Greer's OC

This year's Fourth of July carries a little extra weight: America turns 250. Whether you're drawn to live music on the water, fireworks over the harbor or a hands-on workshop to get into the spirit, Orange County's coastline has plenty of ways to mark the occasion. Here are spots worth adding to your holiday weekend itinerary.

Lido Marina Village (July 2)

Kick off the long weekend early at Lido Marina Village's Patriotic Pop Up on the Lido Deck, set for Thursday, July 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Patriot Brass will perform live patriotic favorites while guests try their hand at seasonal workshops, including a patriotic floral arranging class with French Buckets and a watercolor American flag workshop led by Bailey Art Studios. Pink Lady Creamery will be on hand serving handcrafted ice cream, rounding out a festive waterfront afternoon for families, friends and visitors getting an early start on the celebration.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina (July 3-5)

For a holiday spent on the water, Newport Dunes' annual Independence Day on the Back Bay celebration returns with live music, food trucks, watersports and family activities all weekend, capped by a fireworks display over the Back Bay on July 4. Guests can kayak, paddleboard, cruise Newport Harbor aboard a Duffy boat or splash around the Inflatable Aquatic Park, with live entertainment running throughout the weekend ahead of the 9 p.m. fireworks show. 

Photo by Mike Novak

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa | Huntington Beach (July 4)

For a front-row seat to Huntington Beach's Fourth of July festivities, check into the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. Located steps from the sand, the resort puts guests in the heart of the action, from the city's iconic parade to fireworks over the Pacific. Spend the day at the beach, enjoy a bonfire and s'mores, and take advantage of dining options ranging from casual beachfront fare to upscale coastal cuisine.

Starting rate: From $450 per night.

Dana Point Harbor (July 4)

Dana Point Harbor offers a full day of options, from soaking up the sun at Doheny State Beach and Baby Beach to watching fireworks light up the night sky. For waterfront views, book a spot on July 4th Fireworks on the Water Cruises at Dana Wharf or aboard Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari. By land, stop by Delanya's Smokin' Hot Texas BBQ's limited-edition community pop up or grab a dinner reservation at a waterfront restaurant while they last. The official fireworks show, hosted by the City of Dana Point, kicks off at 9 p.m. just offshore of Doheny State Beach.