Celebrate the 4th of July in Orange County. We’ve lined up the best places to spend Independence Day in the OC.St. Regis Monarch Beach
The lavish coastal resort offers two options for the 4th of July. Join Motif Restaurant as they host a one-of-a-kind dining experience on the terrace including dinner and a front row seat to the 4th of July fireworks spectacular. Enjoy a special four-course menu created by Executive Chef Frederic Castan. 7 p.m. $95 per person; $140 with wine pairings. Alternately, Michael Mina’s Stonehill Tavern sets the stage with an exclusive dinner on the ocean view terrace providing prime viewing of the impressive fireworks show. Indulge in a decadent seafood bar including oysters, ceviche, Hamachi tuna, shrimp cocktail, and sushi as well as free-flowing champagne before the show. 8 p.m. $250 per person. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3272. stregismb.com
Pacific Symphony with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Get ready to shake, rattle and roll as you celebrate Independence Day with the Pacific Symphony. The swing band joins the full symphony orchestra followed by an amazing fireworks finale. 8 p.m. $25-$105. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 714.755.5799. pacificsymphony.org
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
Enjoy BBQ favorites, live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. $95 adults; $40 children ages 6-12; includes tax, gratuity and valet parking. Vue Lawn and OverVue Deck, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.487.7516. lagunacliffs.com
Newport Beach Independence Day on the Back Bay
The 4th of July sizzles at the Annual July 4th Celebration at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. Enjoy a jam-packed, family-fun celebration from noon-10 p.m. including a chili cook-off, a three-course food eating contest for adults and a sundae eating contest for kids. Children will love the bounce house, inflatable fire engine slide, small pirate ship ride, craft stations and more. Live music begins at 3 p.m. with KC & The Sunshine Band performing at 7:30 p.m.. The finale of the evening is the massive fireworks show at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.3863. newportdunes.com
Fireworks Dinner Cruise with Dana Wharf Sportfishing
View the fireworks and the beautiful harbor lights from the ocean on the Dana Pride for a festive dinner cruise. Feast on a BBQ buffet followed by dessert. Full cash bar. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $84 adults, $39 children, 2 and under are free. Reservations and pre-payment required. Fireworks cruise without dinner is also available, call for details. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794. danawharf.com
Fullerton Fourth of July Festival & Fireworks Show
Celebrate the Fourth with family activities, food stalls, fun and fireworks in Fullerton beginning at 5 p.m. Enjoy live music and additional entertainment before the fireworks display at 9 p.m. Fullerton High School Stadium, 201 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, 714.738.3167. cityoffullerton.com
San Juan Capistrano Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks Display
Beginning at 3 p.m., San Juan Capistrano celebrates the Fourth of July with rides, bounce houses, children’s activities, delicious food, exhibits and a beer garden. Enjoy live music all night leading up to a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m. 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911. sanjuancapistrano.org
Queen Mary
Experience on-board entertainment that spans the ages from the Roaring 20s to the fabulous 50s, groovy 70s and more. Families will enjoy vintage carnival games, a day glow arcade, laser tag, magic and more along with a spectacular fireworks display. Noon-11 p.m. $25-45. Active military personnel admitted free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738. queenmary.com
Newport Beach Old Glory Boat Parade and Festivities
Newport Beach celebrates Independence Day with the annual Old Glory Boat Parade. Boats and watercraft festooned with their most patriotic decorations cruise through Newport Harbor beginning at 1 p.m. View the fireworks extravaganza at the end of the night at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort from Balboa Island from the north bay front. Parade begins off Collins Island. balboa-island.com
Huntington Beach Fourth of July Celebration
Surf City USA hosts its 110th 4th of July celebration in honor of our nation’s birthday. Start with breakfast at Lake Park and then cheer on the participants in the Surf City 5K run and check out the Fitness Expo at Worthy Park. Watch the parade beginning at 10 a.m. Enjoy a picnic on the beach or explore the sights and sounds of Main Street before celebrating with a giant fireworks show over the ocean at 9 p.m. Check website for locations. hb4thofjuly.org
Dana Point Fireworks Extravaganza
The City of Dana Point presents an aerial sky show, featuring a musical simulcast presented by radio station KSBR 88.5 FM. A free shuttle bus is available from Dana Hills High School to Dana Point Harbor from 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Enjoy a full day at Doheny State Beach or arrive early to picnic over the harbor on the cliffs of Blue Lantern Park or Heritage Park. Fireworks will be launched off a barge outside of the harbor beginning at 9 p.m. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.923.2255. danapoint.org
Brea Fourth of July Country Fair
Experience good times and old-fashioned fun at the Annual Country Fair on July 4 at Brea City Hall Park. This traditional celebration begins at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, with the fair officially opening at 10 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m. Enjoy free entertainment such as live music, market display craft area, food, games and much more. 401 S. Brea Blvd., Brea, 714.990.7771. ci.brea.ca.us
Irvine Concert on the Green and Firework Festival
Enjoy a pyro musical sky concert and fireworks extravaganza with a food court, live music by Derek Bordeaux Group, games, prizes, bounce house for the kids and more. 3 p.m. $14 adults; $9 seniors 60+ and children 13 and under. Irvine High School Stadium, 4321 Walnut Ave., Irvine, 949.724.0488. irvinepa.org
San Juan Capistrano 4th of July Celebration
Festivities include mechanical rides, bounce houses, activities for kids, food, beer garden and live music. 3 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. The Sports Park, 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911. sanjuancapistrano.org