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Dana Point 4th of July Fireworks at Doheny Beach

The Dana Point 4th of July Fireworks Show at Doheny Beach will once again light up Capistrano Bay on Thursday, July 4, 2024. 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, 2022, and 2023. Following tradition, the Condor Squadron WWII North American AT-6 airplanes will fly over Dana Point from 5:55pm to 6:00pm.

Check out all the Orange County 4th of July Events this year!

Dana Point 4th of July Fireworks at Doheny Beach

Dana Point 4th of July Fireworks

Official Website

Where: Doheny State Beach
Address: 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Date: Thursday, July 4, 2024
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 is also visible to neighboring 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 or expect to be towed.
  • Doheny State Beach is congested on the morning of the 4th; the line forms overnight so plan ahead and expect delays. Left turn movements will be restricted on Dana Point Harbor Drive between PCH and Golden Lantern in the early morning and continuously in the Harbor for the duration of the event.
  • Road Closure: Scenic Drive will be closed at Cove Road beginning at 8:00 PM and will reopen after the fireworks.
  • Road Closure: Cove Road is closed from 8:50 PM-9:30 PM and will reopen after the fireworks to allow traffic from the Harbor to use as an alternative exit.
  • 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
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.