By The most patriotic day of the year is rapidly approaching. In the city of Long Beach, playing the role of an at-home pyrotechnician this Fourth of July is not only hazardous, but also illegal. If your plans got cancelled or you simply had no plans from the start here is your guide for a lively Fourth of July that is both family and adult friendly.
The Queen Mary – All American 4th of July
Courtesy of Rush49
The All American 4th of July is boarding visitors onto the Queen Mary, a famous Long Beach landmark.
The All American 4th of July is boarding visitors onto the Queen Mary, a famous Long Beach landmark. Live entertainment, family games, arts and crafts, historic tours and patriotic theatrical movies will flood the decks. The Queen Mary will provide a fireworks spectacular with American patriotic music to go along with a scenic Pacific Ocean backdrop. The event is from 2 – 10 p.m. with free admission for children under the age of three. Adult tickets are $44 if purchased prior to July 4th and $59 at the door while tickets for children between the ages of four and 11 are $24 prior to July 4th, and $39 at the door.
Aquarium of the Pacific – July 4th Late Night & BBQ
Courtesy of Noelophile.com
The July 4th Late Night & BBQ honors Independence Day with aquatic life at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
The July 4th Late Night & BBQ honors Independence Day with aquatic life at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Families can witness the aura of the aquarium at night and get a “fish-eye view” of neighboring Queen Mary’s firework spectacular. A freshly grilled BBQ will consist of meals with hot dogs, chicken and beef brisket with sides of macaroni, beans, corn and fruit. The open-seating dinner will also provide desserts and beverages throughout the night from 5 – 10 p.m. The BBQ costs $64 for adults and $28 for children aged three to 11. If you’re a member of the aquarium tickets are $54 for adults and $18 for children. Entrance for the aquarium alone is $14.95 for everyone after 5 p.m. and members of the aquarium are granted free admission, however, this does not include food.
Bluff Heights Block Party
Kayte Deioma
Long Beach residence are invited to attend the annual Bluff Heights Block Party located between Orizaba and Obispo in South East Long Beach.
Residents of Bluff Heights are invited to attend the annual Bluff Heights Block Party located between Orizaba and Obispo in South East Long Beach. Come out and show your patriotic spirit, rekindle with old neighbors and friends or meet some new ones. The event is loaded with activities such as the chili tasting, a cake walk and a watermelon eating competition. All day festivities include a BBQ, dunk tank, patriotic pools and a community booth. Scheduled activities involve the Patriotic Pooch Parade, Bike Rodeo, potluck picnic, in dc raft booth and water balloon toss. The event is free upon arrival and will occur from noon to 4:30 p.m.
Parkers’ Lighthouse – 4th of July Party
Courtesy of Parker’s Lighthouse
Unwind and enjoy a memorable night filled with great food and drinks from Parker’s Lighthouse.
Unwind and enjoy a memorable night filled with great food, drinks and front-row seating of Queen Mary’s firework spectacular from Parker’s Lighthouse. The bar and lounge will offer grilled food like smoked sausage, ship skewers and baby back ribs with live music from 6 – 10 p.m. A $25 cover charge includes two drinks that can be selected from draft beers, house wines and non-alcoholic beverages while a three course meal starts at $65. Reservations are only being accepted for outdoor patio tables and indoor seating is selected on a first come, first serve basis. Shoreline Village parking will charge a $25 flat rate fee for the evening.
Sky Room’s 4th of July Celebration
Courtsey of Longbeachize
An optimal place to view fireworks with ocean-side vantage points is at the historic Sky Room atop The Breakers Building in Long Beach.
An optimal place to view fireworks with ocean-side vantage points is at the historic Sky Room atop The Breakers Building in Long Beach. Dinner is served in the restaurant starting at 5:30 p.m. and the rooftop bar opens at 6 p.m. Happy hour is available all night.
The Beach
Courtesy of Fine Art America
Stake out your spot early, as the beach is a popular and cheap hangout destination for Fourth of July.
Stake out your spot early, as the beach is a popular and cheap hangout destination for Fourth of July. Grab your coolers, towels and beach balls to dip your toes in the summer sand. Bring your own picnic or pick up food from a local restaurant nearby as an alternative to grilling which is prohibited on the beach. Stay until sundown to watch the Queen Mary’s firework show along the shoreline. You may even be able to see fireworks from other cities up and down the coast.
Cal State Long Beach students and locals are notorious for gathering on top of the school parking structures on the Fourth of July. Both sides of campus provide a glimpse of aerial fireworks and a chance soak in the summer night. No matter how you spend Independence Day, be safe and have fun.
