July 4th fireworks: New rules, where to watch and tips in Southern California

Planning to see July 4th fireworks in Southern California? Here's our complete guide to your options, including free shows, beach tips and a playlist.

We’re heading into July 4th weekend! If you’re still making plans, here’s our guide to help. 

First, you might have looked around enough to know that a few traditional regional fireworks shows were changed to drones or canceled altogether. Is Southern California’s relationship with fireworks changing? Reporter Kristy Hutchings took a deeper look into what’s happening. 

Fireworks news updates

Throughout the region, law enforcement agencies are cracking down on illegal fireworks ahead of the holiday.  Here are some recent stories in the news:

• Fireworks fines going up to $1,500 in Riverside after council approves increase
• More than 1,000 pounds of illegal fireworks seized in Riverside
• Authorities seized more than 75 tons of illegal fireworks in Gardena in one of state’s largest-ever such busts. Here’s how they did it.
• Pasadena reminds public of city’s ‘zero-tolerance’ fireworks policy
• Hermosa Beach drastically increases fines for illegal and ‘safe and sane’ fireworks use

Heading to the beach?

Expect big crowds, big surf and big tides. Here’s what to know.

It’s going to be hot

Temperatures over 100 degrees are expected this week in Southern California, with a spike on Wednesday.

Where to watch fireworks

Want to go to a show? You have options, including this list of free fireworks shows across Southern California. 

Here are more options:

• LA County shows
  • Where to see fireworks in LA, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties 
  • San Pedro’s nearly 75-year-old Fourth of July fireworks show at Cabrillo Beach has been canceled and replaced with a drone show that will take place two days after Independence Day. 
  • Rancho Palos Verdes will increase the size of its Fourth of July drone show
  • July 3rd fireworks show at Alamitos Bay canceled because of permitting issue

• Orange County shows 
  • Where to see fireworks in Orange County 
  • These 10 Orange County restaurants offer views for watching Fourth of July fireworks
  • Here’s what to know about the 11 Orange County cities where fireworks are allowed to be sold.
  • For the first time in more than 30 years, fireworks shells will not blast over Laguna Beach’s Heisler Park on July 4. Replacing it will be a drone show designed to be gentler to the environment and nearby wildlife and sea creatures. 

• Inland Empire shows
  • Where to find fireworks shows in the Inland Empire 
  • Here’s the history of the Mount Rubidoux show. 

• Watch from home
  • PBS will be presenting its annual “A Capitol Fourth” extravaganza with talent like the legendary singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson, award-winning actor Darren Criss (“Glee”), the Queen of Percussion Sheila E., and, of course, maestro Jack Everly conducting the National Symphony Orchestra. 
  • “Sphere Fourth of July Celebration,” a new show on Las Vegas’ Exosphere, will play at 9:30 p.m. and 11:40 p.m. on July 4. “XO Stream,” the official livestream of the Exosphere, will stream on its website and on YouTube. 

More tips

• San Clemente replaces unpermitted office chair races with family friendly event
• These 10 American anthems deserve a spot on your Fourth of July playlist. Most of are ubiquitous at patriotic parties, but do you know their backstories? 
• Ask the Pediatrician: Tips for Fourth of July fireworks safety 

From our archivesLongtime Orange County Register photographer Mark Rightmire wrote some tips for how to take great photos of fireworks.

How to help your pet stay calm when the fireworks start.