**Updated for 2019**
The 4th of July is hands down my favorite holiday. Yeah yeah Christmas and Halloween get a lot of love too, but there’s something very nostalgic about the 4th. It reminds me of when I was kid and we would set off firecrackers in our neighborhood cul-de-sac, or go to the local Boom River celebration. We always turned on the radio so we could hear the perfectly timed music and booms. It means, barbecues and beers, sticky popsicles, and taking a moment to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy in this country. It’s also the day my husband proposed so it will forever hold a special place in my heart.
If the 4th is one of your favorite holidays too, then you’re in luck! I’ve put together a list of places all around Southern California that will entertain and delight kids of all ages with fireworks and more. Make sure you check the websites and info for all of these before you go to make sure there’s no changes. Then grab your friends and family and enjoy ‘Merica! Post a pic in the comments below or Tweet me a pic of where you watched fireworks and share the patriotic love!
Best Fireworks in SoCal:
NEW! Universal Studios Fireworks: Universal Studios Hollywood lights up the night sky with its first-ever July 4th fireworks celebration, inviting guests to enjoy a spectacular aerial display that will take place in multiple locations within the theme park. This exciting new addition is included in the price of admission to Universal Studios Hollywood. As the spirit of Independence Day sweeps across the theme park, guests can toast the day by enjoying the theme park’s many popular rides and attractions, before the festive pyrotechnics extravaganza, synchronized to a score of Universal-themed music and patriotic favorites, begins at 9:30pm.
Rose Bowl Stadium: The Rose Bowl is hosting its 93rd AmericaFest. Pre-fireworks performances include TNT Freestyle Motocross, a preview of the new Apollo 11 immersive live show, and Disney’s DCappella Live Lion King Performance. The stadium has a clear bag policy, so no backpacks or other large bags and cases. Parking is always a consideration at the Rose Bowl and starts at $50 ($40 if you pre-purchase), so you’ll want to plan ahead.
Disneyland: A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky. On July 4, 2019, get in the star-spangled spirit as brilliant fireworks animate the night sky to the sounds of patriotic songs at Disneyland.
Dodger Stadium: at 6:10, our boys in blue play the San Diego Padres, and the game will be followed by a holiday fireworks display. It doesn’t get much more American than this (or SoCal, for that matter). It’s Dodger Stadium, so you know the drill: parking is what it is, and you might want to arrange alternate transportation.
San Pedro: There shall be fireworks near the waterfront, oh, yes, but how will you choose to admire them? The 69th Annual John Olguin July 4th Spectacular features live music, food trucks and family activities before the fireworks show. Starts at noon until fireworks at 9pm.
Redondo Beach: The holiday kicks off with “swimming and activities at the Seaside Lagoon featuring water slides, fountains, and plenty of beach sand.” As for when you’ll need to look up from your sand castle at the sky? The fireworks are set to glow around 9 o’clock.
Huntington Beach: Surf City does it up, and the four-day lead-in to Independence Day is further proof of its festive spirit. There’s a pancake breakfast on the morning of July 4, and mid-morning parade, but for the Huntington Beach Pier fireworks? Be there, on or near the sand, well in advance of the 9 p.m. start time.
Newport Dunes: Sponsored by the City of Newport Beach, experience Southern California’s largest and most spectacular fireworks display with patriotic music in sync at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. The fireworks display will start around 9 PM
Calabasas: Where you’ll want to be when night fully settles in on July 4? The Calabasas High School Football Field. What you’ll want to be doing? Enjoying the “(l)ive musical dance party” and the Family Fun Zone (think stilt walkers, games, inflatables). The fireworks? They zoom at 9 o’clock. Event opens at 5.
Grand Park: 3-9:30, The 4th of July Block Party at Grand Park is another free event. Expect to “chill, munch, dance, splash, play and top it off with fireworks under the DTLA skyline.” You can bring your own food to picnic, but no coolers and no outside drinks. You can fill your empty plastic bottles at water fountains in the park, and vendor booths will provide more food and drink options.
Hollywood Bowl: Starting at 7:30pm, Nile Rodgers & CHIC headline this year’s funky fireworks spectacular, a three-night celebration starting July 2. You’ll have a chance to let your inner disco diva shine at a pre-concert Disco Throwdown, and the event features special guest DRUMLine Live (of Beyoncé’s “Homecoming” fame) and the Los Angeles Philharmonic with conductor Thomas Wilkins. Half off for kids under 12.
Pacific Palisades: One of the sweetest parades around? The Fourth of July celebrations kick off with the free 71st annual Rock the Fourth parade. Head to Palisades Charter High School afterward for children’s activities, food trucks and live music before the evening’s firework show at 9:30.
Fullerton: City of Fullerton Hosts. 30th Firework Show
Woodland Hills: Councilman Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza is known for its 15-minute firework display. The event includes live music, local food vendors and local business booths at Warner Ranch Park. Starts at 6 and is free.
La Crescenta: Presented by the Crescenta Valley Fireworks Assn., the 13th annual firework show in La Crescenta includes food trucks, live music and a carnival before the fireworks go off. Tickets are $10, but $9 ahead of time. Children are admitted free.
Doheny State Beach: Whether you come for a day at the beach and the evening fireworks display or just for the amazing fireworks extravaganza launched from the barge off shore, this is a great 4th of July tradition. It is one of the most popular days at Doheny, so if you’re planning to spend the day at the beach and see the fireworks in the evening, get an early start as the park fills up early. You may walk into the park any time during the day with no fee charged. Park hours are 6 AM to 10 PM. Fireworks start at 8:45 PM
Six Flags Magic Mountain: Where to go to best experience the Coca-Cola July 4th Fest fireworks spectacular? The Valencia park’s online HQ suggests Full Throttle Plaza as the “best” spot. If riding rides all day is your Fourth of July tradition, that’s so easily done here, with a finale of bright-sky’d fireworks at the end.
Marina del Rey: If sun, sand and sea are more your style, then you might want to try Marina del Rey. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. and you can watch from the shore or the water (book now if you want a spot on a boat). Getting in and out could be a beast because of street closures, and parking will be limited after 1 p.m., so your best bet is to get there early and stay all day. You won’t want for things to do: the marina offers activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, and the beach isn’t far, plus you’ll have lots of dining options.
Knott’s Berry Farm: So you say you always hang out in the Boardwalk area, after you’ve done a few roller coasters and after you’ve visited the Ghost Town and after your boysenberry snack? Know, then, that you’ll be in the exact right place to eye the evening fireworks display.
Queen Mary: Join an All-American 4th of July at the historic Long Beach landmark on Tuesday, July 4. Jump into a tour of the famous ocean-liner, make arts, make crafts, participate in a game, then check out the over-the-water show after the sun goes down.
Lancaster: Cheer for the Professional Bull Riders Touring Division before taking in the shiny wonderment in the starry sky. There’s entertainment, too, and food if you didn’t get a chance to do the dinner thing before settling in for some excellent riding action. Opens at 4.
Pomona Fairplex: Claremont’s Fourth of July festivities begin early with a pancake breakfast, a run, a parade and children’s activities followed by the main event with barbecue, live music and a fireworks show at Pomona College’s Strehle Track. Starts at 6:30 and the price is $10.
Cerritos: Cerritos’ 46th annual “Let Freedom Ring” celebration includes a day of rides, games, food vendors, live music, a bell-ringing ceremony and a fireworks show.
Burbank: Fireworks will follow live musical performances by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Rumble King. Tickets are $15-$35 each and gates open at 5:30.
Catalina Island:Spy fireworks over Avalon Bay on July 4, a memorable sight, indeed, but be sure to catch an early boat to Avalon. Swing dance and a golf cart parade are some of the charming and nostalgic sights set to be part of the island holiday.
South Gate Park: For a free alternative, South Gate’s going, if not bigger, then longer, with a four-day carnival, complete with games and “thrill rides.” The action starts Thursday and, of course, culminates with a fireworks show. But you can come back for even more fun on Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
