How to Spend the Fourth of July in Southern California

Southern California plays host to a number of events that can light up your Fourth of July. Here are some you might attend if you're visiting that area come Independence Day.

Things You'll Need

• Fixings for an old-fashioned Fourth picnic
• Blankets and lawn chairs for watching fireworks displays

Instructions

1. Attend Americafest, the annual Fourth of July Celebration at the Rose Bowl, and watch the largest fireworks display in LA County (see Resources below).

2. Spend the day on the waterfront at the 10th Annual Channel Islands Harbor Fireworks by the Sea event, with picnics, barbecues, a 5K race, a parade down Main Street and fireworks on the water.

3. Charter a boat to watch fireworks from the ocean. Many Southern California coastal cities set off fireworks in their marinas. View the festivities from a party boat chartered for the night.

4. Have an old-fashioned Independence Day cookout at home. Make potato salad, hot dogs and hamburgers, grilled chicken wings and drumsticks and corn on the cob. Finish up with watermelon, since California is the number-one producer of watermelons in the country.

Tips & Warnings

• For the younger set, hand out glow-in-the-dark tubes and bracelets so they can join in the fun safely.

• Always follow all safety precautions and instructions if you are setting off your own fireworks.