Every year, everyone starts looking for the best way to spend Independence Day. The search always brings the same question: how do I make it feel different this time? If you are looking for something a bit unexpected, this coastal getaway offers a completely different vibe. That place is Santa Catalina, and this Fourth of July, it’s hosting one of SoCal’s most iconic Independence Day celebrations.
It is a full day of activities from morning to night. Pack your bags, book your ferry tickets, and get ready for an Independence Day to remember. Here is the lineup of events happening in Santa Catalina Island for July 4th.
Afternoon celebrations
- 1:00 PM | Golf Cart Parade: Head to Crescent Avenue for a classic island tradition. Registered and decorated carts meet along Casino Way and drive down Crescent Avenue.
- 2:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Live Music on Wrigley Stage: Enjoy live performances throughout the day from DJ Nasby, LA Winter, Los Islenos, RELIC, and the USC Band.
- 3:30 PM | Dinghy Parade: Watch a fleet of decorated dinghies cruise through the Avalon Bay moorings, organized by the Catalina Island Yacht Club.
Nighttime fireworks and music
- 9:00 PM | Fireworks Show: Grab a spot on one of Avalon’s main beaches to watch the show over the bay. If you want to watch from the water, you can reserve a spot on different boats.
- 9:30 PM | USC Marching Band: Close out the night with a live performance back on Wrigley Stage.
How to Get to Catalina Island
Since Avalon is on an island, the journey requires both driving (or taking public transit) to a port, followed by a high-speed ferry ride across the ocean.
1. Drive or Take Transit to the Port
- Long Beach (Catalina Express): The most common departure port. It takes about 45–60 minutes to drive from Downtown LA, or you can take the Metro A-Line Train down to the Downtown Long Beach Station.
- San Pedro (Catalina Express): Another option in the Port of Los Angeles. It’s roughly a 40-minute drive from Downtown LA.
2. Take the Ferry to Avalon From either Long Beach or San Pedro, you can catch a Catalina Express ferry, which takes about 1 hour to reach Avalon Harbor.
