By Camryn Wilneff, Cleo Kanter and Jenna Schwartz By Camryn Wilneff, Cleo Kanter and Jenna Schwartz | June 2, 2023 | Lifestyle Guides
Photo by Elisha Terada, Unsplash
From fireworks to picnics to parties and more, here's how to celebrate the Fourth of July in Orange County for the perfect Independence Day.
1- Newport Beach Independence Day on the Back Bay
Head to the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina for its fun-filled Independence Day on the Back Bay celebration. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to soak up the sun in the morning, stop by the Food Truck Feast for a bite of lunch and enjoy live music in the evening before a spectacular fireworks display.
2- Newport Peninsula Bike Parade and Community Festival
Beginning at 9AM, bring your furry friend over to the Balboa Peninsula for its Fourth of July bike and dog parade. Stroll down to Channel Place Park after for carnival games, and arts and crafts at the annual Community Festival.
3- Newport Beach Old Glory Boat Parade
Register your boat or take a walk down to Newport Harbor to watch participants sail around in the Old Glory Boat Parade. This year’s theme is Founding Fathers, and the most spirited and decorative will win a special prize.
4- Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade
To celebrate its Fourth of July Parade, the city of Huntington Beach will offer amusing patriotic activities throughout the entire holiday weekend. Support local businesses at the Opening Night Block Party, and get ready to stretch your legs for the Surf City 5K Run on Independence Day morning. After taking in the Main Street Parade, hit the beach for the beautiful Fireworks Over the Ocean show.
5- Dana Point Fireworks on the Water
Dress cozily for the picturesque Fireworks on the Water Cruise down Dana Point Harbor. A breathtaking view of the display over Doheny State Beach combined with accompanying music makes this boat ride an unbeatable experience.
6- Laguna Beach Fireworks
Pick the perfect spot in the sand to get comfortable for Laguna Beach’s vibrant Fourth of July fireworks. Watch the show light up the sky over the sparkling blue ocean.
7- Laguna Niguel Crown Valley Park
Spend Independence Day with the whole family at the Crown Valley Community Park in Laguna Niguel. Start the morning with a delicious pancake breakfast and relax by the pool before a night of live music and incredible fireworks at the Regional Park.
8- Irvine Pacific Symphony July 4 Spectacular: The Music of Queen
Celebrate Independence Day by enjoying listening to the music of one of the most popular bands of all time, The Beatles!
9- Paséa Hotel & Spa
There’s no better place to find fun and festivities this Fourth of July—Huntington Beach offers local residents and visitors a parade, pier plaza festival, decoration contest, surf 5k walk and fireworks over the ocean. At the biggest Independence Day gathering, guests are guaranteed an authentic American celebration and tradition!
10- Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Watch the magic of Disney unravel in front of your eyes and take in the breathtaking pyrotechnics and visual effects at a spectacular firework showing! To the soundtrack of patriotic music, families and friends can enjoy a curated classic Fourth of July tradition in the company of all things Disney—Mickey Mouse, Olaf, Cinderella, Captain Hook and more!
Spend your Independence Day at VEA Newport Beach, which is offering packages for stays from July 2 through 7. You can enjoy the holiday from a room with a perfect view of the fireworks as well as a private fire pit and s’mores kit!
12- Fourth of July Dinner Cruises
Celebrate the 4th on a boat tour of Newport Beach enjoying a chef-prepared buffet while watching fireworks!
13- Fourth of July Cocktail Cruises
Enjoy a Newport Beach cocktail cruise with music, dancing, and of course, fun drinks to celebrate Independence Day!
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