Waterfront Fireworks Light Up SoCal Skies

Byline: Ambrosia Brody and Eston Ellis

Waterfront Fireworks Light Up SoCal Skies

There is no better way to help celebrate America’s 237th birthday than with fireworks, at one of the many waterfront pyrotechnics shows scheduled throughout Southern California on the Fourth of July.

Boaters will have the best vantage points for viewing these aerial displays. However, those preparing to head out for the festivities are advised to plan accordingly, as the number of boaters on the water will increase dramatically on July 4.

Along with advising boaters to get to local harbors bright and early before the crowds start to gather, Southern California harbor patrols have also issued advisories covering areas that boaters must stay clear of during fireworks displays. Boaters should be aware of these exclusion zones before they hit the water.

In addition to fireworks, boaters will find boat parades, barbecues, car shows and a variety of other activities to enjoy at harbors from San Diego to Santa Barbara.

To help you plan your holiday cruise, here is The Log Newspaper’s annual list of Independence Day fireworks shows and related activities that Southern California boaters can enjoy.

San Diego: Big Bay Boom
Where: San Diego Bay
When: 9 p.m. July 4
Best Views: Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Seaport Village, Embarcadero South Marina Park, Coronado Landing and Imperial Beach
Boating Info: Boaters are instructed to stay outside of the 300-yard safety zones around the fireworks barges off Shelter Island (32 degrees, 42.78 minutes north latitude; 117 degrees, 13.28 minutes west longitude); Harbor Island (32 degrees, 43.33 minutes north latitude; 117 degrees, 12.00 minutes west longitude); the Embarcadero (32 degrees, 43.04 minutes north latitude; 117 degrees, 10.82 minutes west longitude); Seaport Village/Coronado Landing (32 degrees, 42.20 minutes north latitude; 117 degrees, 10.04 minutes west longitude) and the Imperial Beach Pier
Fun Events: The five fireworks locations will feature pyrotechnic launches in unison, timed in conjunction with music broadcast on 105.7 The Walrus FM radio station.
Contact: bigbayboom.com

San Diego: Maritime Museum of San Diego Independence Day Festivities
Where: The Embarcadero
When:  5-9:45 p.m. July 4 Best Views: Aboard the 1898 steam ferry Berkeley, the tall ship Californian or the museum’s 1914 pilot boat.
Fun Events: An Independence Day barbecue dinner — $35-$40 for adults, $17-$20 for children — will be held on the observation deck of the museum’s historic steam ferry Berkeley (first seating 5-6:30 p.m., second seating 7-8:30 p.m.), where there will be spectacular views of the Big Bay Boom fireworks display. The museum is also offering fireworks cruises aboard the tall ship Californian ($85 for adults, $50 for children), and aboard the museum’s 1914 pilot boat ($30 per person). Passengers on Californian will experience the booming sound of the ship’s 6-pound deck guns as they are fired to signal the start of the fireworks show.
Contact: sdmaritime.org

Coronado: Independence Day Celebration
Where: Glorietta Bay
When: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. July 4
Fun Events: A day packed with festivities starts with the 38th annual 15K Run/Walk at Tidelands Park at 7 a.m. Other events include a rough-water swim at Central Beach (check-in at 7:30 a.m.), Art in the Park (8 a.m.-4 p.m.), the 65th annual Independence Day Parade along Orange Avenue (9 a.m.), a Coronado Community Concert Band performance at Spreckels Park (4 p.m.) and fireworks viewing at 9 p.m.
Contact: ecoronado.com

La Jolla: La Jolla Cove Fireworks Show
Where: Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Best Views: Scripps Park, along with nearby La Jolla Shores and Kellogg Park
When: 9 p.m. July 4
Parking: At Scripps Park: Along Coast Boulevard and nearby streets in downtown La Jolla Village. At La Jolla Shores and Kellogg Park: Large parking lots are located next to the beach and park, and visitors can park along adjacent streets.
Contact: lajollafireworks.org

Mission Bay: SeaWorld “Into the Blue” Fireworks Show
Where: SeaWorld San Diego
When: 9:30 p.m. (approx.) July 4
Best Views: South Shore Park east of SeaWorld, Crown Point Park and Beach in North Mission Bay, Tecolote Shore Park in East Mission Bay, Ski Beach Park and Fiesta Island.
Info: Using the orchestral music of SeaWorld San Diego’s newest show, “Blue Horizon,” the “Into the Blue” Fireworks Show provides a spectacular ending to Independence Day celebrations.
Contact: seaworld.com

Oceanside: Yankee Doodle Dinghy Parade
Where: Oceanside Yacht Club
When: 1-4 p.m. July 4
Info: Boaters can enter the annual contest and decorate their dinghies (12 feet and smaller) in the most patriotic way possible. Trophies are handed out to the top four entries. Skipper’s meeting starts at 10 a.m. The parade can be seen from the municipal fishing pier, the Jolly Roger docks, the grass lawns along the harbor and from Dolphin Dock.
Contact: oceansideyc.org or call Debbie Trusty at (760) 721-7480, or Evelyn at (760) 722-5751.

San Clemente: Fourth of July Fireworks
Where: San Clemente Pier
When: 9 p.m. July 4
Contact: san-clemente.org

Dana Point: Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza
Where: Doheny State Beach
When: 9 p.m. July 4
Best Views: Fireworks are shot from a barge outside the harbor, so boaters in Dana Point Harbor have some of the best views. Heritage Park and Lantern Bay Park are also good viewing points.
Fun Events: Dana Wharf Sportfishing is offering a fireworks barbecue buffet dinner cruise from 7:30-9:30 p.m. ($79 for adults, $39 for kids ages 5-12, free for children ages 4 and younger) and a fireworks-only cruise from 8-9:30 p.m. ($29 for adults, $19 for kids 3-12, free for children 2 and younger).
Contact: danapoint.org; danawharf.com

Laguna Beach: Fourth of July Fireworks
Where: Monument Point, Heisler Park
When: 9 p.m. July 4
Best Views: Main Beach
Contact: lagunabeachcity.net

Newport Beach: Independence Day on the Back Bay: July Fourth Celebration
Where: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina
When: Activities from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., fireworks start at 9 p.m. July 4
Fun Events: Daytime activities include a chili cookoff, a dunk tank, a bungee run, an All-American Food-Eating Contest, carnival games, limbo contests, inflatable jumpers and bounce houses. Tribute bands are scheduled to take the stage throughout the day. The rock group America will perform starting at 7:30 p.m., followed by a fireworks spectacular capping off the event at 9 p.m. VIP Package is $200, Access Ticket for four with parking is $80, walk-in admission is $20.
Contact: newportdunes.com

Newport Beach: Old Glory Boat Parade
Where: American Legion YC, Newport Harbor
When: 7 a.m-5 p.m. all-day gala, with a 1 p.m. boat parade start time; July 4
Boating Info: All boaters are invited to decorate their vessels to the theme of “Stars and Stripes Forever Is the Color of Our Freedom” and participate in American Legion Yacht Club’s yacht parade.
Fun Events: Pancake breakfast 7-11 a.m. ($10); barbecue lunch and dinner noon-5 p.m. ($10), and live music and dancing 1-5 p.m.
Contact: americanlegionyachtclub.com

Newport Beach: Independence Day on the Back Bay: July Sixth Celebration
Where: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina
When: Activities from noon-10 p.m. July 6
Fun Events: Rock’n ‘80s at the Dunes will include Food Truck Wars from noon-4:30 p.m., a carnival with a ferris wheel and zip line, Aquatic Park activities, inflatable jumpers and bounce houses — along with a full day of 1980s music. DJ Richard Blade will appear starting at 4 p.m., along with a variety of live bands scheduled to take the stage. Access Ticket for four with parking is $30, walk-in admission is $10.
Contact: newportdunes.com

Catalina Island: Avalon Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Display
Where: Avalon
When: Parade starts at 1 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. July 4
Fun Events: The annual golf cart parade down Crescent Avenue will be lead by the University of Southern California Matching Band this year. A barbecue and buffet dinner, along with music, can be enjoyed by guests at the Casino Ballroom’s balcony, overlooking the fireworks display ($40 for adults, $20 for children ages 3-11). The 2013 Catalina Island Museum Fourth of July Music Festival takes place at The Point, immediately adjacent to the Avalon Casino, at 2 p.m. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. over Avalon Harbor.
Contact: catalinachamber.com

Catalina Island: Two Harbors Independence Weekend
Where: Two Harbors
When: July 5-6
Fun Events: A fireworks spectacular is set to blast off over Isthmus Harbor, beginning at dark July 5. The next day, boaters are invited to decorate their dinghies in the most patriotic way possible, and participate in a parade through Catalina’s West End coves, from 2-3 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the most creatively decorated dinghies. The 27th annual Children’s Festival will be held from 10 a.m.-noon and will feature crafts and activities.
Contact: visitcatalinaisland.com

Huntington Beach: Pier Plaza Festival
Where: Huntington Beach Pier
When: July 4-7
Fun Events: The four-day event will feature food vendors, live entertainment and family activities every day from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. The Fourth of July events include the Surf City 5K Run and Fitness Expo (7 a.m.-noon), the 109th annual Fourth of July Parade (10 a.m.-noon) and the grand finale fireworks display shot off the end of the pier, beginning at 9 p.m.
Contact: hb4thofjuly.org

Long Beach: Party on the Pier
Where: Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier
When: 10 a.m-10 p.m. July 4
What: Live music, featuring classic rock and the latest hits, a barbecue and a beer garden, boat rides and great views of the Queen Mary fireworks show can be enjoyed at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Party on the Pier event ($20 for adults, $10 for kids age 12 and younger).

Long Beach: Long Beach Firefighters Memorial Association Fundraiser and Fireworks
Where: Alamitos Bay
When: 5-11 p.m. July 3
Fun Events: Hosted by Alamitos Bay Yacht Club, the event will feature a barbecue, fundraising opportunities for the Long Beach Firefighters Memorial Association and a fireworks display over Alamitos Bay. Tickets are $30 for adults, $10 for children 10 and younger.
Contact: abyc.org

Long Beach: Queen Mary All-American Fourth of July
When: Noon-11 p.m. July 4, fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Fun events: Onboard activities include 1920s-1940s-style celebrations from noon-4 p.m., 1940s-1960s-style celebrations from 4-6 p.m., 1960s-1990s-style celebrations from 6-9 p.m. and 1990s-2010s-style celebrations from 9:30-11 p.m. Numerous activities, live musical acts and dancing are scheduled. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. General admission tickets are $39.99 for adults, $19.99 for children ages 12 and younger. Adult VIP admission, which includes an outdoor showing of the movie “Independence Day, are $59.99; $39.99 for children. Event parking is $20. Overnight packages are available.
Contact: queenmary.com

Port of Los Angeles: Cars and Stripes Forever
Where:
Harbor Boulevard and the Vincent Thomas Bridge, San Pedro
When: 5-10 p.m. June 28; fireworks at 9:20 p.m.
Parking: There will be parking at Harbor Boulevard and First Street, and Ports O’Call Village. A free shuttle to downtown San Pedro will be provided.
Fun Events: More than 100 classic cars on display, live music, dancing water shows at the Gateway Plaza Fanfare Fountain, gourmet food trucks and a beer garden, and fireworks at 9:20 p.m.
Contact: portoflosangeles.org

Marina del Rey: Fourth of July Fireworks
Where:
Burton Chace Park
When: 9 p.m. Best Views: Waterfront sides of most hotels, restaurants, beaches, apartments and anchorages throughout the marina. Fisherman’s Village, Burton Chace Park and Marina Beach are popular spots to watch the 20-minute fireworks show.
Boating Info: Vessels are allowed to idle in the main channel, but anchoring is prohibited. Boats are not to enter designated fallout zones near the fireworks launch site.
Fun events: The Marina del Rey WaterBus will be in operation from 11 a.m.-midnight July 4, to provide a waterside shuttle to seven locations throughout the harbor.
Contact: beaches.lacounty.gov

Redondo Beach Fourth of July Fireworks and Independence Day Celebration
Where:
Seaside Lagoon, pier and King Harbor
When: Gates open at 2 p.m. July 4; fireworks at 9 p.m.
Fun Events: The seventh annual event includes food and beverages, the Fun Services 56-foot Obstacle Course, the Kids’ Freedom Parade, swimming in the lagoon, arts and crafts, live music and a DJ, the Free to Be Me South Bay Drum Circle, Yankee Doodle Poetry with David Prather, a Beach Sports Piano Run in the lagoon, paddleboard lessons and racing. Fireworks will be launched 300 feet off the lagoon starting at 9 p.m., timed to patriotic music. Food options will include barbecue chicken and tri-tip plates, sandwiches, salads, burgers, hot dogs, funnel cake, Italian ices and a wide selection from the Ruby’s Diner service window on the lagoon. Many ticket and seating options are available online.
Contact: redondofireworks.com

Channel Islands Harbor: 16th Annual Fireworks by the Sea
Where: Channel Islands Harbor
When: Activities from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. July 4; fireworks at 9 p.m.
Fun Events: Daytime activities at Marine Emporium Landing start at 11 a.m. and include a farmer’s market, an old-fashioned family barbecue, live music, a petting zoo, an inflatable fun zone, a rock climbing wall and food booths. A 10K Race and 5K Fun Run/Walk begin at 8 a.m. along Sunset Lane, Hollywood Beach (registration is at 7 a.m.). The sixth annual Children’s Parade starts at 10:30 a.m., proceeding from Albacore Way up Harbor Boulevard to Cabezon Circle. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.
Contact: channelislandsharbor.org

Santa Barbara: 51st Annual Spirit of ’76 Parade
Where: This year’s parade theme is “America the Beautiful.” The parade begins at Micheltorena Street and proceeds down State Street to Old Town Santa Barbara, concluding at Cota Street.
When: 1 p.m. July 4
Contact: spiritof76sb.org

Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara Fireworks and Freedom Celebration
Where: West Beach
When: Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. July 4
Fun Events: The city of Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Sparkle will co-host a fireworks display lasting 18 to 20 minutes. Music for the celebration will be simulcast on radio. A variety of other Independence Day celebrations are planned citywide.
Contact: santabarbaraca.gov

One thought on “Waterfront Fireworks Light Up SoCal Skies

  • June 29, 2016 at 8:45 pm
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    Where was the Long Beach fireworks photo taken from? They climbed up somewhere!

    Reply

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