Fourth of July Planner

30th at Beech St, San Diego, CA 92102 (map)

Stop in to South Park's latest neighborhood hit Alchemy for an old-fashioned American BBQ. Everything's $10 or less, and the restaurant owners are giving their staff the day off and working the room--and the kitchen--on their own.

100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

You won't see fireworks this year from Petco Park, but there are still plenty of festivities happening at the Park: Manny's first game back after his suspension kicks off at 1:05 when the Pads take on the Dodgers in a sunny afternoon game, and everyone in attendence gets a free Padres beach towel.

910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

It's the perfect spot to view the "Big Bay" fireworks show at 9pm. The viewing deck opens at 6pm to the public.

500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

Fireworks start at 9:30pm and are set to patriotic music blasted through all the park's hidden speakers. Beware of traffic heading out of Sea World Drive after the show.

One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (map)

Kids get special viewing glasses for a fireworks show set to music that starts early at 8:15pm.

2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014 (map)

Fireworks at the fair are a San Diego tradition. This year's show features the King of Motown, Smokey Robinson, starting at 9pm with fireworks to follow.

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130 (map)

With one of the most stately outdoor terraces in the city, Addison offers a great view of fireworks over the Grand del Mar golf course.

5504 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

From fish to rolled, it's all about the tacos at this casual Birdrock Mexican food joint. And the quaint patio is perfect for people watching along La Jolla Blvd.

1333 1st St, Coronado, CA 92118 (map)

Il Fornaio boasts one of the best views of the skyline in the city, and on fourth of july, you'll be able to catch the Big Bay fireworks display, as well as the one set off from Petco Park.

4677 30th St., San Diego, CA 92116 (map)

You won't see any fireworks from the back patio at Jayne's, but the setting is so darn romantic that you and your sweetie might just make some of your own! We love the twinkle lights and candles on white linens. So sweet.

228 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054 (map)

Hang loose with fellow surfers at this beachy café and enjoy hearty breakfast specialties, burgers and hot sandwiches for lunch. And then you're just a short walk it off to the water's edge (a block away) and great views of the O'side fireworks.

2690 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014 (map)

Enjoy dinner by the huge outdoor fire pit with luau favorites like horseradish-seared ahi with charred tomato vinaigrette and ginger garlic beets. With such a tiki-chic setting, who needs to see fireworks?

2400 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

Bring the whole family for a fun, cheap (nothing on the menu is more than $10) feast in Liberty Station. But beware of crowds on Fourth of July, as thousands are expected to turn out to the public park areas for fireworks.

711 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

This might just be the ultimate San Diego outdoor dining spot. Right on the boardwalk, but partially covered to avoid sunburns, World Famous is always tops on our list for beachfront dining.