Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade

Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade has been held every year for more than 100 years since 1904. It is one of the best home town parades and best patriotic things to see in California because of its beach location that assures fantastic climate (not too hot) and the colorful display of marching bands, equestrian units and floats decorated in red, white and blue.

The parade, alone, would be a highlight to an Independence Day celebration but the neighborhoods and people participating make the event more worthy of going out of your way to see.

Each year the event begins in the city's Lake Park with a pancake breakfast, then a 5K run and the parade launches at 10 a.m. near the corner of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway.

It last for around 2 to 2.5 hours, following a route up Main Street where it ends at Gothard.

Why see it? It is family friendly, it is free, it takes place at the beach and it is patriotic.