Enjoy Southern California's Best Beaches This Summer
It’s summertime and life is easy at the beach! And as Independence Day approaches, we’ve got you covered with the latest information on fireworks shows, parades and all the celebrations.
Malibu
You can look forward to three fireworks displays on two different nights in Malibu this year! First is the show on Sunday, July 1 at the 21600 block of Pacific Coast Highway near Carbon Beach/La Costa.
The second and third displays will both be on Wednesday, July 4. The first is at Paradise Cove and the second at Malibu Colony.
All three celebrations will begin approximately at 9pm and conclude by 10pm, so be sure to load up the blankets, chairs and coolers, get there early to get a good seat and then sit back and enjoy the show!
See and be seen while enjoying a fabulous meal at Nobu Malibu, almost walking distance from either the Carbon Beach or Malibu Colony displays and just a short drive from Paradise Cove.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica may just be the place to be for this 4th of July holiday with parades, pub crawls and fireworks displays!
On June 30, enjoy the pre-holiday fireworks show at Santa Monica College, complete with continuous entertainment and special exhibits such as Disco Shrine, Top Shelf Brass Band and LA Follies. Cap off this fun-filled day with a fireworks shows beginning at 9pm. Bring your chairs and enjoy a fun-filled day.
For those over-21 readers, the Santa Monica Red, White, and Brew Pub Crawl starts July 3 at 6pm and lasts until the wee hours of July 4. Check-in starts at 5pm at Circle Bar on Main St. You’ll enjoy drink specials such as $4 draft beers, 2-for-1 well drinks, and $5 shots at multiple venues throughout the city. But, hey, pace yourself!!
Though there are no fireworks displays in Santa Monica on July 4, there is one amazing parade! Be sure not to miss the 12th annual Fourth of July Parade, which brings together artists, musicians, families and local groups. The fun begins at 9:30am at Pico Boulevard on Main Street and will conclude at the southernmost beach parking lot.
Venice Beach
Bodybuilders, take note! The annual Mr. & Mrs. Muscle Beach is being held at the Muscle Beach Gym from 9am to 4pm. In this competition, hundreds of athletes will compete for their chance to become Muscle Beach International Classic Champion.
Additional attractions at the competition include a health fitness expo, Muscle Beach Hall of Fame awards and fitness celebrities and free giveaways.
For the rest of our mere mortals, come out and enjoy a day at the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk. People watching is the most popular activity here, though there are many more attractions worthy of your attention. Check out the Venice Canals, which offer a completely different aspect of Venice Beach, with arched pedestrian bridges and charming beach cottages. The upscale area of Abbot Kinney is a departure from the somewhat “earthy” vibe present on the Boardwalk. The genteel area features upscale boutiques, galleries, restaurants and bars.
La Jolla
Each year, family and friends gather together for the annual fireworks show in La Jolla. A tradition for 25 years, locals and visitors alike gather to watch an awe-inspiring 30-minute show over the beautiful La Jolla Cove. The display begins at 9pm sharp and is best viewed from Ellen Browning Scripps Park at the bottom of Coast Boulevard overlooking the La Jolla Cove.
There are several vantage points from which to enjoy the fireworks display. The most-favored include Ellen Browning Scripps Park, Coast Walk, and La Jolla Shores, especially Kellogg Park.
If you’d like to enjoy the fireworks show over dinner, two restaurants offer waterfront location and front-row seats, George’s Ocean Terrace and Level2.
Wherever your travels find you on our picturesque California coast, you’re sure to enjoy a thrilling Independence Day fireworks display at almost any of our area beaches. Have a happy, healthy and fun-filled fourth!