Fireworks are Back, Where to Spend Fourth of July in Southern California
July 1, 2021
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA一 The COVID-19 pandemic threw the world into a spiral so we missed out on our normal Fourth of July celebrations for 2020, but 2021 promises to light up the night sky. Vaccines are out and the state has opened back up just in time for Independence Day and the Log has put together a list of boater-friendly fireworks displays from Santa Barbara down to San Diego.
Note: Some events are subject to change based on COVID-19 restrictions.
Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara Fourth of July Celebration
Location: Stearns Wharf and along West Beach
Time: TBD
Info: The beachfront celebration will be held along West Beach and is a free event for the community. The celebration will include food, music, and fireworks.
Website: https://www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/waterfront/events/july4.asp.
Fireworks Cruise 2021
Location: Sea Landing dock in Santa Barbara Harbor
Time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Info: You can enjoy a fireworks display on the Condor Express in the Santa Barbara Channel, the cruise includes light appetizers and no host full bar. Adult tickets are $65, children are $45. To make a reservation call (805) 882-0088 or +1 (888) 779-4253 or see the website.
Website: https://condorexpress.com/fireworks-cruise/.
Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach 4th of July Fireworks
Location: Seaside Lagoon
Time: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Info: Seaside Lagoon opens up at 2 p.m. with activities for kids and families including live bands, arts and crafts, workshops, dancing, food, and more.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/RedondoBeachFireworks/
Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks
Location: Riviera Village
Time: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Info: Fourth of July celebration at Riviera Village will include a beer garden and live music from Avenue I to S Catalina Avenue. For the fireworks there will be a barge set up across from Avenue I.
Website: https://rivieravillage.net/july-4-fireworks/
Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey’s 4th of July Fireworks
Location: Marina del Rey Marina
Time: 9 p.m.
Info: The fireworks for the show will be shot from a barge off the Marina’s south jetty. The show will be synchronized with music over loudspeakers at either Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village. The show can also be seen from special cruises through City Cruises which can be reserved online.
Website: https://www.visitmarinadelrey.com/events/july-4-fireworks-marina-del-rey
Long Beach
Fourth of July in Long Beach
Location: Rainbow Harbor and Shoreline Village
Time: 9 p.m.
Info: The fireworks show will take place over Queensway Bay and will be viewable from most of the Long Beach waterfront’s attractions. Harbor Breeze Cruises is offering cruises on the fourth for $50.
Website: https://tickets.harbor-cruises.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=12
Catalina Island
Catalina Island July 4th
Location: Avalon and Two Harbors
Time: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Info Avalon is hosting a home and business decorating contest with judging starting at 10 a.m., live music that will start at 12 p.m. and run periodically until 10 p.m., a Golf Cart Parade at 1 p.m., and a Dinghy Parade at 3:30 p.m. The fireworks show will start at 9 p.m. over Avalon Harbor. Two Harbors will host the Children’s Festival from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and a Dinghy Parade that will start at 2 p.m. A fireworks display on the shore of Isthmus Cove in Two Harbors will begin at dark.
Website: https://www.lovecatalina.com/4th/
Huntington Beach
Surf City Dreamin’ Fourth of July 2021
Location: Huntington Beach Pier
Time: 9 p.m.
Info: Huntington Beach will be celebrating Fourth of July from July 2-4 with a parade, Surf City 5k race, Pier Plaza Festival, Decorating Contest, and Fireworks Over the Ocean. The fireworks will be shot off over the Huntington Beach Pier, viewers have the option of enjoying the fireworks from the pier for $25.
Website:https://www.hb4thofjuly.org/.
Newport Beach
Independence Day on the Back Bay
Location: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Time: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Info: The gates open at 8 a.m., with food trucks starting at 12 p.m. live music at 2 p.m. and water sport rentals and inflatables open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. and is sponsored by the City of Newport Beach.
Website:https://www.newportdunes.com/event/independence-day-on-the-back-bay/
Old Glory Boat Parade: Let Freedom Ring!
Location: American Legion Yacht Club
Time: 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Info: The Old Glory Boat Parade will be hosted by the American Legion Yacht Club on July 4 and is a free event that all boats can enter. Decorate your boat to compete for best decorated, best music, spirit award, best theme, Commodore’s award, and the sweepstakes grand prize. Visit the website to sign up for one of the two Skipper’s Meeting’s on June 30 and July 3.
Website:https://bit.ly/2S7J7bI.
Laguna Beach
4th of July in Laguna Beach
Location: Laguna Beach
Time: 9 p.m.
Info: The fireworks show will originate from Monument Point at Heisler Park, the point area will be closed all day on the 4th of July and at approximately 5 p.m. Heisler Park from Rock Bench at Myrtle Street to the Rockpile Beach stairs at Jasmine Street will be closed to the public to allow for fireworks preparation.
Website:https://www.visitlagunabeach.com/events/holidays/4th-of-july/
Dana Point
Fireworks in the Sky over Doheny State Beach and Dana Point Harbor
Location: Dana Point Harbor, Heritage Park, and Lantern Bay Park
Time: 8:45 p.m.
Info: At 7:30 p.m. the harbor will close to personal vehicles; buses will be allowed entry to the harbor. The fireworks can be viewed from multiple locations in Dana Point Harbor.
Website: https://bit.ly/3gIRnqZ
San Clemente
4th of July Fireworks Show
Location: San Clemente Pier
Time: 9 p.m.
Info: The pier will be closed for the day, but fireworks will start at 9 p.m. and run for 30 minutes, there is an expected flyover from the Condor Squadron at 5:55 p.m.
Website: https://bit.ly/3wGBA2O
San Diego
Big Bay Boom
Location: San Diego Bay
Time: 9 p.m.
Info: Fireworks will be discharged from four barges throughout the harbor, Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, and South Embarcadero. The Big Bay Boom can be viewed from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Spanish Landing, North Embarcadero, South Embarcadero, Cesar E. Chavez Park, and Coronado Tidelands Park. Parking areas fill up early and the Port of San Diego strongly encourages the use of public transportation or rideshare. The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) will be providing expanded train, trolley, and bus service and is offering
“Friends Ride Free” – where a friend may ride free with a fare-paying customer on all MTS routes on July 4, 2021.
Website: https://www.bigbayboom.com/.
La Jolla Fireworks
Location: La Jolla Bay
Time: TBD
Info: Grab a blanket and hang out on the beach for the La Jolla Bay fireworks.
Website: https://www.san-diego-beaches-and-adventures.com/la-jolla-shores.html
Legoland California
Location: Legoland California
Time: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Info: The fireworks show is still TBD for 2021, but Legoland is hoping to have 4th of July games and celebrations throughout the day with admission.
Website: https://www.legoland.com/california/
Seaworld Fireworks
Location: Seaworld San Diego
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Info: Seaworld has fireworks throughout the summer until Sept. 6 that will start 10 minutes before closing and a longer show set for the Fourth of July that will start at 9:30 p.m. and is set to patriotic music.
Website: https://seaworld.com/san-diego/
Article updated on 07/02/21
