Visitors and residents alike come to California’s coastal towns to rest, relax, and recharge in the year-round warmth and sun. Those looking to flock to the beaches of California this 4^th of July will want to make parades, fireworks, and other 4^th of July festivities a part of their plans this year. Ask about decorating your boat and joining in the fun of the 4th of July Parade in Newport Beach.

Old Glory Boat Parade

The American Legion Yacht Club of Newport Beach hosts an annual boat parade to celebrate the 4^th. The Old Glory Boat Parade features a theme each year, and boats entering the parade decorate their vessels to fit the theme. The parade typically starts at the east end of Lido Island at 1 p.m. on the 4^th. The course weaves throughout the harbor between 1 and approximately 3:30 p.m. – depending on the number of entrants – so everyone has a chance to see the boats in all their red, white, and blue glory. You can register for free to be part of the parade at the American Legion Yacht Club website. A donation to the Post 291 Veterans Emergency Assistance Fund is appreciated.

4^th of July Is for Families

The event includes the annual Newport Peninsula Bike Parade and Community Festival, hosted by the City of Newport Beach. A bike and dog parade begins at 9 a.m. at Balboa Blvd. And 36^th Street, making its way down Balboa to Channel Place Park, and the festival grounds. Once there, enjoy carnival games, giant slides and bounce houses, arts & crafts, food, and more. Decorate your bikes, scooters, wagons, and strollers for the parade. Dogs must be leashed. The festival typically runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

4th of July Parade & Celebration in Newport Beach

The City of Newport Beach and the Mariners Elementary School Foundation team up to host the annual Parade and Celebration at Mariners Park. The parade typically begins at the corner of Commodore & Mariners Drive at 10:30 a.m. Follow the parade route to the park at 1300 Irvine Avenue for fun and festivities from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be food for sale, and wristbands available for purchase for $15 for extra fun and games.

Fireworks Extravaganza

The City of Newport Beach puts on an impressive fireworks extravaganza after dark falls over the water. There are many great places to view the fireworks, which start at 9 p.m.

Independence Day on the Back Bay

The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina holds its annual 4^th of July festival to coincide with the city fireworks display. The celebration includes a weekend of fun activities, games, water sports, movies on the beach, food, drinks, and more. The event is not limited to resort guests. Purchase either a Fourth of July VIP Reserved Parking Pass or a Same-Day General Parking Pass for each vehicle attending. Each vehicle should fit within a single parking space, and those that take up more than one space are not permitted.

Dock & Dine

There will be food and drinks galore at many of Newport Beach’s 4^th of July celebrations, but if you want something more than carnival snacks, there are plenty of restaurants to satisfy your hunger. You can choose to pull up to the dock and get out for a sit-down meal inside the venue, or you can take advantage of the many restaurants of the area that participate in the “dock & dine” experience. Participating restaurants allow you and your crew to pull up and enjoy great food right on board your own vessel. You can even order your food to go and have a delicious fresh meal aboard while your adventure continues. You’ll have a myriad of choices for breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, or even a soothing nightcap – just make sure to designate a captain for the way back to Carefree Boat Club. Enjoy seafood from Newport Landing Restaurant, American fare from the Harborside Restaurant, or your favorite Mexican dish from Sol Mexican Cocina, just to name a few.

Fun Zone Arcade & Game Room

Indulge the kid and gamer in you this 4^th of July. The arcade features both modern and “old-school” games, like Skee-Ball, Deal or No Deal, and many others. The arcade has been around since 1936 and requires no admission fee. You can wander in and out as you explore the surrounding area and take a break from the high seas.

Independence in Newport Beach

Have your boating bases covered this 4^th of July – along with some others you might not have thought of – with a membership to the Carefree Boat Club. There are locations all across the U.S., including the newest one in Newport Beach. We have the boat you need when you need it. Avoid the hit-and-miss availability of small rental companies, as well as the hassles like storage, maintenance, trailering, covering, cleaning, or extra fees like insurance and mooring that come with owning and transporting your own boat. Reserve a boat and it will be ready for your use each time you show up at our marina during your reservation period.

Contact us today to book your next 4^th of July Newport Beach boating getaway!