From Huntington Beach rooftops to Dana Point’s seaside sky, Orange County knows how to throw a Fourth of July celebration that balances spectacle with community. This year’s Independence Day offerings span elegant rooftop lounges with champagne and seafood towers, backyard-style BBQs, chef collabs, parades, pool parties and front-row firework views over Disneyland and the Pacific. Whether you’re chasing red, white and blue sangria in Newport Beach or grilling up marinated steak tips at home with finds from Manhattan Beach’s newest butcher, these OC happenings deliver celebration with a distinct Southern California flair.
Offshore 9 rooftop lounge — Fireworks & seafood above Huntington Beach
July 4. Perched atop the Waterfront Beach Resort, Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge offers one of the highest coastal views in Orange County—an adult-only experience with front-row seats to Huntington Beach’s fireworks, a “Glow-in-the-Cloud” sparkler cocktail, seafood chowder tots and curated DJ sets. Packages start at $59 per guest, with elevated options like lounge tabletops and premier corner seating featuring seafood platters, caviar and champagne
Hours: Friday at 4 p.m.
Address: 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
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Pendry Newport Beach — Poolside patriotic party
July 4. The chic urban coastal resort throws a Fourth of July poolside bash with smoky BBQ, live music and summer-inspired cocktails in classic Newport Beach style. Guests can expect an all-day celebration amid ocean and bay views.
Hours: Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday until 9 p.m. Sunday at 11 a.m.
Address: 700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach
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Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa — Dana Point festivities
July 4. With red rooftops and a harbor backdrop, Laguna Cliffs hosts a festive Fourth with tacos by the pool, margarita tastings, dive-in movies, lawn games and the Doheny State Beach fireworks. Expect all-ages fun at this cliffside escape.
Hours: Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Address: 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point
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Calaca Mama’s Cantina — Fireworks & fusion in Anaheim
July 4. Skip the long lines and still soak in the magic of Disneyland’s Fourth of July fireworks from the vibrant patio at Calaca Mamas Cantina, a beloved SoCal Mexican-fusion restaurant just steps from the park. This locally owned gem pairs bold, organic flavors with unbeatable views—making it a hidden-in-plain-sight favorite for holiday dining. Guests can sip on playful, colorful cocktails while enjoying an elevated take on traditional fare before the night caps off with a tableside churro cart, complete with festive sparklers for your own personal fireworks moment.
Hours: Friday, hours might differ on holiday
Address: 1550 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim
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Hilton Irvine — Grill & chill poolside party
July 5. Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport is turning up the summer vibes with its “Grill & Chill” poolside bash. Dive into a laid-back afternoon featuring a live DJ spinning on the pool deck, local beverage tastings, lawn games and classic BBQ favorites available for purchase. With its prime location and resort-style setting, this is your chance to soak up the sun and celebrate the holiday weekend in true Orange County fashion.
Hours: Saturday, 12-4 p.m.
Address: 18800 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine
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Poppy & Seed: Us Friends chef series — Anaheim
July 3. Dine beneath the stars at this collaborative chef dinner in Poppy & Seed’s garden oasis. Michael and Kwini Reed welcome Stephanie Izard and Shota Nakajima for a seven-course tasting with optional champagne pairings. $300 per person.
Hours: Thursday at 6 p.m.
Address: 350 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim
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Annual Brea Country Fair
July 4. Start your Fourth with small-town charm at Brea’s Annual Country Fair, a family-friendly celebration packed with Americana. From 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy a pancake breakfast, live entertainment, a kiddie and dog parade, classic car show, games, handmade goods at the Market Place and free swimming at the Plunge starting at noon. Admission is free.
Hours: Friday at 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Address: 401 S. Brea Blvd., Brea
cityofbrea.gov
FIREWORK & PARADE CELEBRATIONS
Costa Mesa Independence Day Community Celebration
July 3. Pack a picnic, grab your lawn chairs and head out for a festive day of family fun. Enjoy live music from Tijuana Dogs and 80’s All Stars, plus food vendors, games, kid-friendly activities and patriotic contests—all part of a lively Fourth of July celebration. Free entry and fireworks show.
Hours: Thursday, 5-11 p.m.
Address: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
costamesaca.gov
Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza
July 4. Dana Point delivers one of Southern California’s top Fourth of July spectacles with fireworks launched from a barge just off the coastline of Doheny State Beach. Bring a blanket, find your spot early and enjoy a stunning show set against the Pacific.
Hours: Friday, 9-9:30 p.m.
Address: 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point
danapoint.org
Annual Community Fireworks Show and Festival at Fullerton
July 4. Kick off the Fourth with a classic car show, then dive into an evening of live music, contests and community fun. Enjoy performances by Pickleback Shine and Flashback Heart Attack before the night sky lights up with a professional fireworks show.
Hours: Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Address: 125 E. Wilshire Ave., Fullerton
cityoffullerton.com
Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
