4th of July in Newport Beach
Every year hundreds of people gather in none other than our beautiful Newport Beach to partake in annual celebratory barbecues by the beach, breezy boat rides on the Pacific Ocean, and family-filled picnics to the tune of summery live music, and not to mention a spectacular fireworks show dancing above the glistening water below, all to commemorate our nation’s Independence from Great Britain in 1776.
It’s no wonder Newport Beach is a popular Fourth of July destination, offering a number of special events for locals and visitors to make the most of their holiday weekend by the beach. Whether you want to simply relax on the beach or plan the ultimate jam-packed festive day, Newport Beach is the place to be. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the hectic family coordinating, rowdy children wrangling, and holiday excitement, look no further because outlined here is all you need to know to plan a stressless Independence Day in the beautiful Newport Beach.
MARINERS 43rd ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
Support Mariner’s Elementary School by attending the Mariner’s 43rd Annual Independence Day Parade, starting on the corner of Commodore and Mariners Drive at 10:30 a.m. and ending in a celebration at Mariners Park. This family-friendly event runs from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., hosting seemingly endless activities, such as a 28-foot slide, adrenaline maze, wrecking ball, obstacle course, bungee run, balloon burst, sports zone, a carnival game row, opportunity drawing tickets, and of course plenty of prizes. Enjoy food and treats from TK Burgers, Chronic Tacos, Yogurtland, and Maui Tropical Freeze Hawaiian Shaved Ice. With all of the proceeds benefiting the school, there is no better way to kick-off the festive day.
AMERICAN LEGION OLD GLORY BOAT PARADE
Freedom is calling this year at the American Legion Yacht Club hosted Old Glory Boat Parade. Feast your eyes on all of the red, white, and blue decorations and wavering flags a person can handle in the Newport Harbor during California’s largest, and one of the nation’s most well-established patriotic, boat parade with over 100 vessels delightfully dressed up in festive colors. Spectators gather along the bay at yacht clubs, beaches, and Collin’s Island by 1 p.m. to relax and get the best view. This free to the public boat parade is said to go until 5 p.m., so make sure you settle into a good spot because you won’t want to miss one red, white, and blue thing.
NEWPORT LANDING CRUISES
FIREWORKS CRUISE
This evening Fireworks spectacular cruise takes you on a spin around the Newport Harbor, followed by a view of the beautiful beaches of Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach for the first hour. Consider that an unbeatable bonus to the main attraction that occurs once the sun goes down. Experience a front row seat to one of the biggest Fourth of July fireworks displays in the Southern California area. The once a year fireworks cruise event runs from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., where food and drink are included
Reservations are required. For reservations, call 949.675.0551.
HORNBLOWER CRUISE FOR FOURTH OF JULY
Opportunities to get out on the ocean this Independence Day are far from slim, and the Hornblower brunch cruise is no exception. Board the boat at 12:30 p.m. for a two hour cruise featuring a brunch buffet in the breeze off the Pacific. For $66.95 per person (discounts for children, seniors, and military persons are also available), enjoy free-flowing champagne and sparkling cider, complimentary soda, juice, coffee, and tea, all amongst the incredibly scenic coastal views, and not to mention a front row seat to the boat parade with the melodic music of a live solo entertainer.
The Hornblower is also offering a relaxing dinner cruise aboard the Wild Goose, which will board at 6:30 p.m. and run until 10 p.m., all for $99.95 per adult, $59.97 per child, while children under three are free (and a special $90 admission is offered to seniors and military individuals). The evening Hornblower cruise boasts scenic views, a view of the fireworks from the dunes, live musical entertainment, and dancing. Aboard the cruise, sea-goers can enjoy a delicious American buffet, wine, and cocktails.
STAR SPANGLED GROOVY FEST AT THE WATERFRONT RESORT AND MARINA AND FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA
Notably the largest event in Newport Beach this Fourth of July is the Fireworks Extravaganza, and the Newport Dunes is undoubtedly the prime viewing location. The fireworks start at 9 p.m., but the celebration is an all-day event (with gates opening as early as 8 a.m.) geared towards families, boasting live music, dynamic food possibilities, and water-focused activities. The 57th annual Star Spangled Groovy Fest, or otherwise known as Woodstock at the beach, is hosting live musical performances on two stages, from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m., featuring throwback tribute bands focused on the popular music from the 1960s and 1970s.
Associated festivities include quality dining at the Back Bay Bistro Buffet, which will be offering two separate seatings (one from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. and another from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.), where guests can enjoy seafood, poultry, and steak right from the grill, among other decadent options from the seafood station, salad bar, carving station, and of course, dessert. Secure your spot at the buffet for only $45 per adult, and $22.50 for kids 10 and under.
Cool down from the sunny Summer day out on the water, with the help of Moe B’s Aquatic Park who will also be participating in the fun, offering a wide variety of massive inflatable amenities, anywhere from water trampolines to massive teeter-totters. Passes to partake in the fun run $25 per two hours. Watersport rentals such as paddle boats, kayaks, electric boats, hydrobikes, catamarans, and stand-up paddle boards are available, in addition to marketplace rentals ranging from private beach-side cabanas, umbrellas, fire pits, golf carts, surrey bikes, and the popular beach cruisers.
Entrance fee to this wild all-day event is a mere $50 per car, while adults (+21) have the ability to put up an extra $40 to secure a premiere private viewing area for the fireworks, complete with all access to the hosted beer and wine garden from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.
The 100-acre waterfront Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina seriously has everyone’s needs covered over the holiday, and ever since 1958, featuring a 386-site RV park, a 450-slip marina, 24 mobile cottages available for rent, and a private waveless beach and playground.
For any further questions regarding the event at the Newport Dunes, visit www.newportdunes.com or simply call them at 949.729.3863.
If time-oriented events just aren’t your thing, enjoy any number of the beautiful beaches spanning the Newport Beach coast during the day, and when night-time rolls around be sure to grab your group one of the newly approved 32 wood-and-charcoal-burning fire rings placed on either side of the Balboa Pier (and even try to catch the explosive firework show from there). For more information on fire rings click here. There are endless opportunities to have yourself a good time this Independence Day in Newport Beach, with a clear variety of festive dining options and events to satisfy everyone’s desires throughout the holiday, leaving you and your family with only one responsibility: have fun!
