The list of boat parades in the Los Angeles area is as long as the UCLA football team’s losses this year.
Okay, well maybe not quite that long but there’s a bunch of them up and down the Southern California coast, from Marina del Rey to the biggest of ’em all, Newport Beach.
PubClub.com has put together this list of the boat parades with the 2024 dates, times, locations and best viewing spots. All the events are open to the public and free, tho in some spots you might be comfortable and content to be in a restaurant/bar with a good view.
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
When: Saturday, Dec, 14
Where: Marina del Rey, 5:55-8 p.m.
The easiest boat parade for most people in Los Angeles to get to, this takes place in the channels of the Marina del Rey harbor. It begins with a brief fireworks show and features boats and big yachts of MDR, quite possibly also some stand-up paddleboarders. The year’s event is the 54th annual parade. Good viewing is along Fisherman’s Village, Burton Chase Park and at the Venice Beach/MDR border at Via Marina & Pacific Ave – actually this is the best viewing for unobstructed views. Several people from the area watch from bikes along the channel on the border of MDR and PDR, and a few possibly foolish daredevils walk to the end of the jetty. Parking at Burton Chase Park is $8 and Fisherman’s Village is $15 max.
Parade Of 1,000 Lights Boat Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Shoreline Village, Long Beach
A downtown Long Beach tradition, this is a parade of boats that parallels Shoreline Village and out to the Queen Mary. Organized by by the Shoreline Yacht Club, has good viewing on the back side of Marina Green, the lighthouse across from Shoreline Village behind the Aquarium of the Pacific and the pier at the end of Pine Ave. Good viewing restaurants with bars include Parker’s Lighthouse and Gladstone’s.
King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 15, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: King Harbor Channel, Redondo Beach
By far the smallest of the parades, this goes back and forth from the host King Harbor Yacht Club to by Kincaid’s restaurant on the Redondo Pier. Frankly, about an hour is long enough to be at this one, but it’s good if you’re in the South Bay. The best “bar” for viewing is to take your own discreet drinks and watch along the seawall by the Portofino or on the pier by Kincaid’s. Or if you prefer to sit down at a table, Joe’s Crab Shack is the top spot. Afterward, head to BALEENKitchen at the marina. You can catch a glimpse of the boats from the patio of new Shade Hotel in Redondo but your best bet is to go to the rooftop bar. This Redondo Beach Boat Parade complete guide has even more details.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
When: Dec. 18-22
Where: Newport Harbor
This is biggest and most spectacular boat parade in the USA and the year is the 116th annual parade. Nearly a million people turn out for it during its five-day run. The starting and finishing point is located off Bay Island. Viewing is anywhere you can find a place; a restaurant or bar such as Billy’s At The Beach, the Rusty Pelican and The Winery on PCH are good choices.
There are three designated public viewing areas, by the Balboa Pavilion and the American Legion Yacht Club (215 E. 15th St.) on the Balboa Peninsula and the Boy Scout Sea Base (1931 W. Coach Highway).
Naples Boat Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Alamitos Bay, Long Beach
This is the 71st annual parade that is a huge part of the Belmont Shore and Naples area of Long Beach. There’s great viewing along N. Marina Drive parallel to PCH, the canals of Naples and especially restaurant/bars along the Alamitos Bay’s “Restaurant Row.”
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