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Fireworks light up Downtown LA skyline
Downtown LA’s fireworks show will take place at Grand Park.
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Where to watch Fourth of July fireworks in LA

The best spots to see bombs bursting in air this Independence Day

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Downtown LA’s fireworks show will take place at Grand Park.
| Atmosphere1 | Shutterstock

Independence Day is right around the corner, and it's high time to start planning for an evening full of pyrotechnic fun. Whether you're looking for a big community event or a quiet vantage point far away from the crowd, Los Angeles has plenty of great spots to take in the multitude of fireworks shows that will light up the sky on July Fourth.

From Orange County to Downtown LA, these are some of the best places to go if you want to see bombs bursting in air on the Fourth of July. Some are ticketed events and some are just nice places to sit and take in the views.

Whatever your budget or your preferences when it comes to fireworks (music, or no music?), there’s probably something for you in the LA area.

Have a happy—and safe—holiday.

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Grand Park

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Downtown's free Fourth of July block party is back for another year, with live music and more than 40 food trucks kicking the day off at 3 p.m. before fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

Grand Park fountain Jon Bilous | Shutterstock

Wilshire Grand Tower

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Where better to take in the city's many fireworks displays than from LA’s tallest skyscraper? There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the tower but the lounge on the 70th floor requires no reservations. It will likely be a popular destination, but it's worth a shot for the Instagram likes you'll get.

Rose Bowl Stadium

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For sheer patriotism, try the Rose Bowl's annual AmericaFest event (somewhat ironically sponsored by Japanese automaker Honda). The all-day event features food, live music, motorcycle stunts, and, of course, fireworks. Ride the Gold Line and take the free shuttle to avoid the parking lot.

Rose Bowl fireworks FiledIMAGE | Shutterstock

Exposition Park

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Festivities will get underway at Exposition Park at 11 a.m. on the 4th. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. and can be viewed from the South Lawn, in front of the Natural History Museum.

Exposition Park aerial view Trekandshoot | Shutterstock

The Hollywood Bowl

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TheHollywood Bowl is hosting an evening performance on July 4 followed by a fireworks display. This year is disco-themed with headliner Nile Rodgers & Chic (as in “Le Freak”). If you’re not interested in the music, just head to the Hollywood Bowl Overlook for views of the fireworks.

Hollywood Bowl fireworks Joseph Sohm | Shutterstock

The Queen Mary

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An English ocean liner might seem like an odd place to celebrate American independence, but the Queen Mary offers an up-close view of a great fireworks show. This year, a $49 ticket will also allow you to see the Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth cruise by the Queen Mary for a “Royal Rendezvous” before 9 p.m. Fireworks can also be easily seen from nearby Alamitos Beach.

Queen Mary fireworks GaroManjikian | Shutterstock

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

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It's a bit of a hike to get to this spot, but the views are well worth it. From this vantage point, it's easy to see multiple shows around the city.

Baldwin Hills overlook TierneyMJ | Shutterstock

Universal City Overlook

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If explosions of color bursting above the twinkling lights of the Valley is the aesthetic you're after, this is the place to be.

Universal City Overlook Jon Bilous | Shutterstock

Griffith Observatory

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Will it be a crowded mess? Of course! But the views are worth it. The DASH shuttle runs until 10 p.m., and parking is otherwise $4 per hour, but you could always ditch the car and hike there, too.

Griffith Observatory at dusk Trekandshoot | Shutterstock

Pomona Fairplex

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There's Fourth of July fireworks and then there's Fourth of July fireworks with monster trucks, motocross, and wheelie contests. Where else but Pomona can you find this kind of spectacle? Tickets start at $18.50.

The Skyslide

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It's hard to beat the views from the US Bank Tower's observation deck and accompanying glass slide 69 stories above Downtown LA. Get tickets ahead of time, though, as space will be limited.

Bianca Barragan

Ballona Creek Bike Path

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Bike to Fisherman's Village or Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey, where there are official viewing spots, or continue along the path toward the bridge that crosses the creek for excellent views of the fireworks. Bring a radio and tune into KXLU (88.9 FM): The synchronized music will be playing over the air. The show is on a barge on the water, and it starts at 9 p.m.

Ballona Creek bike path Focqus | Shutterstock

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

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Hold on to your butts! A July 4 screening of Jurassic Park, part of Cinespia's long-running outdoor movie series, will also bring a fireworks display to LA's cemetery to the stars. Get your tickets quick; these shows often sell out.

Cabrillo Beach

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San Pedro hosts an excellent—and free—fireworks show at the Port of LA. It starts at 9 p.m., but food, games, and music can be found at Cabrillo Beach starting at noon.

Palisades Charter High School

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A concert and fireworks show follows the annual Pacific Palisades Fourth of July Parade. The parade is free; tickets to see the music and fireworks are $10. This year’s event is Star Wars themed.

The Bona Vista Lounge

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If your idea of a patriotic celebration involves sipping an expensive cocktail far from the rabble below, the rotating restaurant atop theJohn Portman-designed Westin Bonaventure is the place to be.

Dodger Stadium

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Win or lose, the Dodgers will follow their Fourth of July game against the San Diego Padres with a special fireworks show. If you miss that one, the Friday night game has fireworks, too.

Dodger Stadium fireworks Jayne Kamin-Oncea | Getty Images

StubHub Center

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If America's national pastime doesn't quite do it for you, head to Carson to watch the LA Galaxy take on Toronto FC. The "longest-standing Fourth of July fireworks show in professional sports" will follow the game.

LA Galaxy fireworks Photo by German Alegria, courtesy LA Galaxy

Warner Center Park

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This Warner Center event begins at 6 p.m. with a concert, before fireworks get under way at 9. On top of the music, there will be food vendors and craft sellers set up in the park. Admission is free, but parking passes and reserved seats can be purchased in advance.

Toyota Sports Complex

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In Torrance, fireworks can be seen from grandstand seating at the courthouse on Maple Avenue, or at the neighboring Toyota Sports Complex. Admission is free.

Surfrider Beach

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This spot in Malibu is a great place to see all the fireworks that rich people will be launching from their boats.

Starlight Bowl

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Burbank's Fourth of July celebration at the Starlight Bowl features live music by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and fireworks. Tickets start at $20, but know that the fireworks following the show can be seen throughout most of Burbank. (See you in the Ikea parking lot?)

Shepherd Church

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At the sprawling Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch, Fourth of July festivities will get under way at 4:30 p.m. The free event will include food, activities for kids, and “patriotic skydivers.” Fireworks begin after sundown.

Stevenson Field

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El Segundo’s Fourth of July celebration goes on for most of the day and culminates with music and fireworks in the evening. Tickets are $5, but El Segundo residents get four passes for free with a rec center card.

A post shared by Kevin Flores (@thatkevin) on

Huntington Beach Pier

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In Huntington Beach, Independence Day festivities are scheduled from July 1 to July 4. It culminates with a consistently solid show that can be viewed from the beach (for free) or from the pier (for $10).

Disneyland

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Yes, you can see fireworks at Disneyland literally every day. But on the Fourth of July, the show will include a special grand finale with patriotic tunes. Not quite worth the price of admission or endless Galaxy’s Edge lines? No problem. Disney fireworks can be easily seen throughout Anaheim, including from the nearby ARTIC train station.

Disneyland fireworks Frazer Harrison | Getty Images

Rancho Santa Susana Community Park/Reagan Library

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As you might expect, July Fourth is a pretty big deal at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, where there will be games, crafts, and presidential lookalikes throughout the day. In the evening, go to Rancho Santa Susana Community Park for a free fireworks show, courtesy of the chamber of commerce.

Reagan library Ken Wolter | Shutterstock

Mount Wilson Observatory

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For views of the entire Los Angeles basin, head to Mount Wilson. Just keep an eye on fire activity and make sure the road is open before departing. Campgrounds along the nearby Angeles Crest Highway are first-come, first-served—so get there early if you want to spend the night.

The wide angle from last nights shoot. Timelapse dropping soon...

A post shared by Dylan Schwartz (@dylan.schwartz) on

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Grand Park

Downtown's free Fourth of July block party is back for another year, with live music and more than 40 food trucks kicking the day off at 3 p.m. before fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

Grand Park fountain Jon Bilous | Shutterstock

Wilshire Grand Tower

Where better to take in the city's many fireworks displays than from LA’s tallest skyscraper? There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the tower but the lounge on the 70th floor requires no reservations. It will likely be a popular destination, but it's worth a shot for the Instagram likes you'll get.

Rose Bowl Stadium

For sheer patriotism, try the Rose Bowl's annual AmericaFest event (somewhat ironically sponsored by Japanese automaker Honda). The all-day event features food, live music, motorcycle stunts, and, of course, fireworks. Ride the Gold Line and take the free shuttle to avoid the parking lot.

Rose Bowl fireworks FiledIMAGE | Shutterstock

Exposition Park

Festivities will get underway at Exposition Park at 11 a.m. on the 4th. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. and can be viewed from the South Lawn, in front of the Natural History Museum.

Exposition Park aerial view Trekandshoot | Shutterstock

The Hollywood Bowl

TheHollywood Bowl is hosting an evening performance on July 4 followed by a fireworks display. This year is disco-themed with headliner Nile Rodgers & Chic (as in “Le Freak”). If you’re not interested in the music, just head to the Hollywood Bowl Overlook for views of the fireworks.

Hollywood Bowl fireworks Joseph Sohm | Shutterstock

The Queen Mary

An English ocean liner might seem like an odd place to celebrate American independence, but the Queen Mary offers an up-close view of a great fireworks show. This year, a $49 ticket will also allow you to see the Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth cruise by the Queen Mary for a “Royal Rendezvous” before 9 p.m. Fireworks can also be easily seen from nearby Alamitos Beach.

Queen Mary fireworks GaroManjikian | Shutterstock

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

It's a bit of a hike to get to this spot, but the views are well worth it. From this vantage point, it's easy to see multiple shows around the city.

Baldwin Hills overlook TierneyMJ | Shutterstock

Universal City Overlook

If explosions of color bursting above the twinkling lights of the Valley is the aesthetic you're after, this is the place to be.

Universal City Overlook Jon Bilous | Shutterstock

Griffith Observatory

Will it be a crowded mess? Of course! But the views are worth it. The DASH shuttle runs until 10 p.m., and parking is otherwise $4 per hour, but you could always ditch the car and hike there, too.

Griffith Observatory at dusk Trekandshoot | Shutterstock

Pomona Fairplex

There's Fourth of July fireworks and then there's Fourth of July fireworks with monster trucks, motocross, and wheelie contests. Where else but Pomona can you find this kind of spectacle? Tickets start at $18.50.

The Skyslide

It's hard to beat the views from the US Bank Tower's observation deck and accompanying glass slide 69 stories above Downtown LA. Get tickets ahead of time, though, as space will be limited.

Bianca Barragan

Ballona Creek Bike Path

Bike to Fisherman's Village or Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey, where there are official viewing spots, or continue along the path toward the bridge that crosses the creek for excellent views of the fireworks. Bring a radio and tune into KXLU (88.9 FM): The synchronized music will be playing over the air. The show is on a barge on the water, and it starts at 9 p.m.

Ballona Creek bike path Focqus | Shutterstock

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Hold on to your butts! A July 4 screening of Jurassic Park, part of Cinespia's long-running outdoor movie series, will also bring a fireworks display to LA's cemetery to the stars. Get your tickets quick; these shows often sell out.

Cabrillo Beach

San Pedro hosts an excellent—and free—fireworks show at the Port of LA. It starts at 9 p.m., but food, games, and music can be found at Cabrillo Beach starting at noon.

Palisades Charter High School

A concert and fireworks show follows the annual Pacific Palisades Fourth of July Parade. The parade is free; tickets to see the music and fireworks are $10. This year’s event is Star Wars themed.

The Bona Vista Lounge

If your idea of a patriotic celebration involves sipping an expensive cocktail far from the rabble below, the rotating restaurant atop theJohn Portman-designed Westin Bonaventure is the place to be.

Dodger Stadium

Win or lose, the Dodgers will follow their Fourth of July game against the San Diego Padres with a special fireworks show. If you miss that one, the Friday night game has fireworks, too.

Dodger Stadium fireworks Jayne Kamin-Oncea | Getty Images

StubHub Center

If America's national pastime doesn't quite do it for you, head to Carson to watch the LA Galaxy take on Toronto FC. The "longest-standing Fourth of July fireworks show in professional sports" will follow the game.

LA Galaxy fireworks Photo by German Alegria, courtesy LA Galaxy

Warner Center Park

This Warner Center event begins at 6 p.m. with a concert, before fireworks get under way at 9. On top of the music, there will be food vendors and craft sellers set up in the park. Admission is free, but parking passes and reserved seats can be purchased in advance.

Toyota Sports Complex

In Torrance, fireworks can be seen from grandstand seating at the courthouse on Maple Avenue, or at the neighboring Toyota Sports Complex. Admission is free.

Surfrider Beach

This spot in Malibu is a great place to see all the fireworks that rich people will be launching from their boats.

Starlight Bowl

Burbank's Fourth of July celebration at the Starlight Bowl features live music by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and fireworks. Tickets start at $20, but know that the fireworks following the show can be seen throughout most of Burbank. (See you in the Ikea parking lot?)

Shepherd Church

At the sprawling Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch, Fourth of July festivities will get under way at 4:30 p.m. The free event will include food, activities for kids, and “patriotic skydivers.” Fireworks begin after sundown.

Stevenson Field

El Segundo’s Fourth of July celebration goes on for most of the day and culminates with music and fireworks in the evening. Tickets are $5, but El Segundo residents get four passes for free with a rec center card.

A post shared by Kevin Flores (@thatkevin) on

Huntington Beach Pier

In Huntington Beach, Independence Day festivities are scheduled from July 1 to July 4. It culminates with a consistently solid show that can be viewed from the beach (for free) or from the pier (for $10).

Disneyland

Yes, you can see fireworks at Disneyland literally every day. But on the Fourth of July, the show will include a special grand finale with patriotic tunes. Not quite worth the price of admission or endless Galaxy’s Edge lines? No problem. Disney fireworks can be easily seen throughout Anaheim, including from the nearby ARTIC train station.

Disneyland fireworks Frazer Harrison | Getty Images

Rancho Santa Susana Community Park/Reagan Library

As you might expect, July Fourth is a pretty big deal at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, where there will be games, crafts, and presidential lookalikes throughout the day. In the evening, go to Rancho Santa Susana Community Park for a free fireworks show, courtesy of the chamber of commerce.

Reagan library Ken Wolter | Shutterstock

Mount Wilson Observatory

For views of the entire Los Angeles basin, head to Mount Wilson. Just keep an eye on fire activity and make sure the road is open before departing. Campgrounds along the nearby Angeles Crest Highway are first-come, first-served—so get there early if you want to spend the night.

The wide angle from last nights shoot. Timelapse dropping soon...

A post shared by Dylan Schwartz (@dylan.schwartz) on