4th July weekend … Where to stay?

Question

We have decided to include San Diego in our 3 week California/Vegas trip, but the only way it fits with everything else is to be there over 4th July. We would like to see the fireworks so would we be best to stay in a hotel within walking distance of a good viewing area?

I have secured a good rate at the Omni from the 4th for 3 nights, but still open to other options, also at the moment I have 4 nights in Hollywood from 30th June - 4th July but would I be better to cut this down to 3 nights so we could arrive in San Diego on 3rd July and stay for 4 nights?

Answer

Visiting San Diego over the 4th of July is a great choice, but it is one of the busiest weekends of the year. Planning your hotel around fireworks viewing and avoiding traffic is very smart. You’re already on the right track by looking at walkable locations like the Omni.

The biggest fireworks show in San Diego is the “Big Bay Boom,” launched from several barges across San Diego Bay (near Downtown, Embarcadero, Coronado, Shelter Island, and Harbor Island). The closer you stay to the Embarcadero/Downtown waterfront, the easier and more pleasant your evening will be—no driving, no parking nightmares, and you can walk back after the show.

The Omni is an excellent location for the 4th. It’s directly connected to Petco Park, near the Gaslamp, and about a 10–15 minute walk to the waterfront. It's absolutely a smart choice for fireworks weekend.

The Omni is close enough to the Embarcadero to walk to a prime fireworks viewing area.
You avoid the worst traffic by staying downtown—roads become heavily congested before and after the fireworks.
It’s a comfortable hotel with easy access to restaurants, transit (trolley), and waterfront activities.

As for the Los Angeles part of your trip, Hollywood does not require four nights unless you have a long list of specific attractions. Many visitors find 2–3 nights enough to cover:

Warner Bros. or Universal Studios
Griffith Observatory
The Hollywood Walk of Fame (quick stop)
A Beverly Hills/West Hollywood visit
A beach day in Santa Monica or Venice

If you don't have a very full Hollywood schedule, reducing from four nights to three is a good idea. Arriving in San Diego on July 3rd gives you a huge advantage:

You beat the worst traffic entering San Diego on the morning of the 4th.
You can enjoy the city more calmly on the 3rd—Gaslamp dinner, Seaport Village walk, Coronado ferry ride, etc.
Hotel check-in lines and parking situations are dramatically easier on the 3rd.
You have an additional full day to explore San Diego’s beaches, Balboa Park, Old Town, or La Jolla.

Many travelers wish they had more time in San Diego and fewer nights in Hollywood, so shifting one night is generally the better call.

In summary, keeping the Omni is a strong choice, and arriving on July 3rd instead of July 4th will give you a far smoother and more enjoyable start to your San Diego stay. You’ll have more time to explore the city, avoid holiday traffic, and claim a great fireworks viewing spot without stress.

4th July weekend … Where to stay?

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