The Coronado Fourth of July is celebrating the 76th anniversary of the annual Independence Day Parade this year.
With a full day of events planned and over 100,000 people expected to come to the island, preparation is key.
The Coronado Fourth of July board recommends visitors plan ahead for the crowds by finding a legal parking spot and bringing a bike to get around to each event.
Parking will be authorized in any marked legal spot. Vehicles parked in front of a “No Parking” sign will be subject to receiving a citation or being towed. Starting at 4 a.m. on July 4, vehicles parked along the parade route, at Glorietta Boulevard, in staging areas or on Strand Way, will be towed.
Taking the ferry from Broadway Pier or the San Diego Convention Center to Coronado is also a great form of transportation, as it avoids needing to navigate the parking scene in Coronado. Visit Flagship Cruises San Diego for more information on ferry services.
This year, residents and visitors can take the free summer shuttle to get around town on the Fourth of July, according to the City of Coronado’s website.
Here is a full schedule of events for July 4:
7 a.m. – 9 a.m: The Crown City Classic Run will be returning to the island for its 51st anniversary. Starting and finishing at Tidelands Park, the course showcases the scenic views of the Coronado Bridge with a 12K and 5K option. Also returning in 2024 is the Crown City Half Mile for kids. To register, sign up at https://crowncityrun.com/.
7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m: Pre-parade entertainment will be taking place along Orange Avenue from 1st Street to Churchill Place.
8 a.m. – 8 p.m: Food vendors will be offered in Spreckels Park throughout the entirety of the day’s festivities.
10 a.m.: The 76th annual Independence Day Parade will pack Orange Avenue and feature a variety of festive floats that will travel from 1st Street to Churchill Place. Those who can’t view the parade in person can live stream it on Youtube.
The Orange Avenue medians will open at 5 a.m. for viewers to snag their spots. Setting up tents and seats on the sidewalks of Orange Avenue before 5 a.m. will be allowed, but attendees cannot leave their items unattended or block the right-of-way.
12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m: Head to Star Park after the parade to watch the Adrian Empire recreate the arts, skills and culture of the Medieval and Renaissance eras. The group will do reenactments, competitions and showcase different weaponry of the time period.
The San Diego Star Wars Society will also be available for a photo opportunity in Star Park at 12:30.
2 p.m: The Frog-X Parachute team will complete an aerial demonstration at the Coronado Golf Course’s 16th Fairway.
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m: Katleen Dugas, a San Diego native singer and songwriter, will perform a kids concert at Spreckels Park.
4 p.m – 5 p.m: The Coronado Concert Band will perform a patriotic concert at Spreckels Park.
5:45 p.m.: Detroit Underground, a high-energy show band, will perform a dance concert at Spreckels Park.
9 p.m: Head to the Coronado Golf Course for an end-of-the-night fireworks show sponsored by the City of Coronado. The display will be launched from Stingray Point, which will result in the closure of the sandy beach.
For more information of July 4 events, visit https://coronadofourthofjuly.com/
