Celebrate 2008 Fourth of July San Diego Style

Independence Day in San Diego is synonymous with one thing: fireworks, and more fireworks.

However, this holiday our city is exploding with other events and entertainment ideas, such as the finale to the San Diego County Fair, cruises, picnics, and dozens of carnivals featuring live music, parades, and enough food to make your belly pet-in-python distended.

To find the best celebrations this holiday, with and without fireworks, here is a list of the most popular San Diego 4th of July events taking place throughout the county.

Follow this guide to the best 4th of July in San Diego 2008 unless, of course, you are more of a trusty local who prefers to keep things on the down-low during a holiday and hang out at the beach - surfing, swimming or sleeping on the sun-kissed sand. Yet another reason to honor liberty...

Central San Diego

California Fireworks Cruise at the Maritime Museum of San Diego: 6:30-10pm, $65; available to ages 7 and up. 619.234.9153

Embarcadero Marina Park South. Summer Pops 2008 hosts a "Star-Spangled" classical music celebration, played to synchronized fireworks beginning at 7:30pm. $15-$75. 619.235.0804

Fireworks Cruise by the Bay. Cruise features food and music; boat leaves at 7:30pm. $71.00 for children 4-12; $119.00 for ages 13 and over. 800.668.4322

Glorietta Bay at Coronado. All-day event includes a half-marathon, rough water swim, art-in-the-park and live music. An Independence Day Parade starts at 10am; fireworks commence at 9pm. 619.437.8788

Mira Mesa Recreation Center. Parade begins at 12pm followed by food, rides, games and entertainment in Mira Mesa Community Park; fireworks commence at 9pm. 858-538-8122

Paradise Point Resort and Spa. Barbecue begins at 6pm; fireworks commence at 9pm. $72 for adults; $29 for children 12 and under. 858.274.4630

San Diego Bay. San Diego's most prominent fireworks display commencing at 9pm. 858.751.5755

Sea World. $47-$57 regular admission; parking is $10. Viewing also available along Crown Point. Fireworks commence at 9:30pm. 800.25.SHAMU

North County

Bradley Park in San Marcos. All-day event featuring food and music. Amazing Dana the Magician will perform at 6 and 7:30pm; fireworks commence at 9pm. 760.744.9000

Brengle Terrace Park in Vista. All-day festivities include food, live entertainment and children's games; fireworks commence at 9pm. 760.726.1340

Del Mar Beach at Camp Pendleton. All-day festivities include music, food and games; fireworks commence at 9pm. 760.725.2134

Grape Day Park in Escondido. All-day festivities include games and food booths, music and entertainment for all ages; fireworks commence at 9pm. 760.745.1159

Julian: No fireworks. All-day festivities begin at 10am and include a gunfight on Main Street, flyovers by World War II aircraft, a parade at noon, horses, a quilt show and a deep-pit barbecue. 760.765.1857

Legoland in Carlsbad. $49.95-$59.95 regular admission, although non-park guests are welcome to view fireworks from the parking lot for $2 beginning at 8:30pm. 760.918.5346

Oceanside Pier. The O'Fest Carnival on the strand features a lineup of live music at the Pier's Amphitheater, 2-9pm; fireworks commence at 9pm. 760.754.4512

Olive Pierce Middle School in Ramona. Town picnic features food booths and games beginning at 5pm; fireworks commence at 9pm. 760.789.1311

San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. $6-$12 regular admission; parking is $9. It's the Fair's grand finale! A performance by the Navy Band Southwest will be followed by a KC & the Sunshine Band concert starting at 7:30pm; fireworks commence at 9pm. The show is free with fair admission for unreserved seats on the third and fifth levels, and for the standing area in front of the stage. 858.755.1161

If you've yet to check out the fair, view the 2008 San Diego County Fair photo gallery here.

South Bay

Kimball Park in National City. All-day carnival rides, games and food booths will be open from July 2-6. The National City Community Concert Band will play during the fireworks, commencing at 9pm on July 4th. A parade will be held July 5th at 6pm. 619.336.4290

From North County to the South Bay, there's no excuse not to have a wonderful, safe 2008 4th of July in San Diego. In between the fireworks and parades, make sure to take a moment to reflect on the true importance of this national holiday. In America's Finest City, we truly have much to celebrate. Be safe indulging in your independence this 4th of July 2008 in San Diego.

For more ideas, remember our picks for 2007 San Diego 4th of July fireworks and entertainment here.