The Fourth of July will be celebrated in a big way in California. On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the United States, dozens of cities in the south of the state are preparing an agenda full of fireworks, drone shows, concerts, parades, gastronomic festivals and family activities to commemorate Independence Day.

According to official city and recreational park calendars consulted for this guide, events will take place in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, and Riverside counties, with both free and pre-registered/ticketed access options.

If you plan to leave this weekend, it's a good idea to arrive early, as several events will have road closures, limited parking, and access controls.

Best places to see fireworks

Among the most anticipated events is the show on the coast of Marina del Rey, where the fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m. and can be seen from Burton Chace Park, Dockweiler Beach, Fisherman's Village, Venice Pier and other nearby points.

At Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers will host the San Diego Padres and, at the end of the game, offer one of the country's traditional fireworks shows.

Those who prefer a more environmentally friendly alternative can attend the Grand Park, in downtown Los Angeles, where there will be a drone show accompanied by music, art and cultural activities with free admission.

Another option will be Burbank, which will present a drone light show visible from the hills near the Starlight Bowl, while Arcadia will also bet on this technology with an aerial exhibition in Santa Anita Park, as part of the activities for the 250th anniversary of the USA.

Orange County, Ventura, and Riverside also celebrate big

In Huntington Beach, considered one of the most iconic Fourth of July venues on the West Coast, celebrations will include a morning parade and fireworks display over the ocean at 9:00 p.m.

In Anaheim, Santa Ana, La Habra, Mission Viejo and Tustin there will also be community festivals, live music, children's activities and evening shows.

Ventura County will host events in Ventura, Oxnard, and Camarillo, while Riverside cities such as Corona, Eastvale, Moreno Valley, Jurupa Valley, Lake Elsinore, and Beaumont will host celebrations with concerts, food courts, and fireworks displays.

Recommendations for attending events

Local authorities recommend using public transportation when possible, arriving several hours in advance, and checking each city's official sites for access restrictions, street closures, and registration requirements, as some events will require free tickets or entry bracelets.

Several municipalities also recalled that the use of illegal fireworks continues to be prohibited in many areas of the state due to the risk of fires during the summer season.