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4th of July Celebration & Fireworks on the Bay

America’s 250th Celebration on the Waterfront

Experience an expanded Fourth of July waterfront celebration aboard historic ships and unique event venues at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, featuring VIP viewing experiences, live entertainment, food stations, bars, and spectacular views of the Big Bay Boom fireworks over San Diego Bay.

Fourth of July fireworks over San Diego Bay from the Maritime Museum waterfront.

4th of July Celebration & Fireworks on the Bay

Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the Maritime Museum of San Diego during an expanded waterfront Fourth of July celebration unlike anything we’ve offered before.

For 2026, guests will have access to multiple historic ships, waterfront venues, live entertainment areas, DJs, food stations, bars, and some of the most unique fireworks viewing locations on San Diego Bay.

Whether you choose a reserved VIP experience or flexible Event Admission access, this year’s celebration transforms the Maritime Museum campus into a waterfront festival experience leading up to San Diego’s spectacular Big Bay Boom fireworks display.

Choose Your Experience

VIP Viewing Experiences

Enjoy the celebration with reserved seating in one of the Maritime Museum’s premium fireworks viewing locations.

VIP tickets include full event access plus VIP seating access at the location selected during booking. Guests are free to explore participating ships and event areas throughout the evening before returning to their reserved viewing area for the fireworks show.

Available VIP Locations:

VIP Includes:

  • VIP access to a premium viewing area with seating
  • Access to participating ships and event venues
  • Live music, DJs, and entertainment areas
  • Food stations and cash bars throughout the event
  • Front-row views of San Diego’s Big Bay Boom fireworks

VIP Pricing:
VIP tickets – $106
Members & Military – $90

VIP access is extremely limited and expected to sell out.

4th of July Event Admission

Event Admission offers access to the full waterfront celebration without reserved seating, giving guests the flexibility to move throughout the event and choose their preferred viewing location for the fireworks.

Guests may explore the upper deck of the historic Steam Ferry Berkeley, the Star of India, San Salvador, and the Waterfront Barge throughout the evening.

The McKinney Deck aboard Berkeley will offer additional seating, bar service, and space to relax during the event before guests move to outdoor viewing areas for the fireworks display.

Event Admission Includes:

  • Access to all general event areas
  • Access to multiple historic ships and waterfront venues
  • Flexible fireworks viewing locations
  • Live entertainment and DJs
  • Food stations and cash bars throughout the event
  • America 250 waterfront celebration atmosphere

Event Admission Pricing:
Event Admission – $85
Members/Military – $70
Youth (3–12) – $42
Ages 2 & Under – Free

 

  • Ideal for guests who want flexibility to move between ships and viewing areas throughout the evening.
  • Indoor seating and bar service available aboard Berkeley’s McKinney Deck.
  • Capacity is limited and advance booking is recommended.
  • Fireworks are visible from multiple outdoor viewing locations throughout the event.
Food Pre-Order Recommended
Guests are strongly encouraged to pre-order food during checkout, as day-of quantities may be limited.

Event Menu

Food will be available at multiple stations throughout the Waterfront Barge food court area.

  • Classic Hot Dog Basket – Hot Dog w/ Potato Salad & Cookie
  • Cheeseburger Basket – Cheeseburger w/ Kettle Chips & Cookie
  • BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich – BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich w/ Coleslaw & cookie

Event Schedule

  • Gates Open: 6:00 PM
  • Check-in Ends: 8:00 PM
  • Event Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
  • Fireworks: Typically begin around 9:00 PM

Event ends following the fireworks display.

Please Note: General museum admission during daytime operating hours (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) is not included with this evening event ticket.

Why It Matters

All proceeds support the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Your ticket helps fund year-round ship preservation, educational programs, and community outreach—while you enjoy one of San Diego’s most spectacular nights on the bay.