Will you have a car? (This should be a required question for every post). The answers will vary significantly based on that small detail.

Lots of the fireworks displays are actually on July 3rd. But if you head to the beach on the 4th (tons of traffic though), you'll get to see fireworks - go to Washington Blvd (Venice Pier).

Yogachick, we just want fireworks. I don't think we're married to the 4th, if you think we'll have better choices on the 3rd. What recommendations would you make for fireworks on the 3rd?

Smartcooki - we will have our car. LA is not a bad drive from Phoenix.

Here is a list for fireworkshows in the area around the 4th, it still lists the 2007 schedule but i am sure they will update it soon. It at least gives you a good idea on what areas to look for fireworks

http://www.safejuly4th.org/fw/fwshows.htm

Maybe it should be a rule for smartcooki to read the post before replying and babbling her forum etiquette rules?

L.A. is not big on fireworks displays in my opinion, too much fire danger I guess. I never even heard of July 3 displays but would love to know where to go to see them that Thursday.

Out to Venice and the Marina is where you should head, but yes a lot of other people will be making a day of it at the beach then the show.

Alex90028, I followed your link to the Hollywood Bowl. That seems like two birds, one stone. We get to a popular landmark and see fireworks. Is the Hollywood Bowl a fairly straight-forward drive from Beverly Hills? Going to the Rose Bowl seemed appealing too, but I'm afraid Pasadena will be quite a haul from Beverly Hills.

Hollywood Bowl is one of these landmarks that are unique to L.A. and probably one of those places you will never forget visiting in your life(yeah, it is that amazing)

From Beverly Hills it's a good 15/20 minute drive. Parking is a nightmare(the bowl holds 15000 people and there is only so much parking)

Best way to experience it, drive from Bevery Hills either via Santa Monica Blvd or Sunset Blvd to Highland, go north on Highland to the Hollywood/Highland Shopping Center where you can park for $2(with validation, either have some dinner there first or just go to the movie theater and get a stamp, you dont need to see a movie or buy a ticket, just ask to get your parking ticket validated)

From the Hollywood/Highland Center you can take a shuttle that is $3 to the bowl(5/10 minute ride)Here is the info on the shuttle

 www.hollywoodandhighland.com/shuttle.php

Of course from Beverly Hills you could just avoid driving altogether and take the bus to Hollywood and Highland, in that case the shuttle from the complex to the bowl will be free if you show your buspass

Clubjeff, i feel your pain.

Will you have a car? (This should be a required question for every post)The answers will vary significantly based on that small detail.

Number one, NO, it should not be a required question for every post

AND

Number two, the answers will NOT vary significantly based on that small detail

You might want to try to take the bus or subway here and there sometimes before making ignorand statements like that

Alex90028, read about the shuttle from the Highland Shopping Center. That is such a great suggestion to park and ride to the Hollywood Bowl. They will have fireworks/concert on July 2, 3 and 4, so it will be easy to fit into our schedule. Oh, I'm getting so excited about our trip. Thank you for your help!

Anytime, the shuttle leaves from Orange Court at the Hollywood/Highland Center. You can ask any person who works there(security guards e.t.c.) and they will point you to the right place to catch the shuttle bus to the bowl