Celebrating the 4th of July in Los Angeles is easily one of the best places in the nation to catch awesome July 4th events. The options are endless! People can watch the fireworks from sandy beaches, grassy parks, or venture to the mountains for fantastic views over the city. Los Angeles has got something for everyone, from quiet scenic spots to all-out American extravaganzas.
A Lot for a Little
Marina Del Rey – Undoubtedly one of the most popular places in the city to enjoy the 4th with family and friends. Jaw-dropping fireworks above the water dotted with magnificent sailboats and private yachts? Yes, please! People stake out places near the marina before noon. Picnic spots in Burton Chase Park, Mother’s Beach, and Fisherman’s Village fill up really fast. Parking and finding that perfect area to view the show can be stressful, but once you’ve settled down, you’ll realize it was all worth it.
Local Tip: Afternoons can be warm, but it gets cold when the sun goes down. Dress warmly in lots of comfy layers.
Grand Park – Currently LA’s best 4th of July bang for your buck, this downtown park offers live music, DJs spinning global sets, food trucks, and spectacular fireworks. The best part is the price tag: It’s free! Come early (the first band usually starts at 2 pm), bring a picnic and snag a spot near the stage. Dancing feet are optional but totally encouraged.
Local Tip: Grand Park is easily accessible by Metro. Take the red line and exit at Civic Center/Grand Park.
Pacific Palisades – Feelin’ a parade are ya? Nothing like a good ol’ Independence Day parade to bring back feelings of inspiration, pride, and patriotism. Onlookers arrive around noon and grab a place on Sunset Boulevard between Via La Paz and Drummond. Right before 2 pm, skydivers sporting their best red, white, and blues plummet from the sky, giving the crowd a dazzling display of seemingly impossible acrobatics. The parade kicks off right afterward, showcasing some of the best drummers, dancers, and equestrians the country has to offer.
Local Tip: Attending the parade is free, but grandstand seating is a good option for those who attend with children or elderly people. Prices begin at $25.
CBS Radford Studio Center – How about spending your July 4th on the grounds of a TV studio? Crowds gather around the LA River to witness one of the best firework shows in the city. Yeah, it’s 20 bucks, but then you can brag to your coworkers the next day about scarfing down fried chicken under bursting rockets, right next to where Roseanne and Seinfeld were filmed.
Local Tip: Don’t hide the kids, bring them! They have a terrific kids’ play area which includes magic shows, games, costumes, and entertaining pirates.
Money to Burn?
The Rose Bowl – If the 4th of July to you is all about the Red, White, and Blue, try Americafest. Enjoy classic American eats, a hair-bending motorcycle stunt show, and of course, patriotic pyrotechnics. This family-friendly event opens at 2pm and features fun rides, games, and crafts.
Americafest tickets are $13. Children under 5 are free. Parking is $20.
Local Tip: Military personnel with a valid ID can receive up to 4 free tickets.
4th of July celebrations on The Queen Mary has something for everyone!
The Queen Mary – This is a party worth saving for! Besides having access to one of the best firework shows in the city, guests can expect a vibrant carnival, a throw-back circus, live music, a Gatsby garden and secret 1930’s Cotton Club. If you leave here without feeling fully entertained, something is wrong.
General Admission: $44 online, $49 at the door.
Local Tip: Consider purchasing the VIP hotel package. It will be a long night; Instead of having to drive home, you can take the elevator up to your hotel room and relax in comfort.
No Muss, No Fuss
No desire to organize and throw a picnic together? For those who only have the energy to sneak up on some fireworks, here are some cool places to check out:
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook – You’ll get some exercise walking up a steep hill, but you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the city.
Hollywood Bowl Overlook – You can enjoy the music and the fireworks without having to pay for a ticket to the Bowl.
Venice Fishing Pier – A great spot to catch the fireworks lifting off from the barge in Marina Del Rey.
