If you get a chance, go to Coronado Island for July 4th, it is a lot of fun. Make it a day on the silver strand! Although it is probably the busiest day of the year, you will want to come back when it is not so busy, You can take the ferry ride over from San Diego, if you don’t want to be bothered with the car, as the traffic across the bridge can get backed up and there is not that much parking on the island itself. Coronado is the perfect place to spend your 4th of July. Heck, any day on Coronado Island is a good day!
Coronado Island, California
Fourth of July Celebration
The fourth of July celebration on Coronado Island in sunny California is one not to be missed. The island is known to the locals as “Nado.” This year will be the 71st annual celebration of the parade down its main street of Orange Avenue. It has always been one of the livelier and fun July 4th celebrations I have been to, as the people and their rides are all dressed up for the 4th of July event. The colors red, white, and blue are everywhere!
Coronado Island, California
The locals and tourists alike wear everything from the American flag imprinted on their hats, sunglasses, shirts, and shorts to actual flags on their bodies. They truly seem to love America and enjoy the celebration of our independence from Great Britian.
Coronado Island, California
You will see Mother’s stroll their children, stuffed animals, and pets in wagons and strollers, all they while being decked out in anything red, white and blue.
Coronado Island, California
Coronado Island, California
Then, there are the car enthusiasts that bring back the nostalgia from the 1950s in their sleek, heavy metal cars with the tops down. They just love to bring their older cars out for the parade.
Coronado Island, California
Coronado Island, California
July 4th Celebrations in Coronado
Coronado Island’s celebration has everything from a 5k walk/run to a 12k run, as well as Art-in-the-Park, rough water swim at Central Beach right near the famous Hotel Del at 9 am (check-in is 7:30 am), plus a concert in the park at 4 pm, and a fireworks display over Glorietta Bay starting at 9 pm. This year the parade starts at 10 am, but you have to get up early to get a spot!
Coronado Island, California
After it is all over, the people go home or to the beach for some relaxation or fun in the sun. Then around 4 pm, in Spreckle’s Park (you can’t miss it, as it is the only park down Orange Avenue, the main street of Coronado). They have a giant picnic in the park with the concert. This is a lot of fun, so be sure and save your energy and bring your blankets, chairs, games, and food and spend some time with family and friends. At 9 pm, finally, the fireworks begin over Glorietta Bay. They will not disappoint, it will be spectacular over the bay with the moon shining bright.
Coronado Island, California
Can’t be at the parade? You can live stream the parade on Coronado TV (https://tv.coronado.ca.us/)
Jenna@Webje
Wednesday 3rd of July 2013
Wow! Cacinda, this place looks like an ideal location to celebrate the 4th of July! I love California but have never made it to Coronado Island yet. I'll be sure to put it down for my next trip to CA. Thanks so much for sharing, hope you enjoy your holiday weekend!
Cacinda Maloney
Wednesday 3rd of July 2013
It is a lot of fun and the island is packed, so make reservations early or just take the ferry across for the day from San Diego. It truly is a fun day on the island with so much to do and, of course, the beach right there and the amazing Hotel Del.