dknudsen

Northwest cut back a few flights, so my flight home from Fiji suddenly added an overnight in LA. We arrive at 1:20 pm July 4th and don't leave until 10:15 am July 5th. I'm thinking that there must be a great way to celebrate the 4th around Santa Monica or Venice or Marina del Rey. Suggestions?

oh, I'm looking at staying at either the Marriott or Renaissance right by the airport. Any differences or advantages? I figured that if either offered free transportation from and to airport, I'd taxi somewhere on the beach for some fireworks. I have a slightly better rate at the Renaissance.

JSRX2

Santa Monica Pier has a fireworks show, but I'm sure there are probably some that are closer.

I can't comment on the Renaissance, but the Marriott is a pretty decent property there by LAX. I think the Ren is a little more off the beaten path about a mile south in El Segundo.

You could check LA's digitalcity.com for what's happening on the 4th.

hsv

i have not stayed at the renaissance at LAX but it looks quite nice. it is somewhat adjacent to the rental cars parking lots (as i recall) and not far away from the airport and the marriott. have been staying at the marriott, which was fine.
i think you can't go wrong with either property- although not much to be gained either. they're just airport hotels, after all, but then nobody would have any further expectations.
regards
hsv

dknudsen

Yeah, I guess I'm not all that concerned with the property. It'll be an airport Marriott. 'Nuff said.

Anyone with additional ideas on how to spend the 4th in this area? Any "must-sees" that I can reasonably do in one afternoon/evening?

ReneeS

How about the Fireworks Spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl - tickets still available and you don't need perfect seats.

dknudsen

Yeah, there are big doings on the Queen Mary, too, but both seem a bit far to taxi or figure public transportation...

Blenroth

I'd think it would be a fantastic evening to be at the Getty, if they are open late that evening. Seeing all of the fireworks across the LA basin as the sun sets from east to west might be rather fantastic.

Other than that, pretty much all the same crap going on at the nearest neighborhood park or beach, perhaps the QM in LB being a bit more elaborate. That's the problem with LA, no defined city center for people to congregate for events such as this. So, we are stuck choosing amongst hundreds of separate mediocre celebrations at each of the city's larger parks.

rjw_lgb_ca

The Getty is a great idea. The show off of Santa Monica Pier is usually good, and you should be able to see them perfectly from the Getty.

The fireworks off the Queen Mary are great but are over too quickly-- 20 minutes, tops. If it were an hour show, I would say drive down to Long Beach. As it's a bit short, I recommend the Getty, or simply drive to Venice Beach or MDR and watch the Pier show from there.

m367

Great idea, ReneeS. The Hollywood Bowl is featuring Kenny Rogers this year and it is always terrific and a winner! I've got my tickets. July 2,3,4. And as stated previously, you do not need perfect seats. Bring a sandwich from the deli and enjoy supper at the Bowl!

mdv

Another vote for the Bowl. Beautiful setting and great fireworks

Surfergirl

Awhile ago, Santa Monica ceased having fireworks on July 4th and did this b.s. thing of "Dawn's early light" where they shot them off at the crack of dawn, which was, of course, a big mistake, because June Gloom always creeps into early July, and who's awake at that hour anyway?! The change was due to some problems taking place on the S.M. Pier and the beaches just north and south of it. Have they re-instated the July 4th night?

Alternatively, since you're going to be in the area anyway, and may not want to take advantage of the Hollywood Bowl suggestion (as good as that is), Marina del Rey's fireworks are right over the Marina, and it's fun to book tickets on the Hornblower or some other outfit, which plies you with food, drinks, and takes you out into the middle of the Marina, where you can just look up as the fireworks are shot off. If you decide on doing that, you might want to stay at one of the hotels in Marina del Rey itself, like the Ritz-Carlton, or the Marina Beach Marriott (ask for a Marina view) or the Jamaica Bay Inn.