The best 4th of July events in L.A.

Cruise on up to the Palisades for a beachy Independence Day extravaganza. Starting just before 2pm, a band of patriotic skydivers will descend from the stratosphere, kicking off the neighborhood's colossal parade. The baton twirlers and marching trombonists will begin their promenade on Sunset Boulevard, between Via de la Paz and Drummond. General admission to the parade is free, but if you want to avoid chauffeuring whipper snappers on your shoulders all day, splurge for VIP grandstand seating (from $50). The festivities continue with a concert and fireworks ($10 for both), leaving nothing amiss from this year's Fourth of July celebration.

Americafest at the Rose Bowl is an explosive celebration of all things red, white and blue—from the classic American food, to a motorcycle stunt show, to the world-renowned fireworks display. The fireworks won't shoot off until 9pm, but the Rose Bowl will open at 2pm Independence Day, at which time access to a goldmine of inflatable rides, games and crafts will be available for kid-friendly fun. Parking for the event will cost $20, but you can make it worth your while with an afternoon of tailgaiting outside the stadium.

If you're on the hunt for a cheap, lively way to celebrate Uncle Sam, shake it over to Grand Park, and watch Downtown L.A. light up for free! This Fourth of July, Grand Park hosts a unique block party, featuring scrumptious food truck fare, live music and more. The music begins while the sun is still high in the sky, so bring yourself an all-day picnic—no booze allowed, only empty water bottles—and relax. Best of all, the event is Metro accessible.

Studio City's annual 4th of July spectacular returns to the sprawling CBS Studio Center (4024 Radford Ave). This year, the typical outdoor fair has given way to a VIP-only event, with dinner, drinks, valet parking and rooftop fireworks viewing all included in the $125 admission price. Kids can partake in face painting and patriotic photo ops.

Make your Fourth of July an all-day blowout by heading down to this legendary, long-running fest at the Huntington Beach Pier. The festivities kick off with a 5K run and fitness expo. Walk the parade route to the beach from 10am til noon, and then put on your Uncle Sam hat for the Pier Plaza Festival, where you'll find live entertainment, family activities and all-American eats. Scope out a spot or grab a VIP seat for the fireworks display at 9pm, which ends in an epic 500-round finale.

Celebrate Independence Day with the kids, a plate of barbecue and your best under-the-sea buddies. The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts a Fourth of July BBQ, in addition to late-night aquarium access and a magnificent view of the waterfront fireworks show. Reserve tickets online for the cookout ($64 adults, $28 kids), which will feature classic summer treats like coal slaw and hot dogs, in addition to fancier fare, including brisket and s'mores bars. A kid-friendly menu is also available for the little rascals in your posse. The aquarium is open all day, but discounted admission starts at 5pm. 

There's something about watching fireworks over the ocean. Every year in Marina del Rey, fireworks explode over the marina channel and spectators gather all over to watch: at Burton Chace Park (with synchronized music from 88.9FM), Fisherman's Village, Mother's Beach, waterfront hotels and restaurants and on boats. Fireworks start at 9pm and last for about 20 minutes.

Watch the Long Beach fireworks from aboard the Queen Mary, where you'll be able to scope out concerts, family-friendly activities alongside patriotic-themed events. The evening includes live entertainment—including a performance by the Pointer Sisters—historic tours and a patriotic film screening.

Fill you night with baseball and fireworks as the Dodgers take on the Diamondbacks. Pick up a ticket through the Independence Day promotion and you'll nab a red, white and blue Dodgers T-shirt.

4th of July in L.A. isn't complete without loud, colorful explosions in the night sky. After a day at the beach, cooling off with the city's best ice cream and grilling with friends and family, cap off Independence Day with fireworks shows all over the Los Angeles region, from the Long Beach waterfront to high above Hollywood.