Katalyst’s Picks for an Unforgettable 4th of July

As the 4th of July approaches, San Diegians are gearing up to celebrate life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in America’s Finest City. Whether you’re looking for a booming night out, a festive stay-cation, or just want to chill and grill at home, InterContinental Hotel, Lakehouse Hotel & Resort, and Ranch 45 are delivering what is sure to be an epic 4th of July celebration. Check out why below! 

Photo Credit: Diana Rose

InterContinental San Diego 

The InterContinental San Diego, located downtown on San Diego’s waterfront, is offering visitors and locals alike the chance to take in the fireworks in a crowd-free and stress-free environment. The hotel is taking advantage of its prime location and sweeping views of the bay, giving guests the opportunity to view the Big Bay Boom, along with two other firework displays that can be seen from the property, from the comfort of the hotel’s signature restaurants or the Bayview Terrace. Vistal will have terrace tables available for reservation for $500, which will include one bottle of Piper Heidsieck Champagne and a Charcuterie board for 4 guests, while the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Garibaldi, will be offering a pre-fixe menu available for $135 per person, or $95 for kids. Reservations for Vistal can be made via Resy here, and for Garibaldi here. The hotel will also be hosting a BBQ on their bayview terrace, which will include all you can eat barbeque, beer and wine, live music, and an amazing view for the firework show for $165 per person, or $75 for kids. Tickets for the Bayview Terrace can be purchased via Eventbrite here. Regardless of what option guests choose, a 4th of July visit to the InterContinental San Diego guarantees a dazzling evening. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lakehouse Hotel & Resort

Lakehouse Hotel & Resort 

Spend the Fourth on the lake this year and celebrate with friends, family and pups at Lakehouse Hotel & Resort’s 4th of July Carnival! Guests can try their luck and win big at some of the many carnival games set up across the lakeside lawn or let their furry friends have some fun and dress them up in their most festive outfits to enter the Patriotic Dog Contest. In traditional July 4th fashion, the hotel will be serving up hot dogs and burgers and classic concessions like cotton candy, sno-cones and a lemonade stand (pro tip: If you’re looking for something a little stronger, ask for the spiked lemonade!). This event is free to attend with activity tickets available to purchase. Register here. The Carnival runs from 9am to 4pm. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ranch 45

Ranch 45 

This Fourth of July, feast on an all-American, family-style meal while watching the San Diego County Fair fireworks from Ranch 45’s outdoor patio directly across from the fairgrounds for prime time viewing. From 5pm to 9pm, guests can enjoy the option of two family-style meals including Smoked Brandt Brisket for $45 per person or Brandt Beef New York for $55 per person, both served with cornbread, corn on the cob, field green salad and apple crisp with vanilla ice cream for dessert. From 5pm to 7:30pm, reservations are required and can be made via the Ranch 45 website, or patrons can pick up the family style meals to-go along with all the BBQ essentials for a party at home. After 7pm, everyone is welcome to enjoy their meal at Ranch 45 and stay for the fireworks while mingling, listening to music and snacking on s’mores, with the cost of $20 per person plus the price of the meal. The perfect dinner option for groups of all ages and sizes, Ranch 45 knows how to throw an unforgettable BBQ bash.