Where To Watch July 4th Fireworks In Los Angeles

A panorama of fireworks from Dodger Stadium in 2011. (Stock photo by Will Hastings via Flickr Creative Commons)

Everyone knows you don't have to go far to watch fireworks in this town. Wherever you are on the Fourth of July, just go outside and look up, and you'll see them somewhere.

But there's still nothing quite like sitting underneath a professional fireworks show, where you can watch those meteor-bright streaks showering up and then exploding in shining bouquets of fire, until the whole thing crescendoes in a rapid-fire cracking of pyrotechnics -- the grand finale.

To help make sure you get that experience, we've rounded up some of L.A.'s go-to professional displays, both big and small, ticketed and free, and we filled out the list with plenty of local options around the county. Now go forth and witness the colorful sky confetti while you celebrate our nation's birth.

ROSE BOWL
2-9:30 p.m.

Let's start things off with a SoCal tradition: the Rose Bowl is hosting its 93rd AmericaFest. Pre-fireworks performances include TNT Freestyle Motocross, a preview of the new Apollo 11 immersive live show, and Disney's DCappella Live Lion King Performance. The stadium has a clear bag policy, so no backpacks or other large bags and cases. Parking is always a consideration at the Rose Bowl and starts at $50 ($40 if you pre-purchase), so you'll want to plan ahead.

Map: Rose Bowl
Cost: $15-35
Tickets and general info here. Parking passes here.

SOUTH GATE PARK
2-11 p.m.

For a free alternative, South Gate's going, if not bigger, then longer, with a four-day carnival, complete with games and "thrill rides." The action starts Thursday and, of course, culminates with a fireworks show. But you can come back for even more fun on Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Map: South Gate Park - Corner of Tweedy Boulevard & Walnut Avenue
Cost: Free admission, $1 rides
More info here.

HOLLYWOOD BOWL
7:30 p.m.

Nile Rodgers & CHIC headline this year's funky fireworks spectacular, a three-night celebration starting July 2. You'll have a chance to let your inner disco diva shine at a pre-concert Disco Throwdown, and the event features special guest DRUMLine Live (of Beyoncé's "Homecoming" fame) and the Los Angeles Philharmonic with conductor Thomas Wilkins. Half off for kids under 12.

Map: Hollywood Bowl
Cost: Prices vary
Info and tickets here.

GRAND PARK DTLA
3-9:30 p.m.

The 4th of July Block Party at Grand Park is another free event. Expect to "chill, munch, dance, splash, play and top it off with fireworks under the DTLA skyline." You can bring your own food to picnic, but no coolers and no outside drinks. You can fill your empty plastic bottles at water fountains in the park, and vendor booths will provide more food and drink options.

Map: Grand Park
Cost: Free
More info here.

MARINA DEL REY
All day

If sun, sand and sea are more your style, then you might want to try Marina del Rey. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. and you can watch from the shore or the water (book now if you want a spot on a boat). Getting in and out could be a beast because of street closures, and parking will be limited after 1 p.m., so your best bet is to get there early and stay all day. You won't want for things to do: the marina offers activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, and the beach isn't far, plus you'll have lots of dining options.

Map: Marina Del Rey
Cost: Free; Price varies if you want to watch from the water
More info here.

DODGER STADIUM
6:10 p.m.

Our boys in blue play the San Diego Padres, and the game will be followed by a holiday fireworks display. It doesn't get much more American than this (or SoCal, for that matter). It's Dodger Stadium, so you know the drill: parking is what it is, and you might want to arrange alternate transportation.

Map: Dodger Stadium
Cost: Tickets start at $32
More info here.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
All Day

The theme park dedicated to movie magic will be making some magic of its own with its first ever 4th of July celebration. So go enjoy some rides, munch on a Lard Lad donut, drink a butterbeer, and catch a display of fireworks "synchronized to Universal-themed music and patriotic favorites."

Map: Universal Studios Hollywood
Cost: Included with general admission (which starts at $99)
More info here.

OTHERS AROUND L.A. COUNTY:

ArtesiaArtesia Park, 18750 Clarkdale Ave.

Baldwin Park
Sierra Vista High School, 3600 N. Frazier St.

Calabasas
Calabasas High School, 22855 Mulholland Highway

Carson (LA Galaxy home game)
Dignity Health Sports Park, 18400 S Avalon Blvd.

Cerritos
Cerritos Civic Center, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue

Claremont
Pomona College, 333 N. College Way (at Strehle Track)

Commerce
Rosewood Park, 5600 Harbor St.

Culver City (canceled)

Diamond Bar (no fireworks)

Gardena
Rowley Park, 13220 S. Van Ness Ave.

Huntington Park
Salt Lake Park, 3401 E. Florence Ave.

Irwindale
Irwindale Park, 16053 Calle De Paseo

La HabraLa Bonita Park, 1440 W. Whittier Blvd.

Long Beach
The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy

Los Angeles/Exposition ParkOff Exposition Park Drive and Bill Robertson Lane

Lynwood
Lynwood Park, 11301 Bullis Rd.

Pomona
Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave.

Porter Ranch
Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi St.

Redondo Beach
Seaside Lagoon, 137 N. Harbor Dr.

Rosemead
Rosemead Park, 4343 Encinita Ave.

San Pedro
Cabrillo Beach, Parking at 22nd Street & Sampson Way

South El Monte
New Temple Park, 1450 Lidcombe Ave.

South Pasadena
South Pasadena High School, 1401 Fremont Ave.

Stevenson Ranch (canceled)

Torrance
L.A. County Courthouse Parking Lot (Maple Avenue, north of Torrance Blvd.) or Toyota Sports Complex

Walnut
Suzanne Park, 625 Suzanne Rd.

Westlake Village
Westlake Village Golf Course, 4812 Lakeview Canyon Road

Whittier
York Field, 9110 Santa Fe Springs Road

Correction: A previous version of this story gave an incorrect location for the fireworks display in the City of Commerce. LAist regrets the error.

UPDATES:

3:26 p.m. on July 2: This article was updated with additional locations based on feedback from the audience.

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