Independence Day is almost here, and Orange County is ready to light up the night sky with some of the most spectacular fireworks displays around! Whether you’re a local or just visiting, we’ve got you covered with our 8 favorite spots to watch the magic unfold. From beachside views to park festivities, each location offers a unique experience for you and your family to enjoy (though the fireworks almost always start right at 9 PM). Get ready to pack your picnic blankets and find the perfect spot to celebrate July 4th in style!

1. Fireworks in Dana Point Harbor

• Location: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point
• Entry Fee: Free
• Parking: Limited free parking; additional parking available with shuttle service.

Experience one of Southern California’s best fireworks displays in Dana Point, launching from a barge off Doheny State Beach. Enjoy the day on the beach before watching the fireworks from 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM. Various viewing spots are available around the harbor, or you can snag a reservation to watch them on the water aboard a cruise with Dana Wharf or Capt. Dave’s!

2. Newport Beach Independence Day on the Back Bay

• Location: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Dr, Newport Beach
• Entry Fee: Free
• Parking: $50 day-of parking available on a first-come, first-served basis; $100 pre-paid reserved parking

Enjoy a day filled with live entertainment, food trucks, water sports, and family activities, culminating in a grand fireworks display over the Back Bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort! The Resort opens at 8:00 AM, and you can reserve access to their inflatable water park and water sports rentals in advance. Parking sells out fast, so it’s recommended to arrive early or get pre-paid reserve parking.

3. Fullerton’s Annual July 4th Celebration

• Location: Downtown Fullerton Plaza, 125 E Wilshire Avenue, Fullerton
• Entry Fee: Free
• Parking: Free and paid parking available on street and in nearby lots.

Join the community for a festival with live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities, ending with a spectacular July 4th Celebration in Downtown Fullerton! The party beings at 10:00 AM with a car show followed immediately by carnival festivities from 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM where you can enjoy carnival rides, eating contests, and free concerts before the fireworks show begins.

4. Huntington Beach 4th of July Celebration

• Location: Huntington Beach Pier, Main St & Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach
• Entry Fee: Free
• Parking: $30 at beach lots and nearby garages.

Come on down for the largest Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi in Huntington Beach! First beginning in 1904, this 4th of July celebration is known for its parade, Surf City 5K Run, and extensive live entertainment broadcast live by ABC7, all of which culminate in a stunning fireworks display launched from the pier. The event even continues July 5th with a block party full of live music and entertainment on Main Street from 5 PM to 9 PM.

5. Anaheim’s 4th of July Celebration

• Location: Peralta Canyon Park and High School, 115 N Pinney Dr, Anaheim
• Entry Fee: Free
• Parking: Free parking at nearby lots with shuttle service.

Enjoy a day-long celebration that starts at Anaheim’s Fourth of July Celebration at 7:00 AM with their Firecracker 5K/10K run and continues all day long. The day includes a line up of fun and events like their Yankee Doodle Dog Show, parade, food booths, live music, and more, including a fireworks display at the end of the night.

6. San Clemente’s Annual Independence Day Celebration

• Location: San Clemente Pier, 611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente
• Entry Fee: Free
• Parking: Paid parking at the pier and San Clemente Trolley routes

Enjoy a relaxed beachside atmosphere with fireworks over the ocean at San Clemente Pier. Whether just enjoying the beach or enjoying the “Stars, Stripes, and Slip ‘N Slides” event nearby (featuring a 300-foot slip ‘n slide and other fun activities), you’ll get to experience a flyover by the Condor Squadron at 6 PM and culminates in a breathtaking 20-minute fireworks display over the ocean at 9:00 PM.

7. Laguna Niguel 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular

• Location: Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Rd, Laguna Niguel
• Entry Fee: Free
• Parking: $10 parking fee within the park

Join Laguna Niguel’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular for a full day of patriotic festivities starting with the “Run in the Park” 5K or Kids Race and a pancake breakfast in the morning starting at 7:30 AM. Enjoy a free pool party, a patriotic flyover by Dawn Patrol at 5:30 PM, and a concert by The Elton John Experience from 6 PM to 8 PM. Cap off the evening with a spectacular fireworks display over the lake.

For a premium experience, reserve a spot on the Saddleback Deck for $20, which includes appetizers, dessert, refreshments, and more!

8. Special Patriotic Fireworks at Disneyland Resort

• Location: Disneyland Park, 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
• Entry Fee: Included with park admission
• Parking: $35 at Disneyland parking structures and lots

While Disneyland offers fireworks most nights, you can enjoy a unique Independence Day experience with a special fireworks show set to patriotic music on Independence Day, along with themed food and entertainment throughout the park! Enjoy your day exploring all Disneyland has to offer during the day and then arrive early to Main Street to secure a good viewing spot.

For a full list of Orange County fireworks shows, visit ocfa.org/FourthOfJuly.