Just because illegal fireworks are easy to come by in Southern California doesn't mean the best shows will happen on residential streets.
Go to a beach, barbecue, or even catch a movie before the sun goes down, because Los Angeles has all your fireworks' needs covered this Independence Day. From climbing along the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains to digging your feet in along Huntington Beach coastline, there are numerous ways to celebrate the nation's birthday this 4th of July.
Here are some fireworks festivals, block parties, and events around town.
Grand Park (Downtown L.A.)
From 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. the Downtown Los Angeles block party will feature food trucks, mural paintings, and musicians on multiple stages. Picnicking is encouraged, though alcohol is prohibited and only empty water bottles are allowed. Those planning to attend must keeping mind that Perishing Square will be the closest open Metro station.
Americafest (Rose Bowl)
Deemed the "89th Annual Fourth of July Celebration at America's Stadium," Americafest has everything to bring out your patriotic side. When doors open at 2 p.m., families will have more than enough activities to choose from until the fireworks show starts at 9 p.m., including motorcycle stunt shows and musical performances from Elvis and Beatles tribute bands.
General admission costs $13 and parking is $20, but it's worth spending a day out with the family.
Kaboom! (Pomona)
What better way to ring in Independence Day than with monster trucks, motocross, and a human cannonball soaring 150 feet through the air.
Pyro Spectaculars, which prepares displays for Los Angeles and New York City, is staging the effects for the 29th annual fireworks spectacular at the Fairplex. General admission tickets start at $16 but vary on whether the buffet option is added.
OC Block Party (Anaheim)
Lights and Sound Collective put together an Orange County block party that's big on entertainment and easy on the wallet.
A car show featuring 150 custom imports will be accompanied by well-known food trucks, including "The Great Food Truck Race" winners Seoul Sausage and The Middle Feast. Southern California favorite Pocky will also be in attendance, handing out free matcha green tea Pocky.
Tickets are $7 pre-sale or $10 at the door. Head to the Block Party's Facebook page for a look at all the fashion and food vendors.
111th Huntington Beach 4th of July Celebration (Huntington Beach)
For over 100 years, Surf City U.S.A has hosted one of the dazzling fireworks shows on the west coast, not necessarily for pyrotechnics, but for events leading up to them.
Independence Day festivities begin with a history parade along PCH. Among celebrities to have presided over it are Natalie Wood, Mickey Rooney, Zsa Zsa Gabor, and astronaut Buzz Aldrin. This year actor Joe Mantegna Grand Marshal's the parade which goes up Main Street to the Civic Center.
The city planned a Lake Park breakfast, 5k and fitness expo, and various family activities on Pier Plaza that last through the weekend. Admission is free but premier seating for the fireworks show is between $10 and $20.
July 4th Spectacular with Smokey Robinson (Hollywood)
Motown legend Smokey Robinson plays three straight nights at the Hollywood Bowl leading up to the Fourth. Tickets range from $36 to $256, and children under age 12 get a 50 percent discount.
Just above the Hollywood Bowl, an overlook of the Santa Monica Mountains offers an unforgettable view of the show without having to buy a ticket. While there is street parking it is best to get there early and reserve one of few spots available in the parking lot.
Fisherman's Village (Marina del Rey)
Nothing beats an ocean view, especially when fireworks fill the night sky.
The best waterfront views will be in the Fisherman's Village, Burton Change Park, and Marina Beach; all which be crowded by the 9 p.m. fireworks show start. As they always do, the Marina del Rey Visitors Center will be handing out patriotic giveaways like necklaces and flags.
Queen Mary (Long Beach)
As nice as Huntington Beach and Marian del Rey celebrations are, neither place you under the fireworks like Long Beach does.
The rustic Queen Mary takes voyagers back in time as they wait for fireworks to begin. They can experience a Great Gatsby-era garden, vintage carnival, and accompanying live entertainment. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. but the onboard party doesn't end until 11 p.m.
General admission passes costs $44 for adults and $24 for children between 4 and 11. Prices go up $5 on Saturday.
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