Boom! Fourth of July Plans Solved With These Spectacular Displays
Everyone knows that the Fourth of July in Orange County is a blast (pun intended). There are few things more beautiful than watching the fireworks cascade over the Pacific Ocean with palm trees standing tall in the background. If you don’t have plans yet for Fourth of July 2024, or can’t figure out what to do this year, then take a look at this list of fireworks shows in Orange County to guarantee you have an extra patriotic holiday!
1 | Disneyland
Come one, come all! Deemed “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” it’s easy to guess why Disneyland is the place to be this Fourth of July. While fireworks are nothing new for Disneyland, experiencing the special show on the Fourth of July is a sight to behold. At 9:30 p.m., the skies will sparkle and you’ll be thrilled to be celebrating the land of the free and the home of the brave with Mickey and Minnie.
2 | San Clemente Pier
San Clemente’s annual firework show begins at sundown, around 9 p.m., at the San Clemente Pier. Due to limited parking and seating in the pier area, it’s recommended to arrive early and utilize the San Clemente Trolley and remote parking options for a seamless experience. Witness the captivating display of colors and lights as the night sky comes alive.
3 | Huntington Beach Pier
The largest Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi? It’s true! Head to Huntington Beach to celebrate all weekend long. A 120-year-old tradition, Huntington Beach now welcomes over 500,000 attendees over five days of programming. At 9 p.m. on July 4th, don’t miss fireworks over the ocean—and get your tickets online for reserved pier seating.
4 | Back Bay, Newport Beach
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina sets the stage for an unforgettable Fourth of July holiday weekend. Celebrate the spirit of Independence Day on the scenic Back Bay, where a weekend brimming with family-friendly fun awaits. Enjoy exciting watersports, an inflatable waterpark and captivating live entertainment with Tunes at the Dunes. Concluding the festivities on July 4th is one of SoCal’s grandest fireworks shows at 9 p.m., co-sponsored by the City of Newport Beach.
5 | Dana Point Harbor
Prepare to be awe-struck as the Condor Squadron takes flight over Dana Point prior to the magnificent fireworks display. From 5:50 p.m. to 5:55 p.m., these legendary WWII North American AT-6 airplanes will grace the skies, adding a touch of history to this cherished event. At 9 p.m. the fireworks show begins—the fireworks are shot from a barge on the water, located off the coastline of Doheny State Beach.
6 | San Juan Capistrano
Celebrate Fourth of July in San Juan Capistrano with a family-friendly event at Marco Forster Middle School that promises a mix of live music, delicious food and games, all culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. The festivities kick off at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, with live music starting at 2:30 p.m. The lineup includes Flashback Heart Attack, bringing the best 80’s hits, followed by the soulful and bluesy Family Style at 4:30 p.m. Then, the crowd-favorite Tijuana Dogs will close the show with classic rock tunes. Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy face painting, multiple bounce houses, Midway-style games and a variety of food trucks.
7 | Costa Mesa
Join in on a sensational celebration of our nation’s independence at the OC Fair & Event Center on July 3 in Costa Mesa. Bring your own picnic, lawn chairs and blankets and gear up for this patriotic event! The gates will open at 4 p.m., allowing ample time to explore and enjoy the festivities from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Indulge in delicious food and refreshing drinks available for purchase. Plus, don’t miss the exhilarating fireworks show at 9:30 p.m., illuminating the night sky with a dazzling display. Best of all, admission and parking are entirely free, ensuring a spectacular and budget-friendly experience for all.
8 | Laguna Beach
The 4th of July Drone Show celebration in Laguna Beach will be kicking off from Monument Point at Heisler Park at 9 p.m. Watch as the fireworks light up the ocean and this charming seaside town. Viewers of this dazzling display can tune into the Voice of Laguna and KXFM Radio to listen to a live audio broadcast of patriotic music during the show!
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
