Unlike last year, there isn’t a long holiday weekend for 4th of July this year, but that’s ok; our Carefree Boat Club members are still going to enjoy a day filled with sun, sea, and the peace and fun our boats can bring! San Diego is a playground and the seas that surround our coastal city bring exciting times to boaters of all demographics, but because you, as a member, know the secret behind inexpensive and easy boating, we think your 2023 celebration is destined to be one that goes down in the record books of fun, especially with this guide we are providing! Giving boaters all kinds of ideas on how they can spend their bonus day off exploring the waters and ending the holiday with a viewing of fireworks in the sky, all that is needed to be done in advance, of course, is getting your name on the books!
Coronado 4th of July Parade
The parade is on land, but boating over to Coronado is an easy affair, so be sure to get an early start on your day, if you want to check out the parade! Point your pontoon boat in the direction of paradise and attend the parade that makes us glad we live right here in California! The music, the floats, the clowns, and the horses are reminiscent of the small town parades much of America used to provide. Last year’s parade offered a particularly memorable float, one that represented the planting of the flag at Iwo Jima and we are sure there will be many more military representations that will make you feel proud to be an American! The parade goes down Orange Avenue and is followed by a concert in Spreckels Park, but no one will judge you if you skip the concert and head back to your boat!
Red, White, and Boom! At LEGOLAND California, July 4th
We promise that this will be the last of the land-based activities, but boaters with children may want to check out the festivities at LEGOLAND, spending at least part of the day playing games, constructing elaborate LEGO structures and grooving along to the patriotic music that will serve as a fun backdrop to your adventures. At night, they are offering a pyrotechnics performance guaranteed to rock your socks off, but, of course, you will be back on the seas by then, waiting to experience 4th of July San Diego firework shows that will be reflected in the waters below!
Just Cruisin’ This 4th of July in San Diego
4th of July is America’s birthday, the day we set aside to honor our independence that was fought for so hard and independence means you can reserve your boat, fill up a cooler with snacks, meals, and beverages, and spend the entire day on the water, feeling the wind in your hair and the serenity of the sea in your heart. Play tourist for the day and check out the Cabrillo Point Lighthouse or even the Cabrillo Statue, celebrating the first moments when European man stepped foot on this part of paradise. Head to Balboa Park and check out the Cabrillo Bridge or enjoy the fun others are having at Belmont Park, secure in the knowledge that as exciting as the rides look from the water, your day is so much more exciting! Every minute you have spent working this summer has been worth it, because they allowed you to spend these moments aboard the boat of your choice from the Carefree Boat Club!
Oohs, Ahhs, and Memories that will Last Forever!
Finally, as the sun sets over the horizon, the event you have been waiting for all day begins! We learned relatively recently that 4th of July without fireworks is hardly worth celebrating and now that the world is back revolving smoothly on its axis, the San Diego area provides many opportunities to make memories with the canvas of the night sky offering color and excitement! If you stayed close to Coronado Island after your morning parade view, the happiest day of the year ends with a fireworks display over Glorietta Bay.
If not, never fear, because there are plenty of more places from which you can hang out in your boat of choice, oohing and ahhing over the beauty in the sky! Big Bay Boom is known as the largest fireworks show in the county and the explosions can be watched from a variety of locations along San Diego Bay! Starting at 9 pm (ish) Shelter Island is a popular spot to watch from, as are Harbor Island and the Embarcadero. Ocean Beach Pier is rumored to offer another fireworks show, although the rumor has not been confirmed as of yet, and SeaWorld is promising to offer an extravaganza every night from July 1st through the 4th!
Get Your Name on the Books Today!
Being a member of the Carefree Boat Club is the smart way to spend time on the water, no matter what day it is!