Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in Orange County

The countdown is on for Orange County to celebrate the Fourth of July in unforgettable style. Whether you're looking for ocean views, a waterfront dinner, or a classic barbecue bash, I’ve rounded up some of the most festive and unique ways to enjoy Independence Day across the region.

Balboa Bay Resort | All-American Shellabration at A+O Restaurant | Bar
Thursday, July 4 | A+O Restaurant | Bar | 5 to 10 p.m.
Enjoy front-row views of the fireworks show across the bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina while dining at Newport Beach’s only waterfront resort. Balboa Bay Resort’s All-American Shellabration at A+O Restaurant | Bar runs July 4–6, featuring a classic seafood boil with lobster tail, jumbo prawns, mussels, clams, corn coblets and more—all simmered in Old Bay-seasoned lobster broth. Pair the festive flavors with sweeping bay views and fireworks overhead.
• Reservations can be made here.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa | 4th of July Barbeque Bash
Thursday, July 4 | Vue Lawn | 4 to 9 p.m.
Celebrate from Dana Point’s stunning cliffside property with panoramic views of Doheny State Beach’s fireworks show. Laguna Cliffs Marriott will host a family-friendly barbecue on its oceanview lawn, created by Lantern’s Edge restaurant. Expect live music, lawn games, craft beer, signature cocktails, and elevated barbecue fare. Families can also enjoy activities like the Kahuna Laguna Kids Club, the kids pool, and the new Laguna Cliffs Elephant Scavenger Hunt, a collaboration with Dana Bay Gallery.
• For reservations see the link here.

VEA Newport Beach | Red, White and View Package
Available to book July 2–7, 2025
Plan the perfect long weekend with VEA Newport Beach’s Red, White and View Package. Guests can take in the fireworks from their ocean-view room or from the resort’s scenic backyard while enjoying a Fourth of July BBQ meal for two. The offer includes accommodations with partial or full ocean views, a two-night minimum stay, and resort credit for meals charged to the room.
• For reservations see the link here.

Image Courtesy of Balboa Bay Resort

Luxury Designer Pop-Up in Tustin: Up to 90% Off Now Through June 29

The Luxury Designer Pop-Up Sale is happening now through June 29 at Alternative Retail in Tustin—offering major markdowns on more than 60,000 brand-new items across women’s, men’s and kids’ fashion.

Apparel is marked up to 90% off, with 85% off shoes, bags and accessories. Shoppers can expect inventory from top designers including Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Balmain, Chloé, Valentino, Jimmy Choo, Dolce&Gabbana, Brunello Cucinelli, Isabel Marant, Gucci, Fendi, Prada, and many more.

Event details:
WHEN: Now through June 29, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WHERE: 2227 Park Ave., Tustin, CA 92780
TICKETS: Free tickets are required for guests 15 and older. Each ticket allows for one hour of shopping. One ticket per customer only. Standby access is limited and not guaranteed.

Important Notes:

• No try-ons or changing rooms
• No bags or backpacks permitted
• Strollers allowed and subject to search
• Final sale only – no returns or exchanges
• Free parking available
• Touchless payments encouraged (no AMEX)

To shop, register for your free ticket at alternativeretail.com or sign up for text/email alerts for ticket releases.

New Chapter for Sushi Ii: Acclaimed Chefs Join MICHELIN-Recognized Kitchen

Sushi Ii, the MICHELIN-recognized Japanese restaurant on Mariner’s Mile, continues its legacy as one of Southern California’s premier Japanese dining destinations with the addition of two accomplished chefs, Koji Takahashi and Norio Izawa.

Both chefs bring decades of experience rooted in traditional Japanese technique and a shared commitment to the restaurant’s refined, thoughtful approach. Chef Takahashi, who has been with Sushi Ii since its inception, leads the restaurant’s kaiseki program. With nearly 40 years of experience, he blends time-honored methods with a modern sensibility, offering a multi-course experience that reflects what diners in Japan are enjoying today.

Joining him is Chef Izawa, whose training spans renowned kaiseki restaurants in Tokyo and Kanazawa. Since relocating to the U.S. in 1999, he has honed his craft at Bluefin in Newport Beach and Nobu in New York. At Sushi Ii, he now oversees the kitchen, elevating traditional ingredients with inventive presentation—dishes like sautéed belt fish with lily bulb cream sauce and green tea cream puffs paired with toasted brown tea reflect his blend of creativity and reverence.

Under the guidance of Director Natsuko Travioli, Sushi Ii remains true to its vision. From the curated ceramics to the intimate counter seating, every detail reflects a deep respect for Japanese culture and craftsmanship.

Open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m., Sushi Ii has been featured in the MICHELIN Guide every year since opening. For reservations and more information, visit sushi-ii.com.

100 West Coast Highway, Suite 202 in Newport Beach.