SeeCalifornia.com

For those who like to wait till the last minute to make 4th of July plans, there’s still room for views from OUE Skyspace LA. For around $25 you can hitch a ride 1,000 feet up in the sky to the 69th floor, stepping onto California’s tallest open-air observation decks. It’s billed as one of the best fireworks vistas in the state to see fireworks.

Los Angeles  4th of July

• Grand Park 4th of July Block Party & Fireworks. This free event includes concerts, dancing, picnics, games, food, and a spectacular fireworks display launched from the rooftop of Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
• LA Coliseum 4th of July Fireworks Festival. A free extravaganza sponsored by City of Los Angeles and All Access Entertainment kicks off with a free concert and festival in Exposition Park. It concludes with a whopping 45-minute fireworks show.

Big Fireworks Shows

• San Diego Big Bay Boom always knocks it out of the ballpark for spectator enjoyment. Just don’t mention Wednesday, July 4, 2012. That fateful year a mishap caused one of the largest fireworks shows in the nation to rapidly explode, then fizzle. All the fireworks accidentally discharged at once and the show was over in 15 seconds! Best views for the show which is now launched from 4 separate barges include: Shelter Island | Harbor Island | North Embarcadero | Marina District | Coronado Ferry Landing | Boating On The Water. And of course, places such as the Manchester Grand Hotel.
• While fog may be in the forecast, it’s still a go for the annual City and County of San Francisco Independence Day Live Entertainment and Fireworks Extravaganza. Views include Aquatic Park, PIER 39, and many great high-rise hotels featuring view cocktail bars.