California communities are preparing for a range of Fourth of July celebrations, offering both traditional and unique events across the state.
Major cities such as San Francisco will host large fireworks displays, with Fisherman’s Wharf serving as a prime viewing location. South Lake Tahoe’s show is visible from around town, and Tahoe City will feature an eco-friendly drone display using 300 drones over the lake. In Los Angeles County, Marina del Rey’s fireworks can be enjoyed from Burton Chace Park or by joining a cruise with City Experiences. Orange County’s Newport Beach Fireworks Extravaganza will take place over Back Bay, while San Diego County will present the Big Bay Boom, which is viewable from multiple downtown locations.
Theme parks across California are also participating in Independence Day festivities. Disneyland Resort will have its regular fireworks show enhanced with patriotic music on July 4. Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios Hollywood will offer special shows that evening. Six Flags Magic Mountain and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom plan nightly fireworks from July 4–6. LEGOLAND California in San Diego County will host its annual Red, White & Boom event, and SeaWorld San Diego’s Summer Spectacular series includes live music and fireworks.
In addition to large city events, smaller towns are marking the holiday with their own traditions. Crescent City hosts a parade and festival capped by the North Coast’s largest fireworks display over Battery Point Lighthouse. Weaverville in Trinity County celebrates with anvil firings at dawn on July 4—a local tradition—alongside barrel racing and a parade.
Susanville in Lassen County features live music, food vendors, crafts, and an evening fireworks show at Lassen County Fairgrounds. Colfax in Placer County holds its festivities on July 3 with family activities followed by neighboring towns hosting their own displays on July 4.
Lake County offers three nights of fireworks around Clear Lake starting on July 4 near Lakeport and continuing at other sites through July 5. The town of Clearlake combines its celebration with parades and the International Worm Race & Festival.
Rancho Cordova’s Hagan Park hosts two days of road racing, carnival rides, concerts, and ends with fireworks; nearby Folsom offers the Folsom Pro Rodeo during this period as well.
Vacaville in Solano County holds an annual party at Andrews Park featuring food trucks, live music, playgrounds for children, and a nighttime fireworks display.
Bridgeport in Mono County continues its Independence Day tradition dating back to 1862 with four days of contests—including watermelon-eating—and nighttime fireworks reflecting off Bridgeport Reservoir.
Columbia State Historic Park provides Gold Rush-era activities such as musket salutes and old-fashioned competitions like nail-pounding contests for families seeking historical experiences.
Concord starts Independence Day with a fun run from Todos Santos Plaza before concluding with evening fireworks; visitors may also explore local breweries along the Contra Costa Beer Trail.
Morgan Hill’s Freedom Fest includes sing-alongs downtown on July 3 followed by parades and “Fireworks on the Green” on July 4—a tradition since 1876.
Visalia marks the holiday with baseball games hosted by minor league team Visalia Rawhide alongside post-game pyrotechnics; it serves as a base for visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Pismo Beach features food vendors, craft exhibitors, live music, and pier-side fireworks while nearby Vespera Resort offers ocean-view rooms for guests attending private parties during county-wide celebrations.
Big Bear Lake stages its display over water surrounded by mountain scenery; visitors can attend Above the Boom party via gondola at Snow Summit for live entertainment paired with views of the show.
Camarillo encourages shopping at Camarillo Premium Outlets before dining at food trucks ahead of its nighttime celebration. Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor combines daytime parades with evening waterfront pyrotechnics; visitors may extend their trip to Channel Islands National Park afterward.
Santa Monica lights up Pacific Park’s Ferris wheel in red, white, and blue patterns including an animated American flag reaching 130 feet tall on July 4th night.
Long Beach presents annual waterfront displays viewable from downtown or aboard cruises offered by Harbor Breeze Cruises; Queen Mary hosts family events dockside during festivities.
Greater Palm Springs holds multiple firework shows across various cities such as Palm Desert while promoting restaurant deals through its Summer Eats Pass available online.
Dana Point’s Doheny State Beach is recommended for watching coastal displays or booking whale-watching cruises for alternative perspectives.
Catalina Island remains car-free but organizes golf cart parades along Casino Way alongside dinghy processions in Avalon Harbor plus performances by USC Trojan Marching Band before dual firework shows at Avalon Bay and Two Harbors.
