Where to Go for July 4th

Still searching for the perfect place to celebrate the Fourth of July? No matter how you like to spend the holiday—with a parade, fireworks or apple pie—there are events perfect for every family tradition happening across the Westside, South Bay and greater Los Angeles area.

THE SOUTH BAY

REDONDO BEACH ACTIVITIES AND FIREWORKS
What: Pre-fireworks activities, including paddleboard lessons, live music, a puppet show and kids "freedom" parade. The evening ends with a fireworks display.
When/Where: Gates open at 2 p.m.; Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way
Cost: Reserve a seat and parking spot on the Redondo Beach Fireworks website.

RANCHO PALOS VERDES 37TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION
What: A fair, pie-eating contest, live music, pony rides and more.
When/Where: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Point Vicente Park/Civic Center, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Cost: Event is free, parking is $5.

OLD-FASHIONED FOURTH OF JULY IN PALOS VERDES
What: Live music, a children's bicycle parade, an all-American pie contest, face painting and more. The guest speaker is former Los Angeles Mayor and philanthropist Richard J. Riordan.
When/Where: 9:30 a.m.; Malaga Cove School, 300 Paseo Del Mar
Cost: Free

THE WESTSIDE

PACIFIC PALISADES PARADE
What: The Independence Day parade will feature marching bands and equestrians, and will be led this year by grand marshal Jerry Mathers of "Leave it to Beaver."
When/Where: Parade starts at 2 p.m., entertainment at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. The parade is on Sunset Boulevard, between via de la Paz and Drummond Street; entertainment and fireworks at Palisades Charter High School.
Cost: The parade is free but a ticket to the concert and fireworks costs $6 at the door or $5 if purchased in advance online. Tickets for children under 12 are free.

FIREWORKS RETURN TO MARINA DEL REY
What: Join about about 25,000 people to watch the 20-minute display which returns this year after a one-year hiatus. All fireworks are choreographed to music played on FM radio KXLU 88.9, so tune in or stop by Burton Chace Park to hear the music played on loud speakers.
When/Where: 9 p.m. over the main channel in Marina del Rey. Best viewing spots include Fisherman’s Village, Burton Chace Park and Mother’s Beach.
Cost: Free

CULVER CITY FIREWORKS SHOW
What: Hosted by the Exchange Club of Culver City and the city of Culver City, the fireworks show will be complimented with hotdogs, soda, and Kettle Corn for sale.
When/Where: Gates open at 5 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m.; Culver City High School, 4401 Elenda St.
Cost: Event is free, parking $5. Suggested donation of $2 to benefit child abuse prevention efforts.

LONG BEACH

LONG BEACH/BELMONT SHORE CONCERT AND PARK PREVIEW
What: Watch fireworks from the highest point in Long Beach with views of the ocean, plus a sneak peek of the hilltop park at California Gardens.
When/Where: Gates opens at 6 p.m. with music at 7 p.m.; 2745 Orange Ave.
Cost: Free

QUEEN MARY CELEBRATION
What: All-day activities on the Queen Mary ship including live music, face painting, magician and barbershop quartet. Watch fireworks and live entertainment. Festivities conclude with a giant fireworks show.
When/Where: Activities begin at 11 a.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m.; 1126 Queens Hwy.
Cost: Pricing for tickets and parking on the Queen Mary website.

GREATER L.A.

BARRY MANILOW AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL
What: Performances by American pop icon Barry Manilow and the Los Angeles Philaharmonic, followed by a fireworks display.
When/Where: 7:30 p.m.; 2301 North Highland Ave.
Cost: $15-220, $17-35 for parking

BALL GAME AT DODGER STADIUM
What: Watch the Dodgers play the Cincinnati Reds and stick around for a postgame fireworks show.
When/Where: 6:10 p.m.; 1000 Elysian Park Ave.
Cost: $12.75-$650, $10 for parking