Latest / Unlocking Huntington Beach / HB 4th of July: A Local's Complete Guide (Ep. 25)

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HB 4th of July: A Local's Complete Guide (Ep. 25) · Unlocking Huntington Beach

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: And we're back with another episode of Unlocking Huntington Beach.
• 0:05
  SPEAKER_00: What's going on?
• 0:06
  SPEAKER_00: My name is Lane Stone, and we have a 4th of July celebration special for you today.
• 0:12
  SPEAKER_00: It is my favorite day of the year for Huntington Beach.
• 0:15
  SPEAKER_00: And why not do a podcast, a YouTube video, however you're watching this media, all about Huntington Beach 4th of July?
• 0:23
  SPEAKER_00: Let's get into it.
• 0:24
  SPEAKER_00: So every city has a 4th of July, but there's only one Huntington Beach 4th of July.
• 0:30
  SPEAKER_00: Half a million people, the largest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi.
• 0:34
  SPEAKER_00: Fireworks shot directly off the pier over the Pacific Ocean.
• 0:38
  SPEAKER_00: Hundreds of bonfire pits lit up all along the beach, and a community that has been doing this without missing a single year since 1904.
• 0:46
  SPEAKER_00: Again, my name is Lane Stone with Unlocking Huntington Beach.
• 0:48
  SPEAKER_00: I've been in the city for more than 35 years, and I can tell you honestly, this is the best single day of the year.
• 0:54
  SPEAKER_00: But if you've never done it before, or if you've done it but want different ideas, this video is for you.
• 1:00
  SPEAKER_00: I'm going to walk you through the whole day, hour by hour, what to do, where to be, what to skip, and the local secrets that make the difference between a frustrating day and one that you can talk about all year long.
• 1:12
  SPEAKER_00: First, let me just put this in perspective for anyone who hasn't experienced it.
• 1:16
  SPEAKER_00: The Huntington Beach Fourth of July has been running continuously since 1904, and that's 122 years this year.
• 1:23
  SPEAKER_00: It started as a celebration of the first electrical passenger train connecting HB to Los Angeles, and it drew 50,000 people on day one.
• 1:31
  SPEAKER_00: Today it draws more than 500,000 over the course of the day.
• 1:34
  SPEAKER_00: This isn't a local block party that got big.
• 1:36
  SPEAKER_00: This is one of the premier Independence Day events in the entire country, and it happens right here on Main Street in PCH.
• 1:42
  SPEAKER_00: The event has a 5K race that yours truly participates in every year.
• 1:46
  SPEAKER_00: There's also a parade itself, a block party, concerts at Pier Plaza, and fireworks launched directly off to Huntington Reach Pier over the ocean at 9 p.m.
• 1:54
  SPEAKER_00: The whole day is essentially one long rolling celebration.
• 1:57
  SPEAKER_00: And if you play it right, you can catch every single part of it.
• 2:01
  SPEAKER_00: So let's break it all down.
• 2:03
  SPEAKER_00: All right.
• 2:03
  SPEAKER_00: If you want to start your 4th of July with some exercise like I do before the eating and the celebrating begins, the Surf City 5K is a great way to do it.
• 2:11
  SPEAKER_00: The run kicks off at 7 a.m.
• 2:12
  SPEAKER_00: for locals on July 4th from Worthy Park at 17th in Maine.
• 2:16
  SPEAKER_00: The course runs along PCH and Main Street, which means you're literally running through the parade route sometimes with a small supporting crowd.
• 2:22
  SPEAKER_00: It's a fun experience and the energy on race morning in Huntington Beach is electric.
• 2:27
  SPEAKER_00: There are two heats the HB Residence run at 7 a.m.
• 2:30
  SPEAKER_00: and the open run at 8 a.m.
• 2:31
  SPEAKER_00: You'll need to register in advance because it fills up, so don't wait on it if this is something you want to do.
• 2:36
  SPEAKER_00: My honest take if you're not a runner, skip it.
• 2:38
  SPEAKER_00: Use the early morning for what really matters, which I'll get into a minute.
• 2:41
  SPEAKER_00: But if you're someone who runs anyways and wants to make the morning memorable, the 5K is really fun and completely worth it.
• 2:48
  SPEAKER_00: Okay.
• 2:48
  SPEAKER_00: The main event, at least for the morning, the 122nd annual Huntington Beach Independence Day Parade.
• 2:54
  SPEAKER_00: This parade is two miles long, runs for about two hours, and features over 150 groups from marching bands, floats, military veterans, elected officials, community organizers, horses, classic cars, celebrities.
• 3:06
  SPEAKER_00: The works.
• 3:07
  SPEAKER_00: This year's Grand Marshal is radio legend Tim Conway Jr.
• 3:09
  SPEAKER_00: from KFI 640.
• 3:11
  SPEAKER_00: You have surfing pioneer Peter P.
• 3:13
  SPEAKER_00: T.
• 3:13
  SPEAKER_00: Town is a featured guest and Olympic gold medalist Amanda Freed Kotchka is also in the lineup.
• 3:19
  SPEAKER_00: It starts at 10 a.m.
• 3:20
  SPEAKER_00: on Pacific Coast Highway at 9th Street, travels down Main Street, goes through downtown, and ends just past Yorktown Avenue.
• 3:27
  SPEAKER_00: The whole thing is televised live on KABC Channel 7.
• 3:31
  SPEAKER_00: Now here's the local guide part where you watch this parade matters tremendously.
• 3:36
  SPEAKER_00: The stretch of PCH between 8th and Main Street is prime real estate.
• 3:40
  SPEAKER_00: That's where the parade kicks off and the energy is at its highest.
• 3:43
  SPEAKER_00: The commercial area on Main Street near PCH is excellent for the floats and bands.
• 3:48
  SPEAKER_00: Lake Park on Main Street is a great option if you want a more relaxed viewing spot with more space and don't really want to stake out a spot.
• 3:55
  SPEAKER_00: If you want premium bleacher seating right at the main and PCH intersection, you can buy tickets around$27 per person at hb4th of July.org.
• 4:05
  SPEAKER_00: Here's the thing that separates locals from first timers.
• 4:08
  SPEAKER_00: Good spots along this parade route are claimed the night before.
• 4:12
  SPEAKER_00: I'm not exaggerating.
• 4:13
  SPEAKER_00: People put down chairs and blankets on July 3rd to hold their spot for July 4th.
• 4:18
  SPEAKER_00: If you want a prime viewing spot, you either get there by 5 a.m.
• 4:21
  SPEAKER_00: on the 4th or set up the night before.
• 4:24
  SPEAKER_00: But chances are it's all going to be gone on the 4th.
• 4:27
  SPEAKER_00: One more thing.
• 4:27
  SPEAKER_00: PCH closes from Golden West to Beach Boulevard starting at 5 a.m.
• 4:31
  SPEAKER_00: on July 4th.
• 4:32
  SPEAKER_00: Plan all your movement around that closure.
• 4:34
  SPEAKER_00: It affects everything.
• 4:35
  SPEAKER_00: After the parade winds down, usually around noon, the party moves to two places: the block party on Main Street and the Pier Plaza Festival, right next to the Pier.
• 4:43
  SPEAKER_00: The Block Party on Main Street is exactly what it sounds like.
• 4:46
  SPEAKER_00: You've got local vendors lining the street, there's food everywhere, the bars and restaurants open their doors wide, and the whole strip has a festival energy that carries through the afternoon.
• 4:56
  SPEAKER_00: This is a great time to grab lunch, walk around, and soak in the HB community vibe.
• 5:01
  SPEAKER_00: The Main Street Block Party also has a ticketed component, around$15 online, and that gets you access to the live band stages and some of the organized entertainment.
• 5:10
  SPEAKER_00: It kicks off around 5 p.m.
• 5:11
  SPEAKER_00: and runs through 9 p.m.
• 5:13
  SPEAKER_00: Honestly, even if you don't buy a ticket, just being on Main Street in the afternoon is an experience.
• 5:18
  SPEAKER_00: Pier Plaza, right at the base of the pier, is the other hub.
• 5:23
  SPEAKER_00: More vendors, live entertainment, and a front row view of where the fireworks will launch from later.
• 5:28
  SPEAKER_00: This area gets extremely crowded by late afternoon.
• 5:31
  SPEAKER_00: So if you want a good spot near the pier for the evening, start positioning yourself by around 5 or 6 p.m.
• 5:37
  SPEAKER_00: And so many residents throw house parties.
• 5:40
  SPEAKER_00: So just by walking the numbered streets in downtown Huntington Beach, you'll probably run into a friendly face inviting you to join in on the festivities.
• 5:47
  SPEAKER_00: All right, now let's talk about the fireworks.
• 5:49
  SPEAKER_00: And I want to spend a little extra time here because there are real decisions you're going to have to make.
• 5:54
  SPEAKER_00: Fireworks over the pier at 9 p.m.
• 5:56
  SPEAKER_00: launched directly over the Pacific Ocean.
• 5:58
  SPEAKER_00: If you've never seen fireworks over the ocean at night, let me say it's incredible.
• 6:02
  SPEAKER_00: The reflection on the water, the sound carrying over the beach, the scale of it with a half million people watching, it's absolutely extraordinary.
• 6:10
  SPEAKER_00: Now here's how viewing works.
• 6:12
  SPEAKER_00: Option one, the beach.
• 6:13
  SPEAKER_00: It's free.
• 6:14
  SPEAKER_00: The entire beach, north and south of the pier, is open to the public for free fireworks viewing.
• 6:19
  SPEAKER_00: This is great.
• 6:20
  SPEAKER_00: You don't need to spend a dime to have an excellent view.
• 6:23
  SPEAKER_00: Bring a blanket, stick out a spot on the sand, and watch from the beach.
• 6:26
  SPEAKER_00: The catch, the beach does fill up fast.
• 6:29
  SPEAKER_00: Be in position by 6 p.m.
• 6:30
  SPEAKER_00: at the latest if you want a decent position.
• 6:33
  SPEAKER_00: Option two, pier tickets.
• 6:35
  SPEAKER_00: They're paid.
• 6:36
  SPEAKER_00: If you want to be on the pier itself for the fireworks, there are two ticket tiers.
• 6:40
  SPEAKER_00: Early entry, around$42, gets you peer access starting at 7 p.m.
• 6:44
  SPEAKER_00: General Mission is roughly$30 and gets you in at 7.30.
• 6:48
  SPEAKER_00: Their pier closes to the public entirely at 5 p.m.
• 6:51
  SPEAKER_00: before ticket holders arrive.
• 6:52
  SPEAKER_00: So these are the only way to be on the pier during the show.
• 6:55
  SPEAKER_00: Tickets sell out, buy them in advance at hbfourth of July.org.
• 6:59
  SPEAKER_00: Option three, hotel and balcony or restaurant.
• 7:02
  SPEAKER_00: If you want comfort over crowds, book a room or a table at one of the oceanfront hotels along PCH, the Kempton Shore Break, Pasea Hotel, the Waterfront Beach Resort, or the Hyatt Regency.
• 7:12
  SPEAKER_00: Pacific Hideaway at the Shore Break has outdoor tables with a direct view.
• 7:16
  SPEAKER_00: This is the premium experience and it books months out.
• 7:19
  SPEAKER_00: If you're a first timer and you want the full experience, pay the$32 for a peer general admission ticket.
• 7:26
  SPEAKER_00: Watching fireworks launch from 20 feet away over the Pacific Ocean is something you do at least once in your life.
• 7:31
  SPEAKER_00: After that, the free beach option is perfectly fine every year.
• 7:36
  SPEAKER_00: One thing locals know, don't park close to the pier if you want to leave anywhere quickly after the fireworks.
• 7:41
  SPEAKER_00: The traffic after the show is serious, but we'll have more on that in a minute.
• 7:45
  SPEAKER_00: Let's talk about something that truly makes the Huntington Beach 4th of July different from almost anywhere else: the Bond fire pits.
• 7:51
  SPEAKER_00: Huntington Beach has more than 500 firings spaced across three beaches Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach, and Bolsa Chica State Beach.
• 8:00
  SPEAKER_00: On the 4th of July, those pits are the hottest commodity in Orange County.
• 8:04
  SPEAKER_00: Literally.
• 8:05
  SPEAKER_00: See what I did there?
• 8:06
  SPEAKER_00: Here's what you need to know though.
• 8:08
  SPEAKER_00: Rule one when it comes to the fire pits.
• 8:10
  SPEAKER_00: They're first come, first served.
• 8:12
  SPEAKER_00: There's no reservations for the standard fire rings on the fourth.
• 8:15
  SPEAKER_00: It's whoever gets there first.
• 8:17
  SPEAKER_00: People start lining up and claiming pits before 6 a.m.
• 8:20
  SPEAKER_00: I've seen people there at 5 a.m., which is the earliest you're legally allowed to be on the beach and set up per the city's beach curfew rules.
• 8:27
  SPEAKER_00: Now, rule number two for the fire pits location strategy matters.
• 8:30
  SPEAKER_00: The pits nearest to the pier on Huntington City Beach get claimed fastest because of the fireworks view.
• 8:35
  SPEAKER_00: If you head slightly south toward Huntington State Beach, you'll find more pits with a bit more breathing room and still a great view of the fireworks.
• 8:43
  SPEAKER_00: Now, Bolsa Chica State Beach is the least crowded and has a completely different, quieter vibe.
• 8:48
  SPEAKER_00: Great if you want a bonfire without the main event chaos.
• 8:51
  SPEAKER_00: Now, rule three, budget for parking.
• 8:54
  SPEAKER_00: Huntington State Beach charges$15 for parking normally, but on the 4th of July, they bump it to more than$20.
• 9:00
  SPEAKER_00: City Beach lots along PCH also run$30 plus on the 4th.
• 9:04
  SPEAKER_00: If you're claiming a bonfire pit, you want to drive and stay all day.
• 9:08
  SPEAKER_00: So factor that in.
• 9:09
  SPEAKER_00: Now, rule four for the bonfire pits, bring the right stuff.
• 9:13
  SPEAKER_00: Firewood is a must.
• 9:14
  SPEAKER_00: Most people bring a bundle or two from home and also bring food for the grill, blankets for later in the evening when the ocean breeze kicks in, and trash bags.
• 9:22
  SPEAKER_00: We want to keep it clean out there.
• 9:24
  SPEAKER_00: The bonfire experience while you're watching fireworks from the sand with your own fire going is the version of this day that HB residents absolutely love.
• 9:33
  SPEAKER_00: It's worth the 5 a.m.
• 9:34
  SPEAKER_00: alarm.
• 9:35
  SPEAKER_00: Trust me, it's just one day of the year.
• 9:37
  SPEAKER_00: You can do it.
• 9:38
  SPEAKER_00: Parking.
• 9:39
  SPEAKER_00: I'm going to give you the local playbook because this is where people get destroyed on the 4th of July.
• 9:44
  SPEAKER_00: First, PCH is closed from 5 a.m.
• 9:47
  SPEAKER_00: The stretch from Golden West to Beach Boulevard is fully closed on the 4th.
• 9:51
  SPEAKER_00: Plan all your approach routes around this.
• 9:54
  SPEAKER_00: If you're driving in from the north, come in via Golden West or just before you hit Golden West.
• 10:00
  SPEAKER_00: From the south, enter before you get to Beach Boulevard.
• 10:03
  SPEAKER_00: The best parking options, the downtown parking structure on 3rd Street between Walnut and Olive, this is a solid central option.
• 10:11
  SPEAKER_00: It opens at 5 a.m.
• 10:12
  SPEAKER_00: and runs for about$30 cash on the 4th of July.
• 10:15
  SPEAKER_00: You want to get there early.
• 10:16
  SPEAKER_00: The Strand Parking Structure at 146 6th Street is another good option close to the action.
• 10:21
  SPEAKER_00: State Beach Lots, Huntington State Beach and Bolsa Chica are about$20 on the 4th, and it's good if you're more bonfire focused.
• 10:29
  SPEAKER_00: Now the local move.
• 10:30
  SPEAKER_00: Park further away from the pier, like even closer to Mesa Verde, the inland neighborhoods, east of Beach Boulevard, and bike or walk-in.
• 10:38
  SPEAKER_00: The city runs a free bike valet on Fifth Street in downtown, which means you can ride in, drop your bike securely, and walk to everything without having to worry about it.
• 10:47
  SPEAKER_00: And then for leaving, don't expect a quick exit if you're parked near the pier after the fireworks.
• 10:52
  SPEAKER_00: The streets around downtown are gridlocked for an hour or more after the show ends.
• 10:56
  SPEAKER_00: Build that into your plan or just hang out at the beach until the traffic clears, which honestly isn't the worst outcome.
• 11:01
  SPEAKER_00: All right, let me pull this all together for you in what I'd like to call the perfect Huntington Beach 4th of July, hour by hour.
• 11:10
  SPEAKER_00: So let's start at 7 a.m.
• 11:12
  SPEAKER_00: on July 3rd.
• 11:13
  SPEAKER_00: If you want to secure a spot for the parade, this is the time to do it.
• 11:17
  SPEAKER_00: Now let's move on to the fourth.
• 11:19
  SPEAKER_00: Let's start at 5 a.m.
• 11:20
  SPEAKER_00: If you're doing bonfires, this is your alarm.
• 11:22
  SPEAKER_00: Head to the beach and claim your fire ring before the sun comes up.
• 11:25
  SPEAKER_00: You want to bring your firewood and breakfast food.
• 11:28
  SPEAKER_00: Now for 7 a.m., if you're running the Surf City 5K like I do, you're gonna go to Worthy Park on 17th in the main.
• 11:34
  SPEAKER_00: If not, this is a good time to get in position along the parade route with some coffee and breakfast, especially from a local spot.
• 11:42
  SPEAKER_00: We recommend the corner market, which is typically open on the 4th of July, or the Kiwanas are doing their traditional pancake breakfast this year at Lake Park.
• 11:50
  SPEAKER_00: Something that I like to do every year.
• 11:51
  SPEAKER_00: $10 will get you eggs, pancakes, and sausage, and it goes to a good cause.
• 11:56
  SPEAKER_00: At 10 a.m., the 122nd annual parade begins on PCH.
• 12:00
  SPEAKER_00: Two hours, two miles, 150 groups, you're going to enjoy it.
• 12:04
  SPEAKER_00: This is one of the best parades in the country.
• 12:06
  SPEAKER_00: Then comes noontime, the parade wraps.
• 12:09
  SPEAKER_00: You're gonna head to Main Street for the block party, you're gonna grab lunch, walk the vendors, explore downtown.
• 12:14
  SPEAKER_00: Now from 2 to 5 p.m., this is your flex window.
• 12:17
  SPEAKER_00: Explore the pier plaza, grab a drink on Main Street.
• 12:20
  SPEAKER_00: If you claimed a bonfire pit, check back in with your crew on the beach.
• 12:23
  SPEAKER_00: This is also a good time to rest before the evening push.
• 12:27
  SPEAKER_00: Now 5 p.m.
• 12:28
  SPEAKER_00: If you bought pier tickets, entry begins around this time and the pier closes to the public.
• 12:34
  SPEAKER_00: Start positioning near the pier or on the beach if you're doing free viewing.
• 12:38
  SPEAKER_00: The block party entertainment also kicks into gear at this time.
• 12:42
  SPEAKER_00: Now 6 p.m.
• 12:43
  SPEAKER_00: rolls on.
• 12:44
  SPEAKER_00: You're gonna want to be on the sand at your viewing spot by now.
• 12:47
  SPEAKER_00: And if you want good real estate for fireworks, head to the beach at this time.
• 12:52
  SPEAKER_00: From 7 to 9 p.m., live bands at the block party.
• 12:55
  SPEAKER_00: The beach fills in, bonfires start glowing, the energy builds towards the fireworks, and at 9 p.m.
• 13:01
  SPEAKER_00: it's firework time.
• 13:02
  SPEAKER_00: Fireworks are gonna launch off the pier over the Pacific Ocean.
• 13:05
  SPEAKER_00: It's the best 20 minutes of the year.
• 13:07
  SPEAKER_00: 9.20 p.m.
• 13:08
  SPEAKER_00: and onward, if you drove, consider waiting out the traffic on the beach.
• 13:11
  SPEAKER_00: It clears within about 45 minutes to an hour, then you're gonna head home.
• 13:16
  SPEAKER_00: That's the day.
• 13:17
  SPEAKER_00: I know it sounds like a lot, and it is, but it's also one of those days where you don't need to do everything.
• 13:23
  SPEAKER_00: Pick your anchors, parade, fireworks, bonfire, build around them.
• 13:27
  SPEAKER_00: Any combination is a great day.
• 13:29
  SPEAKER_00: Again, this is my favorite day of the entire year.
• 13:31
  SPEAKER_00: The Huntington Beach Fourth of July is just one of those things that reminds you why people fight so hard to live here.
• 13:37
  SPEAKER_00: I appreciate having gone to the Fourth of July parade for 35 plus years and counting.
• 13:43
  SPEAKER_00: It's been going since 1904.
• 13:45
  SPEAKER_00: It survived every hard year this country has faced.
• 13:47
  SPEAKER_00: And every July 4th, half a million people show up on this beach and this main street and celebrate together.
• 13:52
  SPEAKER_00: Locals and visitors, families and friends, people who grew up here, and people who just moved here last month.
• 13:58
  SPEAKER_00: If you're visiting Huntington Beach for the first time on the 4th, welcome.
• 14:02
  SPEAKER_00: I hope this video helps make the most of your day.
• 14:05
  SPEAKER_00: It is an incredible day for Huntington Beach.
• 14:07
  SPEAKER_00: And if you're watching this and thinking, I want this to be my community, I get it completely.
• 14:12
  SPEAKER_00: Reach out.
• 14:13
  SPEAKER_00: Again, my name is Lane Stone.
• 14:14
  SPEAKER_00: I'm with Unlocking Huntington Beach.
• 14:16
  SPEAKER_00: Drop your questions in the comments below.
• 14:18
  SPEAKER_00: Subscribe for more local guides.
• 14:20
  SPEAKER_00: Find us on Instagram at unlockinghb, and I'll leave you with this like I do each and every week.
• 14:26
  SPEAKER_00: Do good.
• 14:27
  SPEAKER_00: Huntington Beach deserves it.
• 14:28
  SPEAKER_00: Happy fourth.