Whether you want to spend a low-key day on the water or ogle impressive fireworks displays, California offers a July 4 party for you. Many California celebrations are going bigger in 2026 to honor both Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary. The annual parties come with classic parades as well as some quirky activities such as sing-alongs or anvil firings.
Here’s a sampling of where you can find California Independence Day celebrations in 2026.
Your Guide to July Fourth Fireworks Displays in California
California’s biggest hubs offer showstopper fireworks. The main display in San Francisco is best seen over Fisherman’s Wharf. In Los Angeles County, one of the biggest displays can be seen in Marina del Rey, where you can watch with synchronized music from Burton Chace Park (or join the two-hour cruise on City Experiences).
South Lake Tahoe’s synchronized, top-rated fireworks display can be seen from all around town. Nearby, you can check out an eco-friendly drone show over the lake at Tahoe City’s July 4 Celebration.
Farther south in Orange County, watch the Newport Beach Fireworks Extravaganza over the town’s Back Bay, or head to San Diego for the Big Bay Boom, an elaborately choreographed show visible from downtown, Shelter Island, and Seaport Village.
More: San Diego’s Best Rooftop Bars
Fourth of July Fireworks at California Theme Parks
There are fireworks every night at Disneyland Resort, but its July 4 edition features patriotic music—and this year, you can ride the new Soarin’ Across America in Disney California Adventure Park.
Check out the festivities at these California theme parks too:
- Knott’s Berry Farm
- LEGOLAND California
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
- Universal Studios Hollywood
More: Road Trip: Theme Park Thrills
More Fourth of July Celebrations in Northern California
Holiday by the Lighthouse, Crescent City
The two-day holiday parade and festival in this Del Norte County town offers the North Coast’s largest fireworks display, lighting up the sky over the Battery Point Lighthouse. Come for a full holiday that typically includes sandcastle-building contests, a fun run, live music, and a beer garden at Beach Front Park.
Fireworks and Anvil Firing, Weaverville
The Trinity County town exudes all sorts of Americana: the Weaverville Historic District includes a museum, an old blacksmith shop, a stamp mill, and a sawmill. Celebrate the holiday from July 3–5 with a fun run, barrel racing, a bull-riding championship, and fireworks. On the 4th, come for the historic anvil firing (a rocket launch–style display involving two anvils and some gun powder) at 6 a.m., followed by a pancake breakfast and a parade.
Celebrate Early on July 3, Colfax
In Gold Country, this Placer County town is a hotbed for July 3rd festivities with its kids zone, parade, and evening fireworks. Fill out the holiday by going to the neighboring towns of Roseville and Lincoln on July 4 for their own displays.
Party and a Rodeo, Rancho Cordova
Head to Hagan Park in Rancho Cordova on July 3–4 for two days of road racing, carnival rides, a beer garden, and concerts, culminating with fireworks on the 4th. To extend your holiday, come early and head to nearby Folsom for the three-day Folsom Pro Rodeo (July 2–4) with classic events like painted ladies, flying cowboys, and mutton busting.
Food Trucks and Fireworks, Vacaville
The Solano County town of Vacaville throws its annual party at Andrews Park. During the evening, choose from food trucks, let kids play on the hilltop Great Wonders playground, and listen to music from a “top secret band” before the fireworks begin.
More: Best-Kept Secret: Solano County
Mono County Celebration, Bridgeport
The Mono County town of Bridgeport has been throwing Independence Day parties every year since 1862. The four-day festivities (July 3–7) include a fun run, watermelon-eating contests, and a parade that showcases local culture, including the Bridgeport Paiute Tribe. At night, the fireworks reflect off the Bridgeport Reservoir and the High Sierra mountains.
Gold Rush–Style Party, Columbia
Enjoy a seriously old-school July 4 at the Columbia State Historic Park, the preserved Gold Rush town in Tuolumne County. The day begins with a Black Powder Musket Salute and a concert, then offers family-friendly contests that were popular back in the day such as watermelon-eating and nail-pounding competitions, a cake walk, and a greased-pole climb.
More: How to Spend a Perfect Day in Tuolumne County
Fun Run and Fireworks, Concord
The East Bay town of Concord kicks off the holiday with a morning fun run and parade from the Todos Santos Plaza, then features fireworks in the evening. During the day, consider a tasting tour along the Contra Costa County Beer Trail.
Freedom Fest, Morgan Hill
The Freedom Fest in the Silicon Valley town of Morgan Hill goes back to 1876 and has longstanding features such as the “Patriotic Sing" at the downtown amphitheater, a fun run, and a Cruise and Car Show. Festivities typically begin July 3 with live music and the sing-along downtown and culminate on July 4 with a parade, a car show, and the “Fireworks on the Green” event.
More Fourth of July Celebrations in Central California
Fireworks Over the Pier, Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach celebrates the holiday with local food vendors, live music, craft exhibitors, and fireworks over the pier. A great perch for enjoying it: Vespera Resort, which has mostly ocean-view rooms and hosts its own party for guests. San Luis Obispo County will also hold celebrations in Atascadero and Avila Beach.
Shop Then Watch Fireworks, Camarillo
Make the most of holiday-weekend sales in this Ventura County town: Park at the Camarillo Premium Outlets, browse the stores and sidewalk sales, then pick up dinner from the food trucks before fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Fireworks Over Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard
Spend the day enjoying the farmers’ market, electric boat parade, and family parade at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, then watch fireworks over the water starting at 9. Extend your weekend by taking a day trip out to Channel Islands National Park.
More Fourth of July Celebrations in Southern California
Fireworks Above the Water, Big Bear Lake
Water and mountain peaks provide the setting for a fireworks display that goes off over Big Bear Lake. A cool way to see it: Take the gondola to the top of Snow Summit for the Above the Boom party with live music.
American Flag Ferris Wheel, Santa Monica
Undoubtedly, the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park is Santa Monica’s most recognizable landmark. On July 4, the solar-powered Ferris wheel lights up with red, white, and blue colors, patterns, and transitions. Keep an eye out for one distinctive pattern—a 130-foot-tall, animated waving American flag.
Fireworks from the Water, Long Beach
Watch Long Beach’s annual fireworks over Queensway Bay, either from free viewing locations along the downtown waterfront (such as Shoreline Village and Rainbow Harbor), or from a boat on the water. The Queen Mary is hosting a family-friendly night of music and entertainment on the docked ship, including access to its historic Observation Bar.
Fireworks and an American 250 Concert, Greater Palm Springs
A variety of events dot the Greater Palm Springs area on July 4, including fireworks displays in Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage. You can also see the Palm Springs Symphony play a patriotic concert in honor of American 250 at the Palm Springs Plaza.
Fireworks Over the Pacific, Dana Point
Throughout the year, Dana Point’s Doheny State Beach is a great spot for whale watching, but it’s also the prime spot for watching fireworks on July 4. Other good vantage points include Dana Point Harbor or the cliffs of Lantern Bay Park. For a different view, book a cruise with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching or Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari to see the show from the water.
Golf Carts and Dinghies, Catalina Island
The mostly car-free Catalina Island observes Independence Day with its own unique personality: a golf cart parade on Casino Way, a dinghy parade on the harbor, live music on the Wrigley Stage, and then fireworks at both Avalon Bay and Two Harbors. The festivities also include performances on July 3 and 4 by the USC Trojan Marching Band.
More: Podcast: How to Plan the Perfect Catalina Island Getaway
