The Dana Point 4th of July Fireworks Show at Doheny Beach will once again light up Capistrano Bay on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Billed by the City of Dana point as the “Best Show in South Orange County,” this firework show is typically larger than San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, and Laguna Beach fireworks shows combined. This year Dana Point is sparing no expense with 2,620 large fireworks shells plus an additional 1,800 small shells that are shot from a barge on the water, off the coastline of Doheny State Beach.
The fireworks show is put on by Garden State Fireworks, who also produced the City of Dana Point’s fireworks displays in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. Prior to the fireworks display the Condor Squadron, consisting of WWII North American AT-6 airplanes, will be making a flyover Dana Point from 5:55pm to 6:00pm, so look to the skies for this annual tradition.
Check out all the Orange County 4th of July Events this year!
Dana Point 4th of July Fireworks
Where: Doheny State Beach
Address: 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Date: Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Fireworks Time: 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Park Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
For more info, call: 949-248-3536
Dana Point Fireworks: Where to Watch
The fireworks show can be seen from many viewing locations in Dana Point and it’s also visible to nearby communities such as San Clemente and Laguna Niguel. Here are many of the most popular viewing locations:
- Doheny State Beach
- Capistrano Beach
- Baby Beach
- Lantern Bay Park
- Heritage Park
- Pines Park (a little farther away than other parks)
- Cliffs overlooking Dana Point Harbor
- On the water from boats and paddleboards in the harbor or ocean
- Dana Point Harbor (Harbor Island, bridge, wharf)
- Dana Point restaurants within the harbor and on cliffs (book reservations in advance!)
- Fireworks Cruises (several harbor boats offer cruises and private boat rentals)
- Ocean Institute 4th of July Fireworks Cruise
- From a hotel such as the local Marriott or DoubleTree hotels
Location – Directions – Shuttles
Doheny State Beach is at 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA, 92629, approximately one mile north of I-5 and about three miles from the San Juan Capistrano Mission.
Transportation Tips
- Free bus shuttle will make round trips from Dana Hills High School to Dana Point Harbor from 10:00 PM to 11:30 PM Buses do not run during the fireworks show.
- Harbor shuttle stops at Ocean Institute, Baby Beach, Mariner’s Village, Doheny Beach.
- Use the Dana Point Trolley system; the Trolley stops running at 8:30 PM.
- Local residents are encouraged to bike or walk to their favorite viewing spot.
- Parking lots at Doheny State Beach and Dana Point Harbor fill up very early.
- Park in legal parking spaces only.
- Access to Doheny State Beach in the morning of the 4th is very congested; A line forms overnight so plan ahead if you are trying to get into the State Beach early on the 4th. Left turn movements on Dana Point Harbor Drive will be restricted in the early morning hours between PCH and Golden Lantern and continuously in the Harbor during the event.
- Scenic Drive will be closed at Cove Road starting at 8:00 PM due to emergency access issues and will reopen after the fireworks.
- Cove Road will be closed from 8:50 PM-9:30 PM to allow for emergency access vehicles only, and will reopen after the fireworks to allow for exiting traffic from the Harbor to use that as an alternative.
- Personal vehicle access to the harbor closes at 7:30 PM.
- Harbor access will reopen after the fireworks show traffic has cleared out (approx. 10:30 PM).
- Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of the year for Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach. Expect delays when leaving after the event concludes.
No firecrackers or fireworks are permitted and additionally no alcoholic beverages at Doheny State Beach.
More Fun: Dana Point Harbor Water Wars
Looking for something to do during the day? Check out the Dana Point Water Wars held each Independence Day. Waters Wars is a fun event where participants head out to the main channel in boats, small inflatables and more and wage epic water war battles (no water balloons). There is no set time and skirmishes breakout throughout the day.
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Monique McArthur is a mother of two, writer, and creator of delicious recipes. In her spare time she enjoys exploring all that Orange County has to offer, traveling, shopping, running with her dogs and spending time with family.