The Fourth of July is right around the corner! On the west coast, there’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than Southern California. From Los Angeles to the Inland Empire, and everywhere in between, SoCal residents know how to celebrate the red, white, and blue. Fourth of July celebrations in Los Angeles county are among the best in the nation.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or the perfect party for adults, there’s something for everywhere – and of course, lots of fireworks! So hit the beach and soak up some sun, enjoy an Independence Day parade, or celebrate from the deck of the historic Queen Mary. Southern California offers freedom festivities you’ll never forget.
Here’s our favorite Southern California and Los Angeles Independence Day celebrations for 2025:
1. Grand Park’s Fourth of July Block Party (Downtown Los Angeles)
- When: July 4, 4pm
- Who: All Ages
- Cost: Free
If you’re near downtown Los Angeles, be sure to check out this massive (and free!) Fourth of July block party at Grand Park. Beginning at 4pm, this all-ages family-friendly event features art installations, music, and a variety of food vendors.
Once the sun goes down, this Los Angeles Independence Day event closes out with a wildly popular drone show over the iconic backdrop of the city. If you have pets or little ones who are nervous around loud noises, this drone show is a great alternative to traditional fireworks displays.
2. Hollywood Bowl Fireworks Spectacular (Hollywood)
- When: July 4, 7:30pm
- Who: All Ages
- Cost: $44 – $231
For folks who do want to celebrate Independence Day 2025 with fireworks, the Hollywood Bowl hosts an annual fireworks spectacular accompanied by different musical guests. Past years’ celebrations have included the LA Philharmonic, the Beach Boys, and Harry Connick Jr. The 2025 show features Earth, Wind, and Fire.
The Bowl’s natural acoustics make this a truly cinematic experience – and when the fireworks burst over the Hollywood Hills, it’s pure magic that will make memories lasting for years to come. What more could you ask for in a Los Angeles Independence Day party?
3. FoodieLand at the Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
- When: July 4 – July 6, 1pm – 10pm
- Who: All Ages
- Cost: $8 (kids under 5 get in free!)
For a delicious twist on standard Fourth of July fare, head to the Rose Bowl for the FoodieLand Food Festival! This three day festival features over 185 food vendors offering delightful dishes from all over the world as well as live performances and unique gifts.
This year’s FoodieLand will also include a Fourth of July-themed drone show on July 4th. Get there early to grab your favorite foods, find the perfect spot, and watch the sky light up with freedom-filled fun!
4. Fourth of July Parade (Santa Monica)
- When: July 4, 9:30am
- Who: All Ages
- Cost: Free
More of a morning person? Check out the Ocean Park Association’s annual Independence Day parade in Santa Monica. This parade celebrates America as well as LA’s laid-back beach culture. Locals decorate bikes, strollers, and vintage cars, then march along Main Street.
2025 marks the parade’s 18th year, with each event getting bigger and better. There’s music, costumes, and plenty of candy tossed to the crowd. No fireworks or drones here – just a great community vibe and ocean breeze.
5. Queen Mary 4th of July Celebration (Long Beach)
- When: July 4, 3pm – 10pm
- Who: All Ages
- Cost: $65 Adult, $45 Child
The Queen Mary in Long Beach is one of our favorite SoCal destinations for events. Their annual Independence Day bash brings multiple decks of entertainment, live DJs, carnival-style games, and panoramic views of fireworks over the harbor.
Tickets grant access to different experiences throughout the ship, so it’s part history tour, part block party. While we love catching the fireworks from the ship’s decks, you’ll also be able to see most of the display from the Long Beach shoreline – so even if you don’t buy a ticket for the main event, you can still enjoy the festivities.
6. Ronald Reagan Library Fourth of July Celebration (Simi Valley)
- When: July 4, 10:30am
- Who: All Ages
- Cost: Free
For a more educational take on the Fourth of July, head to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. Along with patriotic concerts and games, they unveil full-scale replicas of the Declaration of Independence and other founding documents.
It’s a great chance to blend history with celebration. They also usually have presidential artifacts, family activities, and food options throughout the grounds. (Note: While the outdoor Fourth of July 2025 celebration is free, attendees must still pay regular admission to tour the library.)
7. Kaboom! at the Fairplex (Pomona)
- When: July 4, 4pm
- Who: All Ages:
- Cost: $14 to $44
Are you a thrill seeker looking for a high-energy way to celebrate Independence Day? If so, you’ll love Kaboom! at the Pomona Fairplex. It’s loud, patriotic, and packed with adrenaline. (This event is perfect for older kids and teens, but you may wish to leave the little ones at home.)
This event features monster trucks, motocross, carnival rides, live performances, and more – and it goes out with a bang, featuring one of Southern California’s biggest fireworks displays at 9:15pm.
8. Claremont Fourth of July Festival (Claremont)
- When: July 4, 7am – 1pm
- Who: All Ages
- Cost: Free
One of our favorite places in the Inland Empire, the City of Claremont’s Fourth of July celebrations are a wholesome, fun-filled day for the whole family. Beginning with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club, this event transforms Claremont’s tree-lined Memorial Park into a quaint carnival with food, games, and more.
There’s also a 5k fun run and a community parade where locals show their patriotic spirit with floats, classic cars, marching bands, and more. When the sun goes down, nearby Pomona College hosts a fireworks show at 9pm accompanied by live bands.
Celebrate in Comfort & Style with Xpress Shuttles
No matter how you choose to celebrate Southern California and Los Angeles Independence Day this year, don’t let traffic and expensive parking slow you down. Call Xpress Shuttles today! We’ll transport you and your family and friends anywhere in Southern California for the ultimate Fourth of July experience.
Book your ride now at 866-805-4234.