Los Angeles Fourth of July Planner

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Updated: July 01, 2009

Never mind June gloom. The dog days of summer will be in full effect come Fourth of July. Check out our essential guide on where to celebrate our country's independence in true L.A. style. From the coolest fireworks displays to the best outdoor restaurants and bars, it's time to let freedom ring in Los Angeles.

On this page:Fourth of July Events in Los Angeles, Outdoor Restaurants & Bars.

Fourth of July Events in Los Angeles

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Barneys New York
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    9570 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (map)

    The name might say New York, but this Beverly Hills fashion mecca and celebrity magnet is having a blowout sale for the 4th of July that goes on until the 8th with an extra 25% off already marked down sale merchandise. Who knows? You might even bump into Katie while pillaging the shoe section.

  2. 2 Belmont Shore
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    5200 E 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803 (map)

    The Great American Kids' Bike Parade is once again taking to the streets of Belmont Shore with its old-fashioned charm and firework-free celebration. (Perfect for young ones and Fido.) Watch as hundreds of local kids pedal along the boardwalk to show off their decorated Powder Puffs and Big Wheels for a chance to win cash prizes. It's free to register (just do so by 9:15am) and there will be prizes for the top ten picks based on originality, creativity, spectator appeal and display of red, white and blue. Parade starts at 10am on the beach bike path at the end of Granada Avenue.

  3. 3 Hansen Dam
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    11770 Foothill Blvd, Sylmar, CA 91342 (map)

    Nothing says independence like spending the day with 100,000 of your closest friends. The San Fernando Valley's enormous (and free) annual event is set to take place from 12pm to 10pm, with live entertainment, food, information booths, fireworks and swimming in the lake. Just make sure to show up early if you plan on getting a primo parking space.

  4. 4 3.5 Star Rating: Average The Standard
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    8300 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069 (map)

    More than just a hotel, this hipper-than-thou hangout is where the cool kids play. This weekend you can party poolside and participate in a Ping Pong Tournament with prizes and cute referees. Enjoy live performances by DJ Max Vanville and a sun-filled BBQ with organic hot dogs. Best of all, the event is free! Doors open at 11am-7pm.

  5. 5 Doheny State Beach
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    25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92780 (map)

    Start out early in the morning if you're planning an Independence Day celebration here 'cause this is Doheny's busiest day of the year. The beach opens at 6am with the fireworks show off the barge of the harbor starting at 9pm. (Bringing your own fireworks is not allowed.) So pack up the car, stock the cooler and grab the sunscreen--it's a full-day experience for the whole family.

  6. 6 3 Star Rating: Average Rose Bowl
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    1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103 (map)

    Considered the largest fireworks show in the state, the Rose Bowl will be celebrating its 83rd anniversary with food, family fun and performances by Drum Corps International. Festivities begin at noon with the fantastic fireworks finale starting at 9pm. More than 25,000 people are expected to show up, so be prepared for a little shoulder bumping.Tickets are $13 general admission; children 7 and under are free.

  7. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Disneyland
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    700 W Ball Rd, Anaheim, CA 92802 (map)

    It's almost a rite of passage to see the fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom and this year will be no exception. The new nighttime spectacular makes its debut this summer as pyrotechnics whirl and visual effects dance in the sky to celebrate Disney stories and characters like Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Dumbo and Mary Poppins. (And if you can't make it on July 4th, you have until August 23rd to experience the spectacle.)

  8. 8 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Fisherman's Village
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    13755 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 (map)

    Beginning at 9pm, this traditional fireworks show over Marina del Rey's main channel is free to the public. Show up early and enjoy one of the waterfront restaurants with the family or have a picnic at nearby Burton Chase Park or one of the local beaches. Fisherman's Village has great viewing spots, but any waterview seat is a good one!

Outdoor Restaurants & Bars

  1. 9 3.5 Star Rating: Average Citizen Smith Hollywood Suite 1007
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    1600 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (map)

    There might not be any literal fireworks at this glam space along the Cahuenga Corridor, but that doesn't mean sparks won't be flying on the Fourth. With its grand front dining room, sultry back lounge, and starry outdoor patio, this late-night haunt is where to find Southern-tinged comfort food and flirty fun.

  2. 10 4 Star Rating: Recommended Marriott-Le Merigot Beach
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    1740 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

    n close proximity to the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, Le Merigot is also just steps away from Santa Monica Beach, and the Pier’s iconic Ferris wheel. Even if you’re not planning to book a room, you can enjoy a fun BBQ in the hotel’s courtyard with American classics like cole slaw, organic fingerling potato salad, marinated chicken with lime & garlic, burgers (both beef and turkey), Kobe hot dogs, corn on the cob and more. The grillin' happens on Saturday from 1:30pm-4pm. $35 per guest; $17.50 for kids 12 and under.

  3. 11 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Rush Street
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    9546 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (map)

    This Culver City bar and eatery keeps the fireworks going all weekend long. Since July 3rd marks the anniversary of Jim Morrison’s death, Doors cover band Peace Frog will perform from 10pm til close. And in honor of Jim’s drink of choice, $5 Jack Daniels will be served all night and an electric guitar will be raffled off in his honor. On Saturday, July 4th, you can get discounted domestic brews on both bottled and draft beers all day while DJs will be mixing it up in the Rush Street mezzanine and the only rooftop patio in Culver City. And … if you’re looking to continue the festivities, the party continues on Sunday with lounge DJs and $6 mojitos from 9pm to close. All nights, no cover.

  4. 12 4 Star Rating: Recommended The Abbey
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    692 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

    Since the holiday happens on a Saturday this year, this boisterous Boys Town hangout is great for a little daytime food and drink on the outdoor courtyard. Better still, this place is pet-friendly, so bring along your four-legged friend for some pyrotechnic-free fun. After all, July 4th shouldn't go down as the worst day of the year for little Rover.

  5. 13 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended The Cellar
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    305 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832 (map)

    This fine French dining destination tucked in the basement of the historic 1922 Hotel California building in Fullerton is giving OC residents (and Angelenos willing to make the drive) a taste of gourmet goodness for a whole lot less than what it would usually cost. Select entrees like the poached salmon and roasted lamb which normally run from $29 will be priced at just $10 each.

  6. 14 3.5 Star Rating: Average Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
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    28128 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 (map)

    Locals and tourists cram this beachfront haunt for seafood and strong cocktails. You might not see any fancy fireworks across the ocean, but who cares when you can sit back, relax and enjoy one of the few restaurants in town where you can legally drink right on the sand?