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
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from the blog
- 11.17.25 – HAVEN Honors Taco Asylum with New Taco Tuesday Menu
- 11.17.25 – Costa Mesa Welcomes Sweetgreen’s New Sweetlane
- 11.17.25 – Sip, Savor, Repeat: Better Buzz Expands in Orange County
- 11.16.25 – A Thanksgiving to Savor at Allegretto Vineyard Resort
- 11.16.25 – The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 11.13.25 – McG, Nancy Silverton, and Rick Caruso Team Up for Spacca Tutto at Palisades Village
- 11.13.25 – Philz Coffee Debuts Holiday Menu and Launches First-Ever Rewards Program
- 11.12.25 – Pendry Newport Beach Hosts Annual Chefsgiving Dinner
- 11.12.25 – Sip, Shop, and Give Back with HYPEACH and Working Wardrobes
- 11.08.25 – Shucked Musical Comedy Heads to Segerstrom Center November 11–23
- 11.05.25 – Dolly Parton’s Songs Come to Life with Pacific Symphony
- 11.05.25 – Savor the Season by the Sea at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
- 11.04.25 – Ice at Santa Monica Returns for the Holidays
- 11.03.25 – ZAFFRE Fine Linens Celebrates Two Years in Costa Mesa
- 11.02.25 – North Italia Debuts Seasonal Fall + Winter Menu in Irvine and Beyond
- 10.30.25 – An Evening with John O’Hurley at The Lido
- 10.28.25 – Día de los Muertos Rooftop Brunch at Top of the V
- 10.27.25 – Sip & Shuck Returns to Laguna Beach Nov. 2 to Benefit CASA
- 10.26.25 – A Crystal Cove Takes Mimosa Brunch to the Next Level
- 10.26.25 – Rose Bakery Café Opens in Orange
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- 10.30.25 – Zara Man Opens First U.S. Store at South Coast Plaza
- 10.27.25 – Jack Johnson Headlines Two-Night Coast Film & Music Benefit Concert
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