Warm temperatures, cool ocean breezes, and tons of Fourth of July fun are in the forecast for Downtown Long Beach on Thursday! The Queen Mary, so important in our nation’s nautical history, will host its own Fourth of July Celebration, where you can dine, drink, and enjoy fantastic live entertainment, and have the best seat in the house for the 9 PM fireworks show.
Actually, watching the fireworks from anywhere on the Downtown Waterfront is just as special; There are several great options for that! Combine the rockets’ red glare with a meal and/or a beverage in one of Downtown’s eateries and drinkeries (see a couple suggestions below) and you’ll be set to party ’til the dawn’s early light.
THE QUEEN MARY FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Photo courtesy of The Queen Mary
The Queen’s Commodore will welcome you aboard the great ship at its very best during the epic Fourth of July Celebration on Thursday. The Queen will be alive with music all day. Dance and listen to the Swing Lil’ Big Band in the Queen’s Salon, joined by the USO Girls Trio; a country band and line dancing in the Grand Salon; music videos and karaoke in the Royal Salon; and, in the art deco Observation Bar, a jazz trio to keep you cool.
Watermelon eating, a WWII aircraft flyover, patriotic performances, and MUCH more will be part of the celebration, which peaks with the most spectacular waterfront fireworks show around! For more details, including the many exciting VIP options, and to purchase your tickets, click here.
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC 4TH OF JULY BBQ
Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Pacific
Celebrate Independence Day at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s 4th of July BBQ, Thursday from 11 AM to 2 PM. BBQ chicken, pulled pork & jackfruit sliders, watermelon wedges, mac n’ cheese, cherry cobblers, and much more are on the menu! Make sure to dress in your red, white, and blue best. Aquarium admission is FREE with your ticket! Make your reservations here.
HARBOR BREEZE CRUISES & CITY CRUISES
Courtesy of City Experiences & City Cruises
Viewing a Fourth of July fireworks display while on board a boat is a unique experience indeed! The reflections on the water and the sounds echoing off of Downtown buildings create a different kind of magic. Harbor Breeze Cruises will have three vessels in service on Thursday, departing from Dock 2 in Rainbow Harbor at 7:30, 7:45, and 8 PM. Get your tickets here! Guests are encouraged to arrive at least three hours early for ease of parking and onboarding.
City Cruises is also hosting a Fourth of July Dinner Cruise on Thursday evening; Board their boat moored at Dock 6A in Rainbow Harbor at 6:30 PM, then enjoy summer cocktails and a chef-prepared buffet meal before gazing skyward at the 9 PM fireworks from on deck or inside! Dress code: Semi-formal. Make your reservations here!
PARKERS’ LIGHTHOUSE
Photo courtesy of Parker’s Lighthouse
Parkers’ Lighthouse, that signature Shoreline Village spot with the big red roof, will be open on Thursday and offering its regular lunch and dinner menus, along with a special three-course prix fixe BBQ menu! NOTE: This is one of the best fireworks viewing locations! Make your Fourth of July reservations now by clicking here.
SHORELINE VILLAGE
Photo courtesy of Shoreline Village
Shoreline Village is an amazing place to end up on Thursday night! You can indulge in a meal and/or some drinks at a great restaurant, groove to live music at the Off-Boardwalk Stage from 1 to 5 pm and 6 to 10 PM, watch the sunset over the sea, then enjoy the 9 PM fireworks show with the whole family, launching from just across Rainbow Harbor! For more important information, including parking details, click here.
RIDE A WATER TAXI! FOURTH OF JULY SCHEDULES
Photo courtesy of Long Beach Transit
The Long Beach Transit AquaLink and AquaBus water taxis will be operating under a special holiday schedule from Thursday, July 4 through Sunday, July 7! The AquaBus cruises Rainbow Harbor and stays Downtown-local; Fare is $1 each way. The AquaLink connects Downtown with Belmont Shore and is $5 one way. For important info and detailed schedules, click here.
HAMBURGER MARY’S
Photo courtesy of Hamburger Mary’s
Celebrate Independence Day on Thursday night at Hamburger Mary’s! The notorious, uproarious spot at 330 Pine Ave. will be hosting the VarieDEE open call variety show, hosted by Big Dee, starting at 8 PM. Make sure to follow Hamburger Mary’s on Instagram @hamburgermaryslb.
DEEP HOUSE BRUNCH 4TH OF JULY BOAT PARTY & FIREWORKS SHOW
Photo courtesy of ORLOVE
Get energized on Thursday night by a beautiful sunset, dazzling fireworks, tacos, and the rhythms of house DJs accompanied by live musicians, all while cruising Rainbow Harbor! This party, hosted by Deep House Brunch and Catalina Classic Cruises (by the Queen Mary) is a very cool way to get the most out of your Downtown Fourth of July experience. Board at 6 PM and cruise ’til 10 PM. For more details about this 21+ event and to get tickets, click here.
FUSE: 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Photo courtesy of FUSE
Alegria Nightclub at 115 Pine Ave. will be ablaze with the best in hip-hop and reggaeton on Thursday night! The FUSE: 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION will happen from 9 PM to 2 AM; Entry to this 21+ event is FREE before 10:30 PM. A fully stocked bar will be available! RSVP here to reserve your spots.
RED, WHITE & BREW BAR CRAWL
Photo courtesy of PubCrawls.com
Those looking to prolong their July 4th festivities are invited to join hundreds of your best bar-crawling friends on Saturday night, July 6 at the Long Beach Red, White & Blue Bar Crawl! Check in at The Stave Bar, 170 The Promenade N, from 4 to 6 PM, then proceed to some of the best Downtown hangouts for a happy evening of drink and food specials, and live music. For more exciting details and to get your tickets, click here.
RESTAURANT FUEGO
Photo courtesy of Fuego Restaurant & Bar
When it comes to maximizing its July 4th offerings, Restaurant Fuego at the Hotel Maya is truly on fire! The grill will be sizzling poolside all day, accompanied by the summer-y sounds of Mike the Steel Drummer from 11 AM to 4 PM. The rock band Mike Vitale & Co. will take over from 6 to 9 PM, when you’ll realize what an incredible place this is to view the fireworks show!
Specialty drinks such as the Americarita, the Lady Liberty, and the Firecracker will be available poolside. Fuego will be serving a special Independence Day dinner, Fuego tacos, and MANY other delicious entrees and side dishes. You MUST check out the full July 4th menu here while making your reservations!
A FRIENDLY NOTE ABOUT JULY 4TH SAFETY FROM THE CITY
The City of Long Beach invites you to have the best time possible on July 4th, and encourages you to do so safely! Please click here to learn about the City’s fireworks policies, how to report illegal fireworks, and download coloring sheets and the Spanish version of this online flier.