SAN DIEGO (KGTV)--If you want to celebrate our country's independence in true San Diego style, consider making plans to include these Fourth of July traditions:
- The beach: There's a reason why we pay dearly in rent to live here, and that reason is the beach. Why stay indoors when you have the Pacific Ocean as your playground? A favorite spot: Mission Beach where you can soak in the sun on the sand, ride on the Giant Dipper at Belmont Park and sip cocktails with an ocean front view at the Wave House all in a day's worth of fun.
- Hornblower Cruise: There's nothing more uniquely San Diegan than spending the Fourth aboard a yacht on our beautiful bay. Hornblower offers a 4th of July Fireworks Dinner Cruise where you can watch the Big Bay Boom fireworks show from the deck after enjoying a buffet dinner. It also offers a one or two-hour 4th of July Red, White and Blue Harbor Cruise that introduces you to ships, subs and aircraft carriers.
- Coronado Independence Day Parade: This island city screams patriotism daily with it's bike-riding soccer moms and Naval Amphibious Base but you'll want to bring the whole family out to the Coronado parade for an extra dose of Red, White and Blue. Grab your folding chairs and head out early though or you might miss out. The parade starts at 10 a.m. but you can claim your spot on Orange Avenue as early as 5 a.m.
- San Diego County Fair: It's the last day to enjoy the county fair and, boy, will they put on a great finale! Fireworks start at 9 p.m. but make a day with performances by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and comedienne Anjelah Johnson. The usual fair fare we've come to love to expect will also be available: Krispy Kreme chicken ice cream sandwich, peanut butter meatballs and gooey delicious cinnamon rolls.
- Top of the Hyatt: It's a everyday tradition to take in the beautiful San Diego skyline from the top of the Manchester Grand Hyatt, but during the Over The Top 4th of July celebration it's an especially glorious spot to watch the Big Bay Boom fireworks show.
- Camp at Silver Strand: Why deal with the horrific traffic and crowds when you can set up campfor just $20 at this idyllic state beach and truly relax with breathtaking sights of San Diego Bay. Bring a volleyball net and some cool beverages and s'mores and enjoy your family and friends without the stress of travel on this day notorious for overindulgence.
Sandy Coronilla is a KGTV digital producer. Follow her @10NewsSandy
