Best Fourth Of July Parties In Los Angeles
While we may never know what our forefathers were thinking when the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, we'd like to think they had a great celebration afterwords. This year, the Fourth of July is the hump day of the summer season and it's traditionally filled with BBQ's, fun with friends and fireworks. In Los Angeles, we do it a little differently. Sure, you'll find backyard grilling and spectacular fireworks here, but in LA's back yard, you'll also find gourmet picnics, yacht parties, martinis and manicures, and Josh Groban serenading the city.
Red, White And Brew PubCrawl
www.pubcrawls.com
Pub Crawl Hollywood is at it again with a spectacular line up of bars to crawl to on Independence Day weekend. Starting on July 4, PubCrawls will be taking partiers to some of Hollywood's best bars, which will be offering specials exclusively to PubCrawl attendees.
July 4th Fireworks Spectacular with Josh Groban at The Hollywood Bowl
2301 North Highland Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90068
(323) 850-2000
www.hollywoodbowl.com
The iconic July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl is an awe-inspiring experience for even the most jaded Angeleno. This year, Josh Groban will croon and set the stage for an evening of good food and good wine with nearly 18,000 of your "good" friends. Get past the parking woes and take the Bowl Shuttle at Hollywood & Highland Center. Shuttle tickets are available on the evening of your concert in Orange Court (Level 2 off of Orange Drive) and the round-trip cost is only $5 per person (exact change available on site). Buses are wheelchair accessible.
Lola's Restaurant
945 North Fairfax
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 654-5652
www.lolasla.com
If the fireworks are winding down, but you and your friends are still in celebration mode, stop in for Lola's Restaurant's Reverse Happy Hour. This happy hour will keep you parting 'til the wee hours of the morning. Known for its unique selection of martinis, don't miss out on trying The Cantaloupe Martini, a lime, orange and watermelon fusion, Strawberry Fields Martini, which gives a full berry taste, Josh's Eat A Peach Martini (we think this one is peachy-keen!) and the Wicked Wahini, a tasty twist to this Hawaiian tropical drink.
Related: Best Rooftop Bars
Salt Creek Grille at Plaza El Segundo
2015 E. Park Place
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 335 9288
www.saltcreekgrille.com
Happy hour with an ocean breeze is a fabulous way to kick off your Independence Day evening. Salt Creek Grille at Plaza El Segundo offers happy hour drinks and treats in its comfy lounge, at the bar or in the outdoor garden. Enjoy some celebratory Street Tacos, Local Calamari, Creek Sliders, wine, $4 beers and $6 well drinks. The Salt Creek Grille's signature summer cocktails include the Sunset Martini, Sailor's Hurricane, South Bay Breeze and Refresh. Although Salt Creek Grille's happy hour won't take you through the sunset, the restaurant invites you to stay for dinner and dessert before heading out to El Segundo's 4th of July Community Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular, which begins at 9 p.m..
Related: 10 Red, White and Blue Food Ideas
4th Of July Block Party
Grand Park
200 North Grand Avenue
Los Angeles,CA 90012
grandparkla.org
Pack the picnic basket and take the Metro down to Grand Park, where Independence Day revelers will celebrate the entire day in downtown's newest green space. Live music will begin at 3 p.m., and KCRW's Anthony Valadez will be the event's host. Grilling or cooking in Grand Park is prohibited, but if you didn't pack a picnic, you won't go hungry -- gourmet food trucks like Rollin Rib BBQ Joint, Meet the Greek and Sweet Arleens will be on hand to fill your belly.
Jennifer Geisman is a freelance writer and faithful beauty junkie living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
