The 12 Best Places to see Fourth of July Fireworks in Orange County

As we head into the Fourth of July weekend, a major question always seems to be “Where can we watch fireworks in Orange County?” Besides the well-known locations like Disneyland, Anaheim Stadium and Newport Dunes, here are 12 lesser-known spots suggested by the staff here at WHA. We wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday!

1. Tustin Heights

“From the top of lemon hill in Tustin’s Citrus Ranch Park (Jamboree & Portola) you can see about 10 different firework shows!” says Ron N.

2. Laguna Niguel

“The best spot to watch fireworks is off of Crown Valley Parkway and Pacific Island Drive in Laguna Niguel.” Mike H. suggests, “Drive to the top of the hill and find a look out spot. You can see firework shows in San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, the Ritz Carlton, and Laguna Beach. Not too shabby.”

3. Huntington Beach, CA

This location is the number one choice for many of our staff. Britney B. says, “Sitting on the sand with friends and loved ones is my favorite Fourth of July activity in Orange County.”

4. Back Bay

Bob W. suggests sitting on the bluffs overlooking Back Bay. “Facing northwest, just about 9:00… you can see all of the north, south, east and west firework displays around the local cities, but primarily right in front of you over the Bay.”

5. Woodbridge Local Shows

Phillip C. and his family like to stay where they live. They watch the fireworks from the neighborhood elementary school field where all the nearby families get together for kids to play, and adults to visit, before the show starts.

6. Howland Landing, Catalina Island

Don W. says, “On a clear day you can see the coast of California from Huntington Beach to Redondo and all the coastal fireworks.”

7. Pacific Symphony Show, Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre

Leslie B. and her husband are starting their own Fourth of July tradition this year by heading down to their assigned seats to enjoy the Pacific Symphony – Summer Festival 2016 Presents the July 4 Spectacular! “Michal Jackson music will be played by the Pacific Symphony followed by explosions of colorful fireworks,” she says.

8. Fullerton High School

Kasse M. loves grabbing an early dinner in downtown Fullerton before walking over to Fullerton High School to grab a seat for the fireworks show. She says, “It’s perfect because it doesn’t feel as crowded as some of the more popular beach spots.”

9. Ladera Ranch

Nick M. thinks that the Ladera Ranch fireworks are awesome! “My family and I enjoy the up close and personal dynamic display. The cool thing about it is that it seems to be getting more elaborate and entertaining every year. The use of color, the combination of varied explosions, and the accompanying music is hard to beat.”

10. Lookout Point in Corona Del Mar

“It is far from empty or secluded, but shines in providing views of shows all along the shore to both the north and south and allows me to be surrounded by my friends, family, and fellow Americans,” says Anthony F.

11. Bolsa Chica Wetlands

David E. says that his favorite place to watch fireworks is at the Bolsa Chica Wetlands (upper mesa). “It’s a hidden gem,” he says, “where you can see the fireworks from Disneyland to the Huntington Beach pier and everything in between.”

12. From a twin-engine Cessna looking down on the fireworks!

“When you are above them the ground and lights below provide a reference plane so the fireworks look like spheres “Will H. adds, “Although it is not the easiest vantage point to achieve.”