From northernmost lighthouse in Crescent City to the stunning southern shoreline of San Diego, the Golden State has filled its 163,696 square miles with 4th of July festivities! Celebrate America’s birthday with California flair: from showstopping fireworks, to parades decked out in red, white, and blue, and festivals that evoke all things Americana. The stars & stripes of the star-spangled banner are flying high over the shining seas of California, ready to celebrate Independence Day in the Golden State! 

Fireworks

The booming spectacle of fireworks is one of the best ways to celebrate Independence Day. San Francisco sets off a striking display over the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay – the best views from the waterfront are at Fisherman’s Wharf, or gain a new perspective on one of the city’s many ferries, where you can catch the show with the city lights as the backdrop! Head East to the natural beauty of South Lake Tahoe for a picturesque setting to observe the “Lights on the Lake,” a spectacular fireworks extravaganza that illuminates the sky over the water. Southern California isn’t missing out on the fun: Disneyland transforms its nightly firework display to a patriotic theme, while San Diego’s LEGOLand holds a Red, White & Boom event each year. San Diego also hosts the Big Bay Boom, a radiant, intricately choreographed display that can be seen throughout the city. Check out the multitudes of fireworks shows to “ooh” and “aah” over throughout the state!

Parades

Patriotism abounds in the long-standing tradition of the 4th of July parade: California hosts over 100 processions decorated in red, white, and blue that reflect the spirit of the holiday through music, community, and a shared sense of celebration! Head to the coastal town of Aptos for the “World’s Shortest Parade,” a sweet, community-driven parade that leads to a party in the park! Contrarily, the Longest Independence Day Parade is located in Alameda. The route of the parade runs 3.3 miles long, with over 170 floats and 2,500 participants that will wow spectators! 

Festivals

Spend the whole day saluting the nation’s birthday at one of the many festivals throughout California! The redwood-lined coastal town of Crescent City celebrates in style: every year, they host the largest 4th of July festival and fireworks show in the whole state! There’s a parade, a fun run, sandcastle-building contests, live music, a beer garden, and more. To cap off the event, Crescent City lights up the sky over the Battery Piont Lighthouse in a radiant fireworks display! For a unique, old-school 4th of July experience, party like a Miner 49er at Columbia State Historic Park during their annual gold-rush Glorious 4th of July Celebration. The tradition, which dates back to 1852, begins with a Black Powder Musket Salute as the American flag is raised before leading into a concert, watermelon-eating contests, a cakewalk, and more merriment set in this historic gold-rush town! Continue the boom-time fun by hopping on a vintage steam train over a the nearby Railtown 1897 Historic Park. Another place to visit for festive, family fun is Santa Barabara’s waterfront and Stearns Wharf: there’s live music and dancing on the beach, food stands, and vendors selling local goods, all of which culminates in an epic fireworks show to end the night with a bang! Festivities are plentiful in the Golden State, so don your red, white, and blue, grab your sparklers, and have a wonderful Independence Day!