From boat rides and ballgames to cookouts and fireworks, this Fourth of July in California is a spectacle of fun and excitement.
July 1: Virtual 5K/10K/Half-Marathon
Beginning in Palisades Park, participants can choose between a 5K, 10K or half-marathon race and compete against runners across the world. After sign-up, your swag bag will be sent to you with all the essentials you need to participate. Feel good about feeling good and challenging yourself with half of the proceeds going to select orphanages in East Asia.
Cost: $32 to $40.
To register: runsignup.com.
July 1: Pier Pressure San Diego Pre-July 4th Mega Yacht Party
San Diego
Setting sail at 5 p.m., get ready for an evening of drinking, dancing and mingling surrounded by six DJs on three separate decks during the Pier Pressure San Diego Pre-July 4th Mega Yacht Party. Being aboard the 1,200-person luxury vessel is a perfect place to catch breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline, harbor, Coronado Bridge and maybe even some fireworks.
Cost: $32 to $200.
For tickets: eventbrite.com.
July 1 to July 4: Independence Day Weekend at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
Dana Point
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club has an exciting Independence Day weekend agenda planned for resort guests and members. Starting July 1, events include Star-Spangled Splash at Monarch Pool and Beachfront Bash at Monarch Bay Beach Club, with live music and tasty cocktails. Come the Fourth of July holiday, watch the waterfront fireworks show from the balcony of your guest room or kick back on at Grand Lawn Cookout with all-American eats.
Cost: Prices vary.
For more information: www.waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com.
July 4: Fourth of July Celebration
Santa Barbara
The city of Santa Barbara has a full slate of fun and festive family-friendly activities this Fourth of July, noon to 9:30 p.m., from food vendors to fireworks. Spend the day at Stearns Wharf and enjoy the ocean air while live music plays throughout the town. Finish the night with a 20-minute fireworks spectacle over the water–choreographed to classics and patriotic favorites.
Cost: Free.
For more information: santabarbaraca.gov.
July 4: Independence Day on the Back Bay
Newport Dunes
Spend all day–8 a.m. to 10 p.m.–at the Newport Beach harbor with a little something for everybody. While awaiting the free fireworks extravaganza at 9 p.m., grab a bite and a brew from one of the food trucks, dance to the beats of DJ yo–b1, or rent double-kayaks and Duffy boats to take the party afloat. Make sure to get there early and beat the traffic because it’s going to be a fully-filled Fourth of July celebration.
Cost: $100 pre-paid, reserved parking is available for purchase; $50 day-of parking.
For more information: newportdunes.com.
July 4: Over the Top 4th of July
San Diego
Looking to take your Fourth of July in California to new heights? The Over the Top 4th of July is 40 floors above San Diego Bay with 360-degree views of the harbor and more. Indulge in a themed buffet dinner and, of course, unlimited drinks–hosted by the Manchester Grand Hyatt.
Cost: Tickets start at $230.
For tickets: eventbrite.com.
July 4: Boardwalk Boom 4th of July Celebration 2023
San Diego
Head to the Manchester Grand Hyatt in sunny San Diego for exciting dining and firework special. Awe at Big Bay Boom Fireworks–the West Coast’s biggest firework show–and enjoy prime reserved seating, delicious dinner and unlimited alcohol with purchase at the resort’s Sally’s Fish House & Bar.
Cost: $100 reserves the table of your choice for up to four guests. A $400 minimum of food and beverage purchases per table is required.
For tickets: eventbrite.com.
July 4: Marina del Rey 4th of July Fireworks Dinner Cruise
Marina del Rey
A Fourth of July in California is not complete without a cruise. Semi-formal attire encouraged, you and your date can head aboard and indulge in delicious chef-crafted dining and plenty of summer cocktails during your three-hour sail. Soak in the views of the ocean, city and mountains right off the Marina del Rey harbor and make memories that will last beyond just Independence Day. Boarding starts at 6:30 p.m.; cruise is 7 to 10 p.m.
Cost: From $205.
For more information: cityexperiences.com.
July 4: July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with The Beach Boys
Hollywood
Jam to the anthems of American youth this Fourth of July at the Hollywood Bowl. Catch the summery ballads from The Beach Boys and see the fireworks from your primetime seats on the edge of Hollywood. And best of all–-pack your picnic favorites or opt for gourmet grab-and-go upon arrival at the theater.
Cost: Tickets start at $39.
For tickets: hollywoodbowl.com.
July 4: Pirates at Dodger Stadium
Los Angeles
Take your family and friends out to the ball game this Fourth of July in California. Watch the game live at the Dodger Stadium as they battle the Pirates. Grab a Dodger dog, a cheesy slice or a mile-high pile of nachos and kick back as California Pizza Kitchen presents fireworks for the audience. You won’t strike out with this one!
Cost: Tickets start at $33.
For tickets: mlb.tickets.com.
July 4: 4th of July Pool Party at Skybar at Mondrian
West Hollywood
Beat the heat and head to the party poolside. The Skybar at the Mondrian in West Hollywood is hosting an ultimate pool party with sounds from Eric Sharp all afternoon and evening. Come in your star-studded swimwear and get ready for a lively experience of red, white and booze.
Cost: Tickets start at $20.
For more information: allevents.in.
July 4: La Jolla Shores Drone Show
La Jolla
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club hosts a show-stopping, cutting-edge Drone Show featuring 100 drones soaring hundreds of feet above the shoreline for a dazzling Independence Day performance. The drones are set to launch at 8:45 p.m.; the main viewing of the show will be from the south end of Kellogg Park.
Cost: Free.
For more information: www.ljbtc.com.
July 4: 4th of July Fireworks Family Cruise
Hop aboard the 4th of July Family Fireworks Cruise, during which guests can take in SeaWorld San Diego’s spectacular Independence Day display. The William D. Evans sternwheeler boat departs from Bahia Resort Hotel and features a DJ and a cash bar with drinks and snacks. The ride takes place 6:50 to 9:55 p.m.
Cost: $50.
Tickets: www.bahiahotel.com/4th-july-cruise.