6 Places to See the 4th of July Fireworks in Los Angeles Near Public Transit Stops

We love Fourth of July fireworks, but sometimes our aversion to traffic and difficulty finding parking are enough to keep us away (we're looking at you, Westside waterfront fireworks shows).

But thanks to our ever-expanding subway system, you can stay off the road this Fourth of July and forget about gas prices, overcrowded parking lots, and high Uber and Lyft fares. We've rounded up some of our favorite fireworks shows in locations that are accessible by subway (and especially those that are within walking distance or a quick shuttle ride from the train station). So ditch your car this Independence Day and check out one of these transit-friendly fireworks shows.

Long beach

You don't need to board a boat to see the Long Beach fireworks; you'll get a view from almost any spot along the waterfront. Follow the crowds to ShoreLine Waterpark if you want one of the closest (but busiest) views.

Nearest Metro Station: Downtown Long Beach (A Line)

Old Pasadena

With Americafest over and the LA Galaxy vs. LAFC game back on, buying a relatively expensive ticket is the only way to watch the fireworks from inside the Rose Bowl (and if you do, know that the shuttle from the Parsons parking garage will actually run). But if you're just interested in the fireworks and not the soccer, we suggest sticking to the walkable Old Pasadena neighborhood: just find the highest parking lot with a clear view to the northwest and you'll have a distant but usable view of the show. If you're up for a bit of walking, you can try heading to the neighborhoods just above the Arroyo (try the blocks west of the Gamble House) or up to the crowded Colorado Street Bridge.

Nearest Metro stations: Memorial Park and Del Mar (A line)

The Hollywood Bowl

This year, Harry Connick Jr. has the honor of hosting the annual Hollywood Bowl fireworks show for three nights (July 2-4). You'll find shuttles from several nearby locations, including Ovation (the former Hollywood & Highland) — but if you don't mind a slight climb, the roughly 1-mile walk from the B-Line-adjacent Ovation is just as convenient.

Nearest metro station: Hollywood/Highland (B line)

Universal Studios

The historic movie studio and theme park will throw a July 4 fireworks extravaganza synchronized to both Universal theme music and patriotic standards on July 4. The park says you won't you'll be able to see the show from CityWalk, so you'll have to spend money on a theme park ticket, but you can still save money by skipping the parking fee in favor of the Metro and using the free shuttle at the bottom of the hill on the Lankershim side of the park.

Nearest metro station: Universal City/Studio City (Line B)

Dodgers Stadium

You'll have to take the free Dodger Stadium Express (with your game ticket) to Union Station, but it's easy enough to catch the fireworks from Chavez Ravine without driving. Catch the Dodgers' game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, then, after stocking up on beer and Dodger Dogs, line up at the field level to watch the post-game fireworks from the outfield grass.

Nearest subway station: Union Station (A/B/D lines)

South Pasadena

The annual South Pasadena Balloon Festival unfortunately doesn't include Thanksgiving parade-style balloons or hot air balloons. But it does precede a fireworks display at South Pasadena High School, which is less than a 15-minute walk from the Metro.

Nearest Metro Station: South Pasadena (A Line)

And the Grand Parc?

While subway-adjacent and always recommended, this year's July 4th Block Party will once again feature a drone show instead of fireworks, so it technically just misses our list of train-friendly fireworks for 2024.