Orange County in Southern California offers a small but spectacular array of activities for 4th of July. From fireworks shows to boat parades to concerts and street fairs, you’ll no doubt find something fun to do with your family and friends this Independence Day.
Orange County 4th of July Events
Newport Beach / Balboa Island 4th of July 2012 Old Glory Boat Parade: July 4, 2012 from 1pm – 5pm. The American Legion 4th of July Boat Parade is California’s largest. The boat parade sees more than 100 vessels cruise through the harbor of Newport Beach, CA. Free to view from Newport Harbor/Balboa Island. The parade will form at 12:30 off Collins Island. The Harbor Patrol Fire Boat, followed by the VIP Boat, will lead the parade.
Newport Beach 4th of July 2012 Celebration & Fireworks At The Dunes: July 4, 2012, starting at dark around 9pm. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort will host Newport Beach’s two-day July 4th, 2012 celebration. The 2012 event features entertainment by the Bangles Girl Band, and several tribute bands, as well as a gourmet food truck competition, aquatic park activities, and the biggest fireworks display being held along the southern California coast. General Parking $60 Per Vehicle ~ Walk-ins $20. VIP Seating for the big fireworks show is also available. Newport Dunes is a 110-acre resort located in Newport Beach, Orange County California at the entrance to the Back Bay Nature Preserve and the Newport Bay Conservancy – 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660. More info 949-729-3863.
Anaheim Hills 4th of July Celebration: July 4, 2012. “Firecracker” 5 /10K Run – 2K Walk and Product/Health Fair 5:30am-10am at Canyon High School. The 5k/10k run starts at 7am, 5k/2k run/walk at 7:30am. Pancake Breakfast 8:30am-10am at Canyon High School Cafeteria, $4 for adults $3 for kids 12 and under. Yankee Doodle Dog Show 10am at Canyon High School. Food booths at Peralta Park 12:30-8:45pm. Parade at 3pm starting at Canyon High. Entertainment at Peralta Park 3-8pm. Fireworks at Peralta Park at 9pm.
Dana Point Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza: July 4, 2012. 9pm-10pm at Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive. Fireworks show off the barge outside the harbor begins at 9pm.
Fullerton 4th of July Festival and Fireworks Show: July 4, 2012, 5pm-9:30pm , live music and entertainment. Fireworks at 9pm at Fullerton High School Stadium at the corner of Lemon and Berkeley. Nominal fees may apply for certain activities. Free parking at the North Orange County Courthouse; the Wilshire parking structure (downtown on Wilshire, just east of Harbor); the Plummer Structure (downtown on the southwest corner of Chapman and Lemon); and street parking throughout downtown.
Huntington Beach 4th of July Celebration: July 4, 2012. The parade starts at 10am, on PCH at 9th St, turns left onto Main St., then ends just after Yorktown Ave. Fireworks at 9pm at the Huntington Beach Pier. The show lasts approximately 30 minutes. (Approx. address 325 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, 92648) After 7pm the Pier will only be accessible to Firework Show ticket holders.
Laguna Niguel Free Concert and Fireworks: July 4, 2012. Free Concert 6-8pm at Crown Valley Community Park, 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy. After the concert, walk (3/4 mi. each way) to the Laguna Niguel Regional Park for the Fireworks display at 9pm.
Mission Viejo: Street Faire and Firework Spectacular: July 4, 2012, noon to 9pm, at Olympiad Road (between Marguerite and Melinda). Live entertainment on two stages, music, food and game booths, and rides. Fireworks at 9pm.
Tustin Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks: July 4, 2012, entertainment starts at 6;30pm, Fireworks at 9pm. Free admssion. Barbecue and snacks and beverages available for purchase. Tustin High School Football Field, 1171 Camino Real, Tustin CA.
