PARK (7275).
From every mountainside, let freedom ring
If you’d like to watch a fireworks show from the mountains, Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve in Julian is just the spot. Hike to the summit to watch the sunset and July Fourth fireworks light up the night sky. Experience this national holiday from a new vantage point, and with a little bit of a workout.
Attendees should dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring a fully-charged flashlight for the hike back down. While all ages are welcome, please be advised that this is a moderately strenuous 5-mile round-trip hike. Inclement weather will cancel this event.
For information about the event on Monday, visit County News Center’s calendar of events or call (760) 765-4098.
Land of the free, and the home of the brave
Dine al fresca this holiday weekend. Pack up a picnic basket and head off to one of these ranger-recommended picnic spots:
- Upper deck at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
- Palomar County Park, with views of the Palomar Observatory and quick access to the PCT
- Half-way point of the Santa Ysabel East Preserve trail (and at the creek crossing)
- Benches within the Bird and Butterfly Garden in Tijuana River Valley Regional Park
- Stage behind the Tea House in Heritage County Park
O beautiful for spacious skies
Plan a star-spangled staycation and go camping under the beautiful San Diego County sky. There are a few camping sites left at Dos Picos County Park in Ramona, Guajome County Park in Oceanside, Lake Morena County Park in Campo, Potrero County Park in Potrero, Sweetwater Summit Regional Park in Bonita and William Heise County Park in Julian this weekend. Space is extremely limited this weekend, so act fast (and get a jump on booking a stay during the upcoming weeks and months.)
Learn more about camping fees and reservations by phone at 877-565-3600 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, in-person or online.
Sweet land of liberty
The County’s park system includes 36 local and 19 regional parks, 8 camping parks, more than 360 miles of trails, fishing lakes, ecological preserves, botanic gardens, and open space preserves—there’s bound to be a special place to enjoy America’s independence with family and friends.
To find a County park near you, visit sdparks.org.