A Parade, The Piers, Fireworks, Bars & House Parties In The OC
By “Mr. OC,” Special To PubClub.com
There’s plenty to see and do here in the OC on 4th of July, as this Summer Humpday Holiday draws crowds from all over the Southwest to party in our Shangri-La by the Sea. We start off bright and early @ 10am on the 4th with the hometown parade in Huntington Beach.
With 250,000 in attendance, it’s the largest 4th of July Parade west of the Mississippi River. Everything imaginable, from Shriner’s to war vets to bands to clowns. There are 350 entries in all and watching the viewing public is a sight in itself. It’s hometown fun, OC style.
Getting in and out to view can be a struggle – think about bringing a bike; it’s the way to travel. After the parade ends at 12:30 take in the action on downtown Main Street in HB, get some chow and watch the city come alive.
The bars downtown are packed, especially Sharkeez and Hurricanes. Also, the Pier Plaza Expo at the foot of the HB Pier is worth taking in, featuring entertainment and street vendors all day into the evening.
Many private parties abound in the local area, just cruise around and you’ll spot them, always under the watchful, wary eyes of the local PD lest things get a little too rowdy. The day settles into night with a huge fireworks display at dusk, over the water, just an epic presentation with hundreds of boats and 100,000 viewing on the shore.
More info on the days festivities in Huntington Beach at www.hb4thofjuly.org.
Newport Beach The Top 4th Of July Party Place
The REAL Orange County party action is in Newport Beach and beautiful Newport Bay. For years the city has closed the Newport Peninsula to control the hundreds of parties that spring up on this festive day.
Every block in every location has what seems like an endless series of booze, beautiful tanned bodies, cutting-edge music and raucous fun. It has live bands, kegs stacked high, lots of tanned bods, and more action than once can absorb. all within a block or two of the expansive Newport Beach coastline.
The parties start mid morning, rage high all day and reach their zenith around dusk when partigoers search out the many fireworks displays in the local area. The bars at both piers are packed all day, especially Mutt Lynch’s, Sharkeez,, The District and farther down the Baja Cantina. Don’t think of drinking on the street, for the PD has the streets blocked and they are very watchful.
All throughout the NB Harbor, boat parties are full throttle, hopping from place to place and sometimes developing impromptu side-tie parties in open water areas. At dusk many people steam over by boat and by car to Newport Dunes to watch outrageously colorful fireworks and continue the party into the gentle night.
This is very much a family affair – to the point a press release states “alcohol consumption will be discouraged at the patriotic celebration, although it will be served at the Dunes’ own Back Bay Cafe.” All this starts at 11 a.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m. Address: 1131 Back Bay Drive.
As with the Huntington Beach events, getting in and out of Newport is a challenge. It’s better to bring a bike or be ready to hoof it on and off the Peninsula.
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