How to Plan the Perfect 4th of July Weekend at Santa Monica Beach | Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast Episode 16

Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast — Episode 16

How to Plan the Perfect 4th of July Weekend at Santa Monica Beach

Welcome back to the Calibunga Surf Lessons Podcast, the show where we answer the everyday questions people have for us about learning to surf in Santa Monica or the greater Los Angeles area, and making the most of the Southern California coastline.

I'm your host, Lucas Coleman, the founder of Calibunga Surf Lessons on Santa Monica Beach, near the Santa Monica Pier by Lifeguard Tower 26. Today we're talking about one of my favorite times of year on the west side — one of our craziest, busiest weekends of the year at Calibunga Surf Lessons.

We're talking about 4th of July weekend.

The beach gets packed, things get crazy, and with good reason. Santa Monica Beach is an amazing spot to spend the holiday. You sort of have everything right there. You park your car by the beach, it's good for the day, and there is so much to do. This episode is just a helpful locals guide to help you plan the perfect 4th of July weekend in Santa Monica Beach — the ultimate July 4th itinerary.

And I'll tell you right now, most tourists make the same mistake. They spend all of their time on the Santa Monica Pier. The pier is iconic and absolutely worth visiting, but the best 4th of July experiences are often the ones that locals know about. So I've got a handful of them today — from somebody who lives and works in the area, spends a lot of time there, and at this point in my experience tries to stay away from the more touristy things and just find a native, organic experience at Santa Monica Beach. Here is my list.

Why Is Santa Monica One of the Best 4th of July Destinations in California?

Santa Monica combines everything people imagine when they picture the Southern California region. You have sandy beaches. You have consistently sunny days. The Pacific Ocean — which, if you're visiting from the East Coast and you've only experienced the Atlantic, it's a whole different animal. We've got huge bike paths. Miles of flat, well-paved bike path. We've got tons of surfing, obviously. Outdoor dining, especially post-COVID — we have a lot of great patio spots. You've got neighborhoods you can walk around and enjoy. The sunset, of course, is magnificent.

We've also got a lot of family-friendly events. Unlike many beach towns, you can spend an entire holiday weekend without needing to go back to your car even once. And that's a huge advantage during 4th of July traffic, because there is a lot of traffic that hits during that weekend.

Start Your 4th of July Weekend in Santa Monica With a Surf Lesson

So let's start with Friday morning. I've got to be biased here and say the coolest thing you can do is take a surf lesson. If you're visiting Santa Monica for the 4th of July weekend, I recommend starting with a surf lesson. It'll bring your group together — the people you're going to spend the holiday with — and it'll just ignite the adrenaline. It raises that bar of expectation. If you can get through a surf session with your buds, you're kind of ready for everything.

Plus, on Friday there are going to be fewer crowds. You're going to experience the beach before it becomes packed, because Saturday gets busy and Sunday gets insane.

At Calibunga Surf Lessons, we teach near Lifeguard Tower 26 in Ocean Park — one of the best beginner-friendly sections of Santa Monica Beach. It's a quick walk from the pier, but just far enough away from the pier that when there's literally not even a spot to put your umbrella or towel right next to the pier, Ocean Park at Tower 26 actually has a little bit of space and breathing room. We're sort of almost halfway between the Santa Monica Pier and the Venice Pier.

Many visitors have told me that learning to surf was the highlight of their entire California vacation. Even if you've never touched a surfboard before, Santa Monica is one of the easiest places in Los Angeles to learn. I feel like Ocean Park is the easiest spot to take a beginner surf lesson within about 90 miles.

Where to Eat Near Santa Monica Beach After Surfing on the 4th of July

After your surf lesson, you're going to be hungry. There is great breakfast in the area. Skip the chains. Forget the chain restaurants — wherever you're traveling from, you can go to an Applebee's back home, you can find a Bubba Gump Shrimp somewhere else. Walk through Ocean Park or Main Street and enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere.

The pier real estate is so expensive that only corporate restaurant groups own those locations. But if you go just down the street to Main Street and the Ocean Park neighborhood, it has a very distinct personality and really good mom-and-pop restaurants. The pier just feels different from Main Street. Main Street feels different from Montana Avenue. Montana Avenue feels different from downtown Santa Monica. Finding the right neighborhood can be a big part of the experience.

Rent a Bike and Ride the Santa Monica Beach Bike Path on 4th of July Weekend

This is a big recommendation I have for families or for couples looking for something to do together that's just cruisy, coasting, and enjoyable. There are a ton of bike rental places right along the bike path — you'll see some big box trucks set up as bike rentals. Very simple. A lot of them, you hand them your ID, they give you the bike or e-bike, and you jump right on the trail.

You can go all the way down to Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach, and bike back up. I think you might be able to get all the way to Manhattan Beach or even Hermosa Beach on our bike path. It's awesome. A long bike ride is a really cool way to spend an afternoon.

If you're staying in Santa Monica, it's also one of the smartest travel hacks you'll hear all weekend — instead of Ubering or driving your car from spot to spot where parking is tough, renting a bike is the way to go. In fact, a lot of the hotels will give you a free complimentary bike rental if you're staying at somewhere like Loews or Shutters on the Beach.

The Santa Monica 4th of July Parade on Main Street

One of Santa Monica's most underrated attractions is the annual parade along Main Street. The parade begins at 9:30 AM and has become a beloved local tradition. It attracts residents, families, community groups, musicians, and performers. Tourists don't really even know this exists. It is heavily advertised for locals, but they don't really reach out to people coming in from out of town. The locals here know all about it — we look forward to it. It's awesome.

The parade gives you a genuine glimpse of the real Santa Monica beyond just beach tourism. If you're staying nearby, get a coffee, find a curbside spot, and enjoy the celebration.

The Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Wheel During 4th of July Weekend

No trip is complete without spending time on the Santa Monica Pier. During Independence Day weekend, the Pacific Wheel displays patriotic red, white, and blue lighting — and a giant animated American flag display that can be seen from across the beach.

What is the Pacific Wheel? It is the huge Ferris wheel that is literally on the end of the Santa Monica Pier, out over the water. You can see it from anywhere in Santa Monica. It's not as big as the London Eye, but it's a very similar concept — and they do a whole light show with it that's very cool. If you're looking for Instagram-worthy photos, sunset at the pier during 4th of July weekend is really hard to beat.

Where to Watch Fireworks Near Santa Monica on the 4th of July

Okay, here's a big one — and honestly I should have led with this, because it is the biggest question people have. It's America. If you're visiting, fireworks are a tradition. So here's something that surprises many visitors: Santa Monica itself does not host a large public city fireworks show.

The most recommended fireworks show near Santa Monica is Marina del Rey. That's the area's largest nearby public fireworks display, and it is generally considered the best West Side fireworks event. It draws huge crowds each year, so the key is getting there efficiently and early.

Here's two suggestions combined into one: if you want to go to Marina del Rey and watch the fireworks show, rent a bike in Santa Monica and ride down there. You could also park in a nearby neighborhood and walk — but getting in and out of that Marina del Rey parking lot for the annual fireworks show is probably going to eat up half your day, and it is not recommended. Leaving is even harder. Riding bikes to the Marina del Rey fireworks is going to be your best bet. This is just one of those insider tips that can save hours of frustration and traffic.

Hidden Local 4th of July Spots in Santa Monica You Won't Find in Travel Guides

One thing you won't find in many travel guides is the unique atmosphere that develops across the West Side after sunset. There is a very lively bar I want to throw a recommendation toward — Bell's Beach House. They have awesome food. It's a dinner spot earlier in the night, and then when dinner ends, they kind of push some tables aside. It's very tiki themed. They have great mixology — tiki drinks, frozen drinks. Occasionally they'll bring in a DJ or have live music in this big bar tiki hall restaurant. They also have a huge patio outside that goes right up against the sand.

Bell's Beach House is always a great time for 4th of July weekend or just most nights. It's a very fun spot and a very local spot. They have a great patio out front, but blink and you'll miss it. It's a locals-know-about-it situation. People visiting have no clue it's there, and I don't know how it stayed a secret for so long — but I'm breaking that tradition today by recommending it on this show.

Book a Surf Lesson With Calibunga Surf Lessons for 4th of July Weekend

If you would like to make the most of your 4th of July weekend and schedule a beginner surf lesson, a group surf lesson, a family surf lesson — dare I say a bachelor or bachelorette beginner surf lesson for 4th of July weekend — you can reach Calibunga on our website at www.calibungasurflessons.com, email us at info@calibungasurflessons.com, find us on the socials, or give us a call or text.

If you're having a hard time navigating where to stay, where to go, or what to do, you can always give us a call. We are standing by and happy to help.

Once again, I am your host, Lucas Coleman, and I do hope I see you by the Santa Monica Pier or in Marina del Rey for the 4th of July fireworks show.

For a good time, call Calibunga Surf Lessons at Santa Monica Beach, California.

Surf's up.

Calibunga Surf Lessons | Santa Monica Beach, Lifeguard Tower 26 | calibungasurflessons.com | info@calibungasurflessons.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Monica does not host its own public fireworks show. The best fireworks near Santa Monica are in Marina del Rey, where the annual harbor fireworks display launches at 9 PM with music synchronized over loudspeakers at Burton Chace Park and Fisherman's Village.
Ride the beach bike path. Driving to Marina del Rey for the 4th of July fireworks is a nightmare — parking eats up hours and leaving is even worse. Rent a bike in Santa Monica and ride the flat, paved bike path straight down. It's one of the best insider tips a local can give you.
The Annual Santa Monica 4th of July Parade runs along Main Street and kicks off at 9:30 AM at Pico Boulevard. It's a beloved local tradition with floats, musicians, community groups, and performers. Most tourists don't know it exists — locals love it.
You can reach us anytime via our Yes, and it's one of the best things you can do. Calibunga Surf Lessons teaches at Lifeguard Tower 26 in Ocean Park, one of the most beginner-friendly surf spots in Los Angeles. Friday is the best day to book — fewer crowds, more beach space, and you'll have the energy of the whole weekend ahead of you. page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
The Pacific Wheel is the iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel on the end of the Santa Monica Pier. During 4th of July weekend it lights up in a full red, white, and blue display including an animated waving American flag, running from dusk until 12:30 AM from July 3rd through July 7th.
Skip the pier and skip the chains. Head to Main Street in the Ocean Park neighborhood for real local restaurants with great patios and neighborhood atmosphere. The pier real estate is dominated by corporate chains — Main Street is where locals actually eat.
Early. Parking is gone by mid-morning and the beach fills up fast. Locals recommend arriving before 9 AM if you're driving, or using the beach bike path to get around entirely. Sunday is significantly less crowded than Saturday if you want more breathing room.
Lifeguard Tower 26 in the Ocean Park neighborhood — the home base of Calibunga Surf Lessons. It sits roughly halfway between the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Pier, which means it has more space and less chaos than the area right next to the pier, even on the busiest beach weekend of the year.