You may believe America isn't worthy of a birthday celebration this year, but if there's one reason to stare up at a sparkly sky on 4th of July, it's that doing so could boost your mood and help take a load off. According to a study by researchers at UC San Francisco, experiencing awe can contribute to several benefits including an expanded sense of time and enhanced feelings of generosity, well-being, and humility. So that you have the best seat in the house, we've rounded up the top places in L.A. to see stunning firework displays this July 4th.
Rose Bowl Stadium
The Rose Bowl Stadium's annual AmericaFest celebration will highlight some of the best country music has to offer, including live performances by Drake Milligan, Tia Simone, Ellee Duke, and Haylee Joe. Buy tickets here. Children five and under are free for general admission and children two and under are free for reserved admission.
When: Monday, July 4, doors open at 5:30 p.m. and show starts at 7 p.m.
Where: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena, 91103
Hollywood Bowl
Come for the fireworks, stay for the laughs. At the Hollywood Bowl's July 4th fireworks spectacular, enjoy a program of favorites led by Thomas Wilkins and the L.A. Philharmonic along with appearances from Steve Martin and Martin Short. Buy tickets here.
When: Saturday, July 2 to Monday, July 4 at 5:30 p.m. (gate time) 7:30 p.m. (showtime)
Where: 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A. 90068
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
For the first time, Cinespia's Fourth of July movie lineup will feature three nights of fireworks to accompany screenings of The Fast and the Furious (July 2), Purple Rain (July 3), and Ferris Bueller's Day Off (July 4). Cinespia DJs will be spinning while burgers, hot dogs, concession snacks, ice-cold beer, and a curated wine list from Cinespia's bar are served. Stop by the free photobooth to snap pics for the 'gram. Buy tickets here.
When: Saturday, July 2 to Monday, July 4 at 7:15 p.m. (gates open) and 9 p.m. (movie starts)
Where: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. 90038
Starlight Bowl
The City of Burbank's summer concert series will kick off with a Fourth of July celebration event that includes a flyover, an appearance by the military color guard to accompany the national anthem, followed by live music by The Company Men and The Soul of Broadway. At 9 p.m., the show ends with a brilliant display of fireworks just behind the Starlight Bowl, which is nestled in the Verdugo Mountains. Buy tickets here.
When: Monday, July 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: 1249 Lockheed View Dr., Burbank, 91501
Dodger Stadium
Catch the Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies game on July 4th and get a side of sparkling fireworks. Get tickets here.
When: Monday, July 4 at 6:10 p.m.
Where: 1000 Vin Scully Ave., L.A., 90012
Grand Park
Returning in person for the first time since COVID, Grand Park's Fourth of July block party will feature a series of interactive multi-media artworks in tribute to those who have contributed to the spirit of the Grand Park experience and a dynamic retrospective of the last 10 years. Stop by for a night of food, music, the return of two stages featuring DJs as well as musical performances, dancing, and dazzling fireworks over Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Entrance is free.
When: Monday, July 4 from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: 200 N. Grand Ave., L.A., 90012
Crescenta Valley
Organizers say this year's Fourth of July fireworks return at the Crescenta Valley High School will be primarily high up in the air to allow residents across the Crescenta Valley to enjoy the show.
When: Monday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
Where: 2900 Community Ave., La Crescenta-Montrose, 91214
San Marino
The sprawling Lacy Park in San Marino is holding a full day's worth of fun for the Fourth. Expect food trucks, a fun zone, a parade, entertainment, and a fireworks display. See the event schedule here and buy tickets in person at Stoneman Building (1560 Pasqualito Dr.) or Crowell Public Library (1890 Huntington Dr.).
When: Monday, July 4 from 7 a.m. to 9:05 p.m.
Where: 1485 Virginia Road, San Marino, 91108
Catalina Island
Cruise to Catalina's Two Harbors village in the Cyclone power boat for the city's annual fireworks celebration. Buy tickets here.
When: Sunday, July 3 at 6 p.m.; fireworks start at 9.m.
Where: Boat departs from Avalon
Huntington Beach Pier
The largest 4th of July celebration west of the Mississippi, the first Huntington Beach celebration commemorated the arrival of the first electric passenger train linking the area with Long Beach and L.A. and attracted 50,000 people to the celebration. One hundred eighteen years later, the annual tradition annually attracts more than 500,000 attendees over four days of programming. Participate in the Surf City 5K, a parade, Pier Plaza festival, fireworks, carnival, decorating contest, and more.
When: Thursday, June 30 to Monday, July 4
Where: Varies by event, confirm locations here
Marina del Rey
You can view the Marina del Rey fireworks show from anywhere in Marina del Rey, Venice Pier, Playa Vista, and Dockweiler Beach. If you want to be on the water, book seats on a Fourth of July dinner cruise from Fisherman's Village with City Cruises from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can also view the show via synchronized music played over loudspeakers at either Burton Chace Park or Fisherman's Village, which will offer a more family-friendly experience. A special event parking rate ranging from $13 to $20 per vehicle for the public County parking lots in Marina del Rey will apply on July 4th.
When: Monday, July 4 at 9 p.m. but plan to arrive as early as 1 p.m. as that's when street closures will start
Where: Marina Beach, Marina del Rey, 90292
Pacific Palisades
The 74th annual Pacific Palisades parade will venture through the Pacific Palisades business district. The festivities are back this year to celebrate will be a 5K and 10K run, skydivers, a Condor Squadron airplanes flyover, Palisades performing groups, and a fireworks spectacular to cap off the day. Enjoy a selection of treats from over a half-dozen popular food trucks and enjoy pre-show music from DJ Lee Dyson of Hey Mister DJ.
When: Monday, July 4; parade starts at 2 p.m., firework gates open at 6:00 p.m. and show starts at 9:00 p.m.
Where: Palisades Charter High School, 15777 Bowdoin St., Pacific Palisades, 90272
Long Beach
Long Beach will host two spectacular firework events for Independence Day, including a free show at the Downtown waterfront on July 4 and a ticketed event, Big Bang on the Bay, in Alamitos Bay on July 3. On July 3, head to the block party at Boathouse on the Bay for dinner catered by the Naples Rib Company. Get tickets here. And on July 4, enjoy a free fireworks show at Queensway Bay seen along the waterfront with prime viewing points at Lions Lighthouse for Sight, Shoreline Village, Rainbow Harbor, and Marina Green.
When: Sunday, July 3 at 5:30 p.m. and Monday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
Where: 190 N. Marina Drive, Long Beach, 90803 (July 3); Queensway Bay (July 4)
Disneyland
Disney's nightly fireworks show never disappoints and its Fourth of July "concert in the sky" will be no different. Head to the happiest place on earth for a day of rides then stick around for the starry display. Get tickets here.
When: Monday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Where: 1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, 92802
Universal Studios
Included as part of theme park admission to Universal Studios Hollywood will be an elaborate fireworks display during the Fourth of July weekend. Fireworks will be viewable from two locations within the park: Transformers: The Ride 3D and Universal Plaza. You can also enjoy performances by The Fife and Drum throughout the day. Get tickets here.
When: Saturday, July 2 to Monday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
Where: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 91608
Six Flags
Six Flags is celebrating Independence Day all weekend long with its Coca-Cola July 4th fest featuring a dazzling fireworks show choreographed to star-spangled music—viewable from Full Throttle Plaza and Main Gate Plaza—as well as a Coca-Cola lounge experience, 360 photo booth, and patriotic punch made with a blend of Sprite, blue raspberry syrup, and shimmering glitter. Get tickets here.
When: Saturday, July 2 to Monday, July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
Where: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, 91355
Knott's Berry Farm
Head to Knott's for 4th of July activities for the whole family, including the return of Ghost Town Alive! taking place all summer long, a nighttime Knott's summer nights party, and glorious fireworks show. The best viewing areas include Boot Hill, Calico Mine Stage, Calico Park, Stagecoach Trail, and Boardwalk Bay. Get tickets here.
When: Saturday, July 2 to Monday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
Where: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, 90620
