Celebrate July 4 in Carlsbad 2025

From festive drone shows and firework finales to relaxing beach hangouts, Carlsbad is the perfect spot to spend the Fourth with sunshine and style. Here’s our roundup of all the best places and experiences to celebrate Independence Day this year. Get ready to make some memories!

LEGOLAND California is a must-visit destination for families this summer. Make the most out of your visit by booking a stay in one of the themed LEGOLAND hotels, located right on-site so you don’t miss a single moment of fun. Be sure to plan your visit for July 4 to join in on the star-spangled celebration, Red, White and BOOM!

This family-friendly celebration includes a unique firework display that transforms before your eyes into 3D LEGO bricks with special viewing glasses. Kids will also love the dance parties, meet and greets with iconic LEGO characters, lawn games and more! The event will take place during all of July 4 so that you have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities before the big firework show in the evening. Learn more about the event and how you can join in by checking out their website.

Looking for a festive evening for the whole family? Head to the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa for their Star-Spangled Spectacular! The event starts at 6 p.m. on July 4 and ends with an incredible choreographed drone show at 9 p.m. There will be an assortment of food options and activities including inflatable play structures, a rock-climbing wall, face painting and more. After an evening of family fun, look up to the skies for a drone show that will be choreographed to a performance by a live band. As a bonus, drone shows are quieter than traditional fireworks so the Star-Spangled Spectacular is great option for families with young children. Join the party and get your tickets by purchasing in advance.

Stay after the show in one of their recently renovated rooms and spend the rest of the weekend relaxing poolside at one of Omni La Costa’s eight pools! With world-class golf, a luxurious spa and numerous dining and activity options, we can tell you right now that you’ll want to stay awhile. Check out their summer offers to elevate your staycation or getaway.

You can’t celebrate the Fourth without a BBQ and luckily Park Hyatt Aviara is hosting their annual BBQ & Firework Spectacular. Why not plan a luxurious long weekend and book a stay to maximize on the relaxation after the grand celebration? The Park Hyatt’s rooms offer awe-inspiring views of Batiquitos Lagoon and the beautiful grounds, making them the ideal spot for a mini Carlsbad getaway. Take advantage of their incredible offers that include suite perks such as resort credit, personalized robes and spa treatments.

The July 4 BBQ & Firework Spectacular is open to both hotel guests and Carlsbad visitors, but be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time as reservations are required. The event will take place between 5 and 8:30 p.m. and offers the perfect way celebrate after a day in the sun.

Come hungry and prepare yourself for a full spread of all the American BBQ favorites featuring mesquite-charred meats. There will also be fresh seafood, vibrant summer salads, a mac & cheese bar and a sweet station full of summertime treats. Children will even have their very own dedicated buffet with kid-approved favorites! Enjoy live music by the Chad Rubin Band and admire the incredible performances by stilt walkers and a balloon twister. As the evening winds down, you can look forward to a show-stopping fireworks show that lights up the sky.

Stock up on some summer essentials with a shopping trip to The Forum Carlsbad. Peruse the shops and celebrate July 4 early with an easygoing morning during their Independence Day Discovery Day on July 3 from 10 a.m. to noon. You’ll get the chance to listen to a showstopping performance by the Star Spangle Sisters and interact with a pilot to learn more about flying high in the skies. Children will have a great time building their own creations at the LEGO Station and filling the pages of coloring books provided by Rylee + Cru. Tickets are not required, so plan to visit the Garden Area near the YETI store to join in the fun!

Before heading off to watch the fireworks or celebrate at a BBQ, head to one of Carlsbad’s pristine beaches to kick off your Fourth of July. Whether you’re up for surfing or lounging on the sand, there’s a beach for everyone. Pack only your swimsuits and sunscreen, and let a luxurious beach gear delivery service handle the rest for an effortless, stress-free day by the shore. Both Beach Genie and Beach 2 You provide you with beach chairs, umbrellas, games and more so that all you have to do is turn up and be ready to celebrate. Be sure to grab some tasty picnic bites and refreshing drinks from a local spot to enjoy on the beach. With sunshine, good food and great company, your Fourth of July in Carlsbad will be the perfect laid-back celebration from start to finish.