Independence Day

July 4, 2018

Best U.S. Beach to Celebrate 4th of July by Travel and Leisure

Travel and Leisure ranked Surf City USA as one of the best U.S. beaches to celebrate the 4th of July and it's no wonder why. To the outstanding firework show over the ocean, the biggest parade west of the Mississippi and the Surf City 5k run, it's a spectacular day filled with fun family events. While celebrating in Downtown Huntington Beach, check out the delicious surrounding restaurants on 5th & PCH, Pacific City and downtown. Before you go celebrate be aware of the parking rates and availability.

Things to do on 4th of July in Huntington Beach 

• Firework show off the Huntington Beach Pier
• Huntington Beach Parade
• Surf City 5K morning run
• Multi-Day Festival

Firework Show

9 PM-9:30 PM

A total of 1,300 rounds of fireworks are shot off the end of the Huntington Beach Pier. Visitors gather along the coast and on the beach for miles, even renting premium hotel rooms with an ocean view along the Huntington Beach coast, to celebrate our nation's independence. Others claim a bonfire pit early in the morning. Fireworks viewing is free from the beach, but those who want to get closer to the action can purchase tickets to sit on the pier.

Fireworks Over the Ocean Ticket: $10
Lake Park Bleacher Seat Ticket: $15

Purchase Tickets here.

The Pier will be partially closed to the public all day and completely closed at 5:00 PM.  

Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade

10 AM-12PM 

The Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade is the biggest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi and has been held since 1904. On July 4th 1904, was when Huntington Beach was named Huntington Beach. The parade is over two miles and two hours long and includes floats, marching bands, civic organizations and celebrity guests. The parade is televised locally each year and, while seating along the parade route is free, tickets can be purchased for premium bleacher seating just past downtown.

Viewing Tips

• Prime viewing spots fill up early (and are often staked out the day before) and include the stretch of PCH between 8th and Main, the commercial area on Main near PCH, the area around Lake Park on Main, and the area next to the Huntington Beach Civic Center and Huntington Beach High School.

• Viewing spots for the parade may not be staked out before 7 a.m. on Monday, July 3. Materials used to reserve public areas (such as sidewalks) cannot block pedestrian or vehicular access before 6 a.m. on July 4. All materials must be removed by 3 p.m. on July 4. 

• Avoid areas directly in front of residential homes.

The parade will officially begin at PCH and 9th, going from 9th to Main where it will proceed up Main through the downtown and residential areas, ending just past Yorktown.

The 4th of July parade route will require the closure of PCH from Goldenwest to Beach starting at 5:00 AM on Wednesday, July 4.

The annual Independence Day Parade is over two miles and two hours long and includes floats, marching bands, civic organizations and celebrity guests. It begins on Pacific Coast Highway, travels up Main Street through downtown Huntington Beach, and ends by the Civic Center. The parade is televised locally each year and, while seating along the parade route is free, tickets can be purchased for premium bleacher seating just past downtown.

Surf City 5k 

6AM-10AM

Fitness enthusiasts can start their 4th of July off right with a 5k run. The course runs along PCH and Main Street and runs from 6AM-10AM. 

Registration 

5K (Resident, Open & Stroller)
Starting on May 1, 2018: $32
Starting on June 1, 2018: $35
Starting on June 15, 2018: $40
Kids Run
Early Registration: $15
Starting on June 15, 2018: $20

Register for the race here.

July 3rd from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. pick up your registration packet pick-up at Worthy Park in Huntington Beach.

Race Location 

The start and finish of the 5k run is at Worthy Park. 

Course Map

The 5k race course map. 

Schedule 

6:00 a.m. Registration and packet pick up at Worthy Park on 17th and Main
6:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Fitness Expo
7:00 a.m. Huntington Beach Residents 5K Run/Walk, Presented by Mother’s Market 
8:00 a.m. Open 5K Run/Walk, Presented by Kaiser Permanente – Get Fit Festival
8:15 a.m. 5K Stroller Run
9:00 a.m. Kids 1 Mile & 1/2 Mile Run

 

A post shared by Laurie Gillard (@freespiritfun22) on Jul 4, 2017 at 1:18pm PDT

Multi-Day Festival 

The multi-day festival is at Pier Plaza, next to the Huntington Beach Pier.

Festival includes

• Activities 
• entertainment 
• Food 
• Merchant Vendors

Transportation Tips

• Walk or ride your bicycle 

• Surf City USA Shuttle: On July 4th, complimentary park and ride shuttle service to First Street and Pacific View Avenue will run every half hour from the following two locations: OCTA Golden West Transportation Center(7301 Center Avenue), 8 a.m.-midnight, and Huntington Beach Civic Center (2000 Main Street), 1 p.m.-midnight. The last shuttle leaves Downtown at 11:30 p.m. Track the shuttle via live GPS at surfcityusashuttle.com.

• Parking at the Main Promenade parking Structure will be $27 and Valet $35 (cash only) all day flat fee.
  Pay as you enter and no customer validations will be honored. Yearly and monthly pass holders will not be charged, but parking is NOT guaranteed.

• Huntington State Beach and Bolsa Chica State Beach lots: $25 flat rate Saturday to Tuesday, open at 5 a.m. on Tuesday (enter at Beach and PCH) 

• The Strand Parking Structure $30 (Card and cash)

• Pacific City Parking Rates: Before 3 PM Hourly Rates and 2 Hr Validation Apply. Starting at 3pm: $15 (to be collected upon entering). Starting at 7pm: $35 (to be collected upon entering.)

• Metered parking and non-metered street parking are also options. Bring quarters as not all meters accept cards.

• Opt for a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft

For more information about the 4th of July Celebration, visit the event's official website.