If you’re planning on hitting the beach this Fourth of July - be prepared, it’s a mess out there. The sand will be lined with towels, parties will dot the coast, and parking… forget about it.
Last year, one parking lot in Newport was demanding $50 for a spot.
But if you’re determined to curl up on the sand to watch fireworks light up the sky, with water reflecting the vibrant colors, check out this guide to help you navigate the coast.
SEAL BEACH
Seal Beach is pretty mellow compared to other coastal cities, but a firework show out of Long Beach can be seen from the beach. Get there early, parking is scarce.
Fireworks: The show from the Queen Mary in Long Beach is back this year. 
Starting time is 9 p.m. Click here for more information.
Parking: Public parking lots at First, Eighth and 10th streets are $3 for two hours or $6 per day. Free street parking in nearby neighborhoods also available.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
While Huntington Beach used to be pretty nuts on this holiday, the city has transformed itself into a family affair. Back in 1978, more than 2,000 people in Huntington Beach shot illegal fireworks, broke windows and threw rocks and bottles. It got really bad in 1993, when 500 people took over the corner of Olive Avenue and Seventh Street, dancing on vehicles and setting bonfires in the streets. By 1996, police cracked down, arresting 549 people for violations including riding bicycles on sidewalks .The tactics were later criticized by some residents as heavy-handed. The biggest draw these days is a parade that starts along Coast Highway. Click here for more info.
There’s usually about 250,000 who cram the downtown streets throughout the day, and at least double that end up on the beaches.
Traffic and Parking: Be warned that all of Coast Highway will be closed from Golden West to Beach Boulevard from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. because of the parade, and from 7 p.m. to about 11 p.m. for the fireworks show. Metered parking along that route will also be closed during those times. City run parking – on both sides of the pier and the downtown parking structure at 200 Main Street — cost more than usual. Expect to drop at least $20 for a spot.
Fireworks: The city puts on a show from the pier at 9 p.m. to about 9:30 p.m. If you want a spot by the pier, 1,000 VIP tickets are on sale for $10 a pop. Click here for more info. Fines for using personal fireworks could get you a ticket for $500, $1,000 for subsequent violations.
NEWPORT BEACH
