Enjoying the Fourth in Southern California
We in the OC are celebrating the Fourth, not only as that historic milestone of democracy, but with a fervent hope that all citizens feel empowered to use that freedom for carving out their own version of the American Dream. It is wonderful to celebrate all of various voices around the country and rally under that banner of freedom as one.
This year we are particularly grateful as we can celebrate as a community again - and not stuck indoors or away from loved ones. In Orange County, there will be many opportunities to celebrate the Fourth. We hope you have made plans with your family and friends to come together over a good meal, enjoy fireworks and have a (safe) time.
These are just a few highlights from a few dozen happening across the county. It's awesome to see things return to normalcy and folks are ready to celebrate...
ACTIVITIES:
Huntington Beach: https://www.hb4thofjuly.org/ For those looking for a large community outing, HB will feature a festival at Pier Plaza from July 2 to 4 which will feature vendor booths, food and drink and carnival rides. Also, various car parades will be taking place over the weekend with the highlight being a beautiful fireworks display over the ocean on the evening of July 4th.
Cypress College: https://www.cypresscollege.edu/event/city-of-cypress-independence-day-celebration/ will have a Salute to America from 4p-9:30p on July 4th. There will be festival stands, live music and their fireworks display at 9p.
Newport Beach: https://www.newportbeachca.gov/how-do-i-/learn-more-about/fourth-of-july-information - NB is hosting a bike parade and festival starting at 9a with various activities all day, leading to a WWII Condor Squadron fly over at 5:35p.
A few resources:
Orange County .Net: https://www.orangecounty.net/html/Weekend_eventsJuly.html
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Fireworks+Shows&find_loc=Orange+County%2C+CA
FIREWORKS:
Generally, in our research, most sites all around Orange County will have their respective fireworks displays around 9pm. For insiders, a great place to enjoy fireworks are along the eastern hills of OC - places like Peters Canyon Regional Park in East Orange, Top of the World in Laguna Beach, or from various high rise hotels of the area. A unique and very OC thing to try is the Newport Bay Fireworks Cruise https://cruisenewportbeach.com/4thofjuly.html. Luckily, they'll be plenty to see all around the County!
Theme Park Displays:
Knott's Berry Farm will be celebrating the Fourth over two days, with their fireworks show at 9:00 p.m. on both Saturday July 3rd and Sunday July 4th. Disneyland will also have their display starting at 9:30 p.m. If you won't be in these parks on that day, you can view the fireworks from a nearby parking lot in the area. We used to do this when I was a kid with my parents and as kids, we loved it and thought it was a great treat!
Knotts: https://www.knotts.com/events/july-4th-fireworks - areas to see the fireworks adjacent to the park are the Buena Park Mall, the Post Office near Knott Avenue and possible views from William Peak Park.
Disneyland: https://www.ocregister.com/2021/06/15/disneyland-fireworks-return-in-time-for-fourth-of-july/ - it has gotten more difficult to see the fireworks when not in the immediate Resort area, however, you could try your luck by parking in the Resort, or from the rooftop bars, Harbor Blvd, or Disney Way.
Angel Stadium: https://www.mlb.com/angels/schedule/2021-07 are playing Baltimore that same night - there are interesting views in the surrounding area of the park.
However you plan to celebrate, may it be filled with lots of fun and memories you will look back on with fondness!
Cities Allowing Fireworks:
Fireworks are allowed in select OC cities, but must be 'safe and sane' and set off on private property or residential streets only:
West Anaheim: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Buena Park: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Costa Mesa: July 2 – July 4 until 10:00 pm
Fullerton: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Garden Grove: 10:00 am-10:00 pm
Huntington Beach: Noon-10:00 pm
Santa Ana: July 1st Noon-10:00 pm; July 2nd & 3rd 10:00 am – 10:00 pm; July 4th 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Stanton: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
Villa Park: Noon – 10:00 pm
Westminster: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Firework safety tips from TNT Fireworks: https://www.tntfireworks.com/safety
Enjoy your Fourth - and please remember to like and subscribe!