Fourth of July Planner
By Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles
Celebrate Fourth of July in Los Angeles: Find the coolest fireworks displays, fun Independence Day events and the best outdoor restaurants and bars.
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Rose Bowl
1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA
Considered the largest fireworks show in the state, the Rose Bowl festivities begin early in the day, with the outdoor festival and food court opening at 2pm. The fantastic fireworks finale begins at 9pm. More than 25,000 people are expected to show up for the event's 82nd anniversary, so be prepared for a little shoulder-bumping. Tickets are $13 general admission; children 7 and younger are free. -
Exposition Park
Exposition Blvd and S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA
Free to the public: The 45 minute-plus fireworks extravaganza starts at dusk, featuring hi-tech pyrotechnics set to music. Feel free to arrive early and enjoy live music, food and festival booths. The show can best be viewed from Christmas Tree Lane, which is just north of the Sports Arena, or at the South Lawn, which is just south of the Natural History Museum. -
Fisherman's Village
13755 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA
Beginning at 9pm, this traditional fireworks show over Marina del Rey’s main channel is free to the public. Show up early and enjoy one of the waterfront restaurants with the family or have a picnic at nearby Chase Park or one of the local beaches. -
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
1855 Main St, Santa Monica, CA
Even though there are no fireworks at this free parade (or anywhere in Santa Monica), this family-friendly event promises to be a great time. Stand on the sidewalk or dress up your bike or little red wagon at this community parade. There will be prizes for the most spectacularly adorned wagons, bikes and more. Best of all, there are lots of nearby restaurants and cafes to enjoy after the parade. Parade begins at 9:30 am. -
Doheny State Beach
25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA
Start out early in the morning if you’re planning an Independence Day celebration as this is Doheny's busiest day of the year. The beach opens at 6:00 am with the fireworks show off the barge of the harbor starting at 9:00 pm. A great full-day experience for the whole family. -
Disneyland
700 W Ball Rd, Anaheim, CA
After a half century, there's still magic in the air at the granddaddy of all theme parks. On July 4, Tinker Bell sprinkles the night sky with pixie dust in the Magic Kingdom's fireworks spectacular.
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Castaway
1250 Harvard Dr, Burbank, CA
This longtime special-occasion dining destination in Burbank offers great views from its mountaintop perch and warming firepits once the breeze sets in. On July 4, you can get a view of the aerial fireworks from the neighboring Starlight Bowl. -
Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Locals and tourists cram this beachfront haunt for seafood and strong cocktails. You might not see any fireworks across the ocean, but it's one of the few restaurants in town where you can legally drink right on the beach. -
Pane e Vino
8265 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The interior here is rustic and comfortable, but it's the gorgeous yet understated back patio that provides an ideal post on warm summer nights. The delicious Italian food is only a bonus. -
Geoffrey's
27400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA
Offering one of the most spectacular seaside views in a town swimming in them, Geoffrey's is ideal for al fresco dining in summer, not to mention almost a lock for primo celebrity-spotting.
