July 4 BBQ Dinner and Firework Viewing

Maritime Museum of San Diego, serving as the community memory of our seafaring experience by collecting, preserving, and presenting our rich maritime heritage and historic connections with the Pacific world, invites San Diegans and regional visitors to celebrate Fourth of July 2024 at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

The Maritime Museum is a premiere location to watch the Big Bay Boom, located along the north embarcadero in downtown San Diego overlooking the Bay. This year’s July 4 BBQ Dinner and Firework Viewing event includes not only the opportunity to watch the sky show aboard the elegant Victorian-era 1898 steam ferry boat Berkeley, or from the aft barge surrounding visitors with up-close views of the popular tall ship schooner Californian and galleon replica San Salvador---tickets also include a yummy traditional BBQ dinner. The remaining vessels in the Maritime Museum fleet and exhibits will be closed during this special public event.

Entry for the July 4 Picnic Dinner and Fireworks Viewing event begin at 7 p.m. A no-host bar will be available for the evening while guests enjoy their meal and spectacular views of the Big Bay Boom fireworks. Capacity limited. Seating is first come first serve. The Maritime Museum waterfront barge to the rear of the Berkeley will also be available as a firework viewing option. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

Tickets are $50.00 for adults and $40.00 for children ages 3-12. Children two and under are free. Adult BBQ dinners include pulled pork sandwich, potato salad, chips, and cookie. Child BBQ dinners include hot dog, potato salad, chips, and cookie. Plant-based vegetarian pulled pork or hot dog options will be available upon request. Additional snacks including cookies or chips may be purchased at $5.00 each. Tickets for the dinner must be purchased online in advance at sdmaritime.org.

 Alex Saikowski

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The Maritime Museum of San Diego

For those looking for popular daytime activities and top things to do, the Maritime Museum of San Diego will be open for daytime self-guided general admission tours on the Thursday, July 4 holiday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Daytime visitors with time to head out on the water may add a narrated Bay History Cruise or Naval History boat tour to purchase of general admission. General admission tickets are $24.00 for adults, $18.00 for seniors, military, and teens 13-17, $15.00 for children 3-12 and children under two are free.

• Five daytime 45-minute narrated Historic Bay Cruises aboard the restored 1914 Pilot boat will be available at an additional $18.00 per person with the purchase of general admission. Applies to all ages. Boarding times are 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.
• Two daytime 75-minute Veteran volunteer narrated Vietnam-era PCF 816 Swift boat Naval History Bay Tours will be available at an additional $24.00 per person with purchase of general admission. Applies to all ages. Boarding times are 12:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.

Admission includes entrance to dozens of fascinating below deck galleries and permanent plus traveling and temporary exhibits. Visitors are asked to plan ahead as the last guest entry and ticket sold is at 4 p.m.

Maritime Museum of San Diego is located at 1492 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101-3309 (between Grape and Ash St.) and encompasses a collection of historic vessels including the world’s oldest active sailing ship, Star of India. Waterfront parking is limited and metered for a maximum of 3 hours. Alternative parking options or rideshare services are strongly recommended.

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