With a perfect combination of beach community and military town the Fourth of July on Coronado isn’t just a holiday, it’s an event! We go all out! Streets, businesses and homes proudly display Old Glory. People sport local Fourth of July tee shirts and all manner of red, white and blue accessories. All American activities, foods, and cocktails are celebrated across the rock. It’s an incredibly fun, festive and patriotic day on the Island! Here are my five favorite ways to celebrate the Fourth of July on Coronado:
- Thursday Evening: Circumnavigation. Kick off the holiday weekend with this annual counterclockwise bike ride around the Island. Bring your family, sport your red, white & blue, and ride your beach cruiser to Star Park at 6:30 pm for a super fun evening celebration.
- Friday Morning: Parade. Everyone loves a parade, especially Coronado’s Fourth of July Parade! Thousands of patriotic residents and tourists line Orange Ave to cheer for marching bands, military branches, and local organizations. This not-to-be-missed All American event starts at 10am, but people start staking out their viewing spots as early as 5am! Bring your chairs, drinks, snacks, SPF, and good spirits and set up early for a fun morning. Don’t forget to rock a local Fourth of July tee – I got a blinged out tank top from Kippy’s! (1114 Orange Ave. $18) After the parade continue your nod to Americana with a gourmet, all-American hot dog at Delux and a classic ice cream sunday with a cherry on top from MooTime.
- Friday Afternoon: Beach. The Fourth of July is the most crowded day on the beach for a reason: it’s a ton of fun. Grab your beach gear and join the festive crowds on the sand for a classic day at the beach building sand castles, playing in the waves, playing games, and enjoying the sunshine. (Tip: Set up your spot really early…but make sure you pick a place that won’t wash away while you’re at the parade when the tide rises! I learned that lesson the hard way! )
- Friday Evening: Concert in the Park. Pick up a bottle of wine at Wine A Bit and head over to Spreckles Park to sit on the grass and listen to the Coronado Community Concert Band’s mix of patriotic music while people dance and sing along like something out of an old movie. The music starts at 4pm but get there early to stroll through booths of local paintings, sculptures, crafts and more at Spreckles’ Art in the Park.
- Friday Night: Fireworks. The synchronized Big Bay Boom fireworks show starts at 9pm and can be seen from several spots on the Island. Put down a blanket at the Ferry Landing, golf course, or community center, tune your radio to 105.7 FM, and “oooh” and “ahhhh” through the 17 minute show. Or if you’d rather have dinner with the show get a window table at Candelas, Peohes, Il Fornio, or Nicky Rottens. The outdoor bar at ENO at the Del is also a really fun spot to watch the south show with great wine and warm fire pits. I’ll be watching from a top secret location…sorry, there are some favorites I just can’t share!
Enjoy!
Alisa
Alisa Kerr is a Coronado fan, resident, business owner, and member of the IBC , Coronado Jr. Woman’s Club, and more. Since 2002 she has made it her hobby to explore, enjoy, and share all of the amazing things the Island has to offer. Alisa is a local attorney whose firm, Kerr Law, takes pride in serving and supporting Coronado’s small businesses and residents.