The Procrastinator’s Guide to Celebrating 4th of July Weekend
From fireworks lighting up the sky to colorful crowded beaches, Los Angeles saw the return of many of the quintessential big, flashy celebrations for last year’s 4th of July weekend. And while these events are extravagant fun, they require planning weeks in advance and not all of us have the time and energy to go big or go home. So if you’re like us and procrastinated on making plans for the holiday this year, fear not because we’re sharing some last-minute ideas on how to make the most of the long weekend with minimum effort and maximum fun:
Escape LA with a Road Trip / Scenic Drive
If you’re looking for a change of scenery, get out of the city for a quick day trip to some gorgeous nearby national parks, beach towns, wineries, and desert landscapes. Here are a notable few that are within driving distance of LA:
Los Alamos - 2 Hours, 20 Minutes by Car
Although a seemingly small and quiet town, the Los Alamos area is notable for its Old West aesthetic and phenomenal wine tasting experiences, which can be enjoyed at Bedford Winery and a number of other local tasting rooms. If you’re not in the mood to drink, stop by Bob’s Well Bread Bakery to enjoy artisan bread, pastries, sandwiches, and more. Between meals, explore the town’s art galleries and shops.
Balboa Island - 1 Hour by Car or 5 Minutes by Ferry
Located in Newport Beach, Balboa is a man-made island that can be reached by car (via Marine Avenue) or the Balboa Island Ferry. Stroll down the island’s vibrant boardwalk and Marine Avenue, which features numerous restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and even the Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society. If you’re looking to get active, try one of the island’s many water sports activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and parasailing. Before leaving, make sure to try the island’s famous frozen banana treats!
Temecula - 1 Hour 30 Minutes by Car
If you’re in the mood to relax with a glass of wine this weekend, drive out to Temecula for a day of wine tasting. Temecula’s Wine Country includes over 30 wineries, which include Monte De Oro Winery, Maurice Car’rie Winery, and Wilson Creek Winery. In addition to touring local vineyards, stop by Old Town Temecula where you can go on a walking tour of the Temecula Valley Museum. However, the best part of Temecula may be the hot air balloon rides, courtesy of Magical Adventure Balloon Rides – a truly perfect way to end the day.
San Juan Capistrano - 1 Hour 30 Minutes by Car or 1 Hour 25 Minutes by Train
A quaint old town in appearance, San Juan Capistrano is a charming little piece of California history. To get up and close to nature, tour Mission San Juan Capistrano, which used to be known as a migratory destination for swallows in February and Zoomars, a petting zoo for kids and adults alike. When it’s time for lunch or dinner, head to Heritage Barbecue for Texas-style smoked meats, Ramos House for a romantic meal and phenomenal bloody Mary’s, or Swallows Inn for a drink at a local dive bar.
Throw A Patriotic Pool Party At Home
Whether it’s to ring in the 4th of July weekend or just serve as an excuse to get family and friends together, throwing pool parties is our absolute favorite summer activity. Invoke the all-American spirit by embellishing your backyard and guest spaces with inflatable pool floaties, star-spangled beach towels, a red, white, and blue tinsel curtain for photos, and nostalgic snacks like rocket pops and watermelon slushies. And if you’re looking to make your pool party a truly unforgettable one, ELP can even help you organize inflatable rentals like a classic Slip-’N’-Slide or Bouncy House.
Picnic and Potluck in the Park
Want to avoid the loud and rowdy crowds at the beach? A picnic in the park with friends and family is a perfect way to escape the chaos of 4th of July. For a hassle-free experience, let ELP take care of the throw blankets, pillows, speaker, and picnic basket goodies. We can elevate the experience with tables, silverware, wine or champagne, and candles to set the mood. Just bring yourselves and your favorite pair of sunglasses.
You Can’t Go Wrong With A Beach Day
If you and your entourage are really looking to soak up some sun this weekend, Los Angeles is notorious for being a surfer’s paradise. Grab your towels, sunscreen, bathing suit, lunchbox, and speaker for a drive out to enjoy Malibu’s picturesque coastline; Venice boardwalk’s vibrant social scene; or the adventure of Abalone Cove Beach’s cliffside path. To avoid crowds and catch a romantic sight, go at sunrise or sunset to watch the sky metamorphosize. For a more extensive list of LA’s best beaches, check out this article by Timeout.
Watch Movies and Fireworks Under The Stars
There’s nothing better than a movie marathon under the stars (and fireworks!). Cozy up with your family this weekend, while ELP helps you take movie night from theaters and overcrowded public screenings to the comfort of your own home, a private rooftop, or even a drive-in lot. Set the mood with string lights, throw blankets, and pillows (for pillow fights and fort making, of course). The night isn’t complete without a snack caddy stocked up with holiday-inspired movie snacks and drinks like kettle corn, hotdogs, smores, and milkshakes. End the night by watching dazzling fireworks bloom in the night sky above you.
Movie nights are our specialty, so let ELP help you make some movie magic happen.
