Newport Beach explodes not just on July Fourth, but also at the launch of the Christmas Boat Parade and on New Year's Eve. The best place to watch on all these occasions is the ferry landing at Balboa Island or from one of several waterfront restaurants. Farther north, Redondo Beach throws an all-day Fourth of July party with supervised kids' activities, food stands, water sports lessons and lots of entertainment. The family-oriented festivities culminate with a spectacular fireworks display timed to music, which can be viewed from the lagoon or from a fireworks cruise boat. Admission prices vary and the event sells out quickly, so plan your holiday early. North of Los Angeles, the pyrotechnic display in the upscale city of Santa Barbara rises from West Beach and draws huge crowds. The 20-minute display is free to the public, and viewers are asked to walk, bicycle or use public transportation to the beach.
Central California's Pismo Beach is known for its annual Fourth of July fireworks show, so much so that up to 1,000 people pitch tents or park RVs on the sands of Oceano Dunes in order to get a prime view of the spectacle. Those who are not lucky enough to get a camping spot will have to brave the 30,000-strong throng of visitors who will park their cars far away and walk to the beach. Both the pier parking lot and downtown streets close as early as noon, so it takes a bit of planning to claim a spot of sand from which to view the only professional pyrotechnics show in the area.
Watching the night sky light up above the Golden Gate Bridge is a magical experience, whether it's New Year's Eve, Fleet Week, a bridge anniversary or the Fourth of July. Even in July, the evenings in San Francisco are less than balmy, especially by the bay, so be sure to bring a blanket and a jacket if you plan to view the Pier 39 show from the Embarcadero, Fort Mason or Marina Green. Farther south, Santa Cruz officially forbids fireworks, but exuberant scofflaws set them off on the beach anyway. Not only can you watch the private show for free, but you'll get to see the added excitement of participants being arrested.
Northern California's Redwood Coast doesn't offer much in the way of coastal fireworks because of the proximity of old growth forests to the beach. However, the town of Eureka is just south of the redwoods, and celebrates the Fourth of July and other significant events with a generous fireworks display set to music. The fireworks are shot over the bay and are easily viewed from the town's boardwalk.
