Thank you to the LA Weekly, and the Los Angeles Daily News, if you haven’t figured out where you’re going to watch the fireworks around Los Angeles, scroll on down…
For the Active: Paseo Del Sol Fire Road
Feeling adventurous this Fourth? Take a hike along the Paseo Del Sol fire road to the Via Campesina peak for an 180-degree view of L.A. Located in the Palos Verdes Estates, this South Bay find showcases the fireworks from Redondo Beach, Torrance Beach and about as far as the eye can see. But remember, it’s a residential area, so be respectful of the community and be careful where you park. Paseo Del Sol, Palos Verdes Estates.
For the Whole Shebang: Topanga Overlook
If you can’t quite decide on which fireworks display you’d like to see this year, Topanga Overlook is your best bet for catching a whole slew of them. The public-park parking lot that sits atop the Topanga Canyon ridges, as well as each nook and cranny along the shoulder heading down the north side of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, sets the scene for 200 or more viewers anxiously awaiting the holiday show. With the San Fernando Valley spread out below, this view includes the fireworks shows in Calabasas, Glendale and about 15 neighborhoods in between. Oooh and aaah at the sparks flying from the Warner Center business groups’ display about three miles north, or put your geography skills to the test by trying to guess which part of the Valley the bright lights are coming from. 3400 North Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga.
For the Classy: Bona Vista Lounge
If a picnic basket, blanket and Bruce Springsteen’s “Born In the U.S.A.” don’t meet your Fourth of July standards, then head to the 34th floor of the Westin Bonaventure for a more posh scene. There you’ll find the Bona Vista Lounge, where you can treat yourself to a fancy cocktail and nibble, all while contemplating which is the best fireworks display within a ten-mile radius — the floor of the lounge rotates exposing 360 degree views. 34th floor of the Westin Bonaventure, 404 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles.
For the Family: Levitt Pavilion
If you can’t handle another year of the motorcycle stunt-ridden, inflatable ride-packed, daylong marathon at The Rose Bowl, the Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena may be a better bet. This Fourth, the Pavilion inside Memorial Park is celebrating with a free concert by Night Train Music Club, and all of the food and kids’ fun you’d find at Americafest. You’ll still experience the incredible fireworks display put on by Zambelli at The Rose Bowl without paying to get in. The festival and food vendors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 8. In Memorial Park, Pasadena between Walnut and Holly on Raymond Ave.-85 E. Holly Street (conveniently an exit of the Metro Gold Line).
For the Spiritual: Flattop
Even if you’re not a member of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel, that doesn’t mean you can’t praise the fireworks from this great view. Located between Lincoln Heights and Montecito Heights, the area owned by the church is known as Flattop and has become a known for its incredible views, perfect for watching an array of different firework shows. It’s almost certainly out of the way of crowds, so if you’re looking for a peaceful, serene or even romantic evening, put Flattop first on your list. 1040 Montecito Drive, Los Angeles.
For the Thrifty: Mimi’s Cafe outside Disneyland
Looking for a way to watch the impressive fireworks display put on by Disneyland without paying the outlandish $96 entrance fee? No problem. Although the Mickey & Friends parking structure is probably too well-known to accommodate your hunt for a parking spot, you can still claim your space elsewhere. Mimi’s Café, on Harbor Boulevard, is said to be one of the best viewpoints from outside the park. Snag your spot early, before the 9:25 p.m. show time, and spend that extra cash on a Triple Chocolate Brownie from the café. Now that’s magic. 1400 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim.
For the Low-Key: Granada Beach
If you’re in Orange County, Granada Beach is an excellent spot to admire the Queen Mary’s fireworks extravaganza. Do your best to beat the rest of the Long Beach madness and hangout here for a less crowded, more enjoyable end to the holiday. After all, why bother boarding the ship when you can watch the fireworks, on the beach, from afar? 4020 Olympic Plaza, Belmont Shore.
For the Big Guns: Hollywood Bowl
If you’ve given up your hunt for the most ingenious and unknown fireworks watching spot, purchasing a ticket for the Hollywood Bowl’s Spectacular is hardly settling. No need to sit front row for these so-called breathtaking fireworks. Buy a $13 ticket and chill in the back while Steve Martin, The Steep Canyon Rangers and more join in on a very American evening. 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles. Tickets available on Ticketmaster.
via Best Fourth of July Fireworks in L.A. For Whatever Your Scene | Public Spectacle | Los Angeles | Los Angeles News and Events | LA Weekly.
JULY 4
BURBANK
Independence Day Celebration: The Surfaris, Surfin’ (Tribute to the Beach Boys) and The Tokens, 6:30 p.m.; fireworks, 9 p.m. Tickets $20-$25. No ticket sales on July 4. Parking $8 (cash only), opens, 4:30 p.m. Gates open, 5:30 p.m. 1249 Lockheed View Drive. 818-238-5300. www.starlightbowl.com
CALABASAS
Fireworks Spectacular: Event includes crafts, food, games and music, 5 p.m.; fireworks, 9 p.m. Tickets $10; free for ages under 2. No ticket sales on July 4. Ticket sale locations: 100 Civic Center Way; Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center, 23400 Park Sorrento and Juan Bautista de Anza Park, 3701 Lost Hills Road. Bring your own low back lawn chair or blanket. Calabasas High School, football field, 22855 Mulholland Highway. www.cityofcalabasas.com
CAMARILLO
City of Camarillo Fireworks Spectacular: Preshow activities for children and live music, 4 p.m.; fireworks 9 p.m. Admission $2; free for ages 5 and under. Camarillo High School, 4660 Mission Oaks Blvd. 805-388-5349. www.ci.camarillo.ca.us
FILLMORE
Sespe Creek Car Show and Fireworks: The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce presents the show with food and arts and crafts marketplace, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., in the 300 block of Central Avenue. Fireworks, about 9:15 p.m., are launched from Fillmore Middle School, 543 A St. 805-207-0515. www.fillmorecarshow.com
LA CRESCENTA
The Crescenta Valley Fireworks Association Festival and Fireworks: Food, music and rides, 4 p.m.; fireworks, after 9 p.m. Admission $7 in advance; $10; free for ages 7 and under. Check website for in advance ticket sale locations. La Crescenta Elementary School, 4343 La Crescenta Ave. 818-248-2271. www.cvfireworks.com
LANCASTER
Professional Bull Riders Show and Fireworks Extravaganza: Food and live music, 4-8:30 p.m. (outside of the grandstand area); Professional Bull Riders Touring Pro Division, 7 p.m.; fireworks, after 9 p.m. Tickets for bull riding show, $5-$20. Free fireworks viewing areas are south of the grandstands (grandstand seating for fireworks requires bull riding show ticket). Parking $5. Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 W. Ave. H. Fireworks information, 661-723-6077. Professional Bull Riders events, 661-575-9800. www.showdownrodeo.com; www.avfair.com
LOS ANGELES
Historic re-enactment of the first Fourth of July flag raising in Los Angeles: Event includes a cannon and musket salute, 10-11 a.m. Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial, 451 N. Hill St. Email, fortmoore@ymail.com.
Fourth of July Block Party in Grand Park: Music on two stages (between North Broadway and Spring Street and between Grand Avenue and Hill Street) and food vendors, 4-9 p.m. Fireworks, about 9 p.m. Free admission. No alcohol allowed. Check website for map of area. 200 N. Grand Ave. (Grand Avenue to Main Street and Second to Temple streets). 213-972-8080. www.grandparkla.org
MARINA DEL REY
Zambelli Fireworks Internationale display: 9 p.m. (www.zambellifireworks.com). Viewing areas include: Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way (this location will have speakers to allow for listening to synchronized music from KXLU 88.9 FM); Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way; Marina Beach, 4101 Admiralty Way. Check website for harbor side restaurant dinner and cruise watching options; parking tips. 310-305-9545. www.visitmarinadelrey.com
NEWHALL
Fourth of July Parade in Old Town Newhall: “Our Heroes: We Can Because They Do” is the theme for the event that includes equestrian teams, floats, patriotic music and classic vehicles, 9 a.m. Main Street at Fifth Street to Lyons Avenue, west on Lyons, north to Orchard Village Road to 16th Street. arts.santa-clarita.com/fourth-of-july
OJAI
Ojai Independence Day Parade and Fireworks: Parade, 10 a.m. Route begins on Ojai Avenue at Country Club Road to Park Road (Libbey Park). July 4th Fireworks show, music by Crowfoot and Party of 5, 5:30 p.m.; fireworks, 9:15 p.m. Tickets $8 and $4 ages under 13 in advance; $10 and $5 ages under 13. Nordhoff Community Stadium, 1401 Maricopa Highway. 805-223-0578; 805-646-0076. www.facebook.com/ojai4thofjulyevents
OXNARD
Fireworks by the Sea: Channel Islands Harbor activities include a children’s parade, 10:30 a.m. on Harbor Boulevard from Albacore Way to Cabezone Circle; farmers market and craft vendors, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; fireworks, 9 p.m. 3350 S. Harbor Blvd. 805-985-4852. www.channelislandsharbor.org
PASADENA
AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl: Festival (outside the stadium in area H) with food and games for children, 2 p.m.; musical performances by Liverpool Legends, Ian Thomas and motorcycle stunts, 7 p.m.. Pyrospectaculars by Souza’s fireworks display, 9 p.m. (www.pyrospectaculars.com). Tickets $16.85-$33.35; ages 5 and under are free in the general admission area. 1001 Rose Bowl Drive. 626-577-3100. www.rosebowlstadium.com
POMONA
Kaboom – Monster Trucks, Big Air Freestyle Motocross and Fireworks at Fairplex: Show, 8 p.m. Pyrospectaculars by Souza fireworks display (www.pyrospectaculars.com), 9:20 p.m. Gates open, 5 p.m. Tickets $17-$23 (check website for buffet options). Parking through Gate 17, $10. 1101 W. McKinley Ave. 909-623-3111. www.fairplex.com
PORTER RANCH
Fourth of July Spectacular at Shepherd of the Hills Church: Children’s activities, food and music, 4:30 p.m.; fireworks, after 9 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Check website for parking tips. 19700 Rinaldi St. 818-831-9333. www.theshepherd.org
SANTA BARBARA
Fourth of July Parade – Made in the USA – Bill of Rights…Guard It: The 52nd annual event, 1 p.m. Parade begins on State Street at Micheltorena Street, on State to Cota Street. 805-284-5245. Email lamberton_1776@yahoo.com. www.spiritof76sb.org
West Coast Symphony Orchestra – American Salute: Standards and patriotic music, 5 p.m. Free. Sunken Gardens at Santa Barbara County Courthouse. www.cieloperformingarts.org
Santa Barbara’s Fireworks Show: Food vendors, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Bay Fireworks’ fireworks display, 9 p.m. (www.bayfireworks.com). West Beach, Cabrillo Boulevard. 805-568-0020. www.santabarbaraca.gov
SANTA PAULA
Fireworks Extravaganza: 9 p.m. Free. Harding Park, 1300 E. Harvard Blvd. 805-933-4226. www.ci.santa-paula.ca.us
SIMI VALLEY
Fourth of July Celebration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library: Event includes crafts, old fashioned games, patriotic music and president look-a-likes, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free for outdoor activities; admission to museum exhibits $16 ages 18-61; $13 ages 62 and over; $9 ages 11-17; $6 ages 3-10. 40 Presidential Drive. 805-522-2977. www.reaganlibrary.com
Simi Valley Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza: Event includes children’s activities, crafts, entertainment and games, 2 p.m. Fireworks, 9:20 p.m. Free admission. Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 E. Los Angeles Ave. 805-660-2214. www.simivalleyrotary.org
STUDIO CITY
Studio City Chamber of Commerce Fourth of July Fireworks Festival: Event includes children’s activities, food and music from Paperback Writer – The Beatles Experience, 4:30-9:30 p.m. Admission $21.69; $11.34 ages 6-12; $42.39 with rooftop wristband; $32.04 ages 6-12 with rooftop wristband; $104.49 VIP; $52.74 VIP ages 6-12; $16.52 VIP ages 3-5. CBS Studio Center, 4024 Radford Ave. 818-655-5916. www.studiocitychamber.com
THOUSAND OAKS
Conejo Pops Orchestra Independence Day Concert: Americana and patriotic music, 5-7 p.m. Conejo Community Park, 1175 Hendrix Ave. 805-381-1247. www.crpd.org
Fireworks Spectacular: Festival, 5-9 p.m. Fireworks, 9 p.m. Assorted viewing spots including Janss Marketplace, Hillcrest Drive and Moorpark Road (805-495-4662); The Oaks, 350 W. Hillcrest Drive. KCLU 88.3 FM for traffic updates and patriotic simulcast, 7-9:45 p.m. Information at Conejo Recreation and Park District, 805-381-1247. www.janssmarketplace.net; www.crpd.org
VALENCIA
City of Santa Clarita Fourth of July Fireworks Show at Westfield Valencia Town Center: 9:15 p.m. Simulcast music on KHTS 1220 AM. 24201 W. Valencia Blvd. 661-286-4018. www.santa-clarita.com/arts
VALLEY VILLAGE
Fourth of July Parade: 9:30 a.m. Parade begins at Colfax Charter Elementary School, 11724 Addison St. to Valley Village Park, 200 Westpark Drive. www.myvalleyvillage.com
VENTURA
Fourth of July Street Fair, Children’s Pushem-Pullem Parade and Ventura City Hall Centennial: Street Fair with arts and crafts vendors and live entertainment, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Street Fair is held on Main Street from Fir Street to Mission Park. Parade begins 10 a.m. at Cemetery Memorial Park, Crimea and Main streets. 805-654-7749. www.cityofventura.net/streetfairs
A Salute to America – Fourth of July Fireworks and Family Picnic: The Rotary Club of Ventura presents the event with children’s activities and entertainment, 5 p.m. Bring your own picnic or food vendors available. Fireworks, about 9 p.m. Tickets $6 age 13 and over and $4 ages 4-12 in advance (Ventura area McDonald’s and Vons); $8 ages 13 and over and $6 ages 4-12. Ventura College Athletic Fields, 4667 Telegraph Road. www.venturafireworks.com
WESTLAKE VILLAGE
Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast and Family Parade: Boy Scout Troop 752 serves the pancakes, 8 a.m., 4415 Lakeview Canyon Road ($5). Parade with red, white and blue decorated bicycles, strollers and wagons, begins 9:45 a.m. at the breakfast site and proceeds on Agoura Road to Berniece Bennett Park, 31800 Village Center Drive. Activities and food at the park, 10 a.m.-noon. 818-706-1613. www.wlv.org
Fireworks Celebration: Fireworks will be launched from the Westlake Village Golf Course, 4812 Lakeview Canyon Road. Viewing areas include Berniece Bennett Park, 31800 Village Center Drive; Calvary Community Church, 5495 Via Rocas (gates open 6 p.m.; free concert with Urban Soul; food trucks); Westlake Village Golf Course Driving Range; Westlake Village Inn, 31943 Agoura Road (818-889-0230; www.westlakevillageinn.com). www.wlv.org
WOODLAND HILLS
July Fourth Fireworks Extravaganza: Mrs. Robinson’s Decades Band and Urban Xtreme, 6 p.m.; fireworks, 9:08 p.m. Warner Center Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd. 818-704-1358. www.valleycultural.org