Looking for the best Orange County things to do to celebrate Independence Day? We’ve lined up the best Orange County 4th of July events, dining, drinks and more.FIREWORKS
Disneyland Resort Fireworks
July 4. Salute the stars and stripes as you commemorate Independence Day with this vibrant, inspirational fireworks show. Set to rousing patriotic songs, the fiery bursts of red, white and blue remind viewers of the hopes and dreams that continue to shine throughout the land of the free and the home of the brave. 1313 N. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.781.4000. disneyland.disney.go.com
Dana Point Fireworks Extravaganza
July 4. 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, 949.496.6172. danapoint.org
Fireworks Dinner Cruise with Dana Point Sportfishing
July 4. 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. $70 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
Fourth of July Festival & Fireworks Show
July 4. 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
Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks Display
July 4. 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. 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911. sanjuancapistrano.org
San Clemente Fourth of July Fireworks Show
July 4. Enjoy a patriotic fireworks display over the San Clemente pier beginning at approximately 9 p.m. 949.498.4958. San Clemente Pier, Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, 949.361.6100. sanclemente.org
Queen Mary
July 4. Celebrate Independence day in style, arrive early and spend the day touring, dining and shopping on the Queen Mary. Listen to live music, enjoy family-friendly entertainment and get front and center to their giant fireworks extravaganza. Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach, 800.437.2934. queenmary.com
Marriott Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa
July 4. Enjoy an all American BBQ complete with an assortment of summer salads, gilled to order items and desserts along with live entertainment. View the Dana Point Harbor fireworks extravaganza from their Vue lawn and OverVue deck at 9 p.m. 5-8:30 p.m. $89 adults, $35 children 6-12, children under 5 are free. Reservations required. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.487.7577. lagunacliffs.com
EVENTS
Newport Beach Independence Day on the Back Bay
July 4. 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. featuring country and rock bands. The finale of the evening is the massive fireworks show at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $20. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.3863. newportdunes.com
Old Glory Boat Parade and Festivities
July 4. 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 bayfront. Parade begins off Collins Island. balboa-island.com
Huntington Beach Fourth of July Celebration
July 4. Surf City USA hosts its 109th 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
Fourth of July Country Fair
July 4. 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, but the fair officially opens 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
Knott’s Berry Farm
July 4. Knott’s celebrates the Fourth with a spectacular fireworks show at 10 p.m. as well as fun entertainment throughout the park all day long. In addition to the park’s renowned roller coasters, enjoy Snoopy’s new ice show or watch one of their many entertaining shows. Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City offer discounted admission for active and retired United States Military. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200. knotts.com
Rock’n 80’s at the Dunes
July 6. Bring the family to Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina for an exciting and fun-filled day including a carnival complete with ferris wheel, zip line, hydro climbing wall, giant slide, orbitron and more. Foodies can sample food truck fare from Chomp Chomp Nation, Wahoo’s, Garlic Mike’s and more from 12-4:30 p.m. and cast their votes for the Food Truck Wars. SiriusXM and former KROQ 106.7 DJ Richard Blade will host the evening spinning classic alternative hits in between the live entertainment. Performing are 70’s and 80’s cover band Fusion Beat, all female rock tribute act Cougrzz Rock and Journey tribute band Don’t Stop Believin’ from 4-10 p.m. $10-$30. Noon-10 p.m. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.3863. newportdunes.com
MUSIC
Pacific Symphony July 4 Extravaganza: Music of Neil Diamond
July 4. The Pacific Symphony presents a showcase of Neil Diamond’s hits as San Francisco-based Super Diamond interprets the chart toppers that have delighted generations including “Sweet Caroline,” “Song Sung Blue,” “America” and “Heartlight.” The extravaganza also includes the music of John Williams from the films Lincoln and Gettysburg, patriotic favorites, a salute to the U.S. armed forces and a brilliant fireworks finale. 8 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. for picnicking. 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 714.755.5799. pacificsymphony.org
EAT | DRINK
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
July 4. Celebrate the holiday by dining on the restaurant’s 10th Anniversary menu specials that will be available until Sept. 12, including their Lazy Dog Anniversary Belgian Blonde Ale. Menu highlights include Hawaiian sticky ribs, umami fries and Asian slaw, naughty Maggie margarita and more. Locations throughout Orange County include 240 S. State College Blvd., Brea, 714.529.9300; 16310 Beach Blvd., Westminster, 714.500.1140; 13290 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 714.731.9700; 1623 W. Katella Ave., Orange, 714.769.7021. lazydogrestaurants.com