Sat Jul 05 04:10:00 UTC 2025: **San Diego Gears Up for Independence Day Celebrations and Post-Holiday Beach Cleanups**
**San Diego, CA -** San Diego County is preparing to celebrate the 249th anniversary of the United States with a bang, offering a variety of festivities including the highly anticipated Big Bay Boom fireworks show. Following the celebrations, the Surfrider Foundation of San Diego County will host its 19th annual “Morning After Mess” beach cleanup, encouraging residents to give back to their community and environment.
The Port of San Diego’s Big Bay Boom will light up San Diego Bay at 9 p.m. on July 4th. Fireworks will be launched from four barges strategically placed around the bay, offering spectacular views from various popular locations including Shelter Island, Spanish Landing Park, Harbor Island, Embarcadero Parks North & South, Seaport Village, Cesar Chavez Park, and Coronado Ferry Landing. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early with blankets, chairs, and radios tuned to 91X FM for a musical simulcast.
“The Port of San Diego is excited to welcome thousands of people to the waterfront for an unforgettable Independence Day celebration,” said Danielle Moore, chair of the Board of Port Commissioners. “The Big Bay Boom is a tradition that lights up our skyline, supports local businesses, and brings our community together along our beautiful San Diego Bay.”
To ease transportation, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) will increase Trolley service on all three lines serving the Big Bay Boom. Additional trips will be added before and after the fireworks show to help attendees avoid traffic and parking congestion. Green and Blue Line Trolleys will arrive at all stations every 15 minutes, with additional trips being added from SDSU two hours prior to the event’s start time. The Orange Line Trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule. After the event, both Green and Blue Line Trolleys will depart from stations every 15 minutes. The Orange Line Trolleys will depart from 12th & Imperial every 15 minutes until 10:30 p.m.
The day after the holiday, on July 5th, the Surfrider Foundation of San Diego County will host its 19th annual Morning After Mess beach cleanups from 9 a.m. to noon. Last year, 688 volunteers collected over 3,900 pounds of debris across nine coastal sites. This year’s cleanups will take place at Imperial Beach, Ocean Beach, Oceanside Beach, Seaport Village, OB Dog Beach & Estuary, Mission Beach, Fiesta Island, Pacific Beach, and Moonlight Beach.
The cleanups are free and open to the public, with registration available at surfriderSD.org/mam. While supplies last, bags, gloves, and grabbers will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable gear.
“These beach cleanups are often the first step for many community members on their journey toward environmental stewardship,” said Gabriel Racca, Surfrider Foundation San Diego beach cleanup coordinator. “After witnessing the impact of single-use plastics on our beaches, people are often inspired to make lasting changes in their daily habits. We’re proud to be a starting point in their path toward protecting and caring for the environment.”
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