Huntington Beach Parade

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions About the Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade

What is the Huntington Beach Parade?

Huntington Beach Parade

This is the annual Fourth of July Parade in Huntington Beach, California.  The Huntington Beach Parade has been held since 1904 and is the largest 4th of July Parade west of the Mississippi. 

The Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade has marching bands, vintage automobiles, parade floats, horses, celebrities, military vehicles and servicemen, community organizations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, clowns, dancers, cheerleaders, honor guards, and much more.  

The public is welcome to come and view the parade in Huntington Beach, or watch the 4th of July Parade live on television via your local KABC–TV station.  KABC (Channel 7 Los Angeles) will televise the parade live from Main & PCH.    

When is the Huntington Beach Parade?

Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade

The Huntington Beach Parade begins at 10 am the morning of July 4 and lasts about two hours.  The parade is well attended and arriving early is highly recommended.  Many people will stake out viewing spots the day before.  Arrive a few hours early and you should have no problem.  The closer to parade time, the more difficult things will become.  Parking can be problematic as lots will fill up and there will be numerous street closures to facilitate the parade.

The local Huntington Beach Kiwanis Club hosts a $10 pancake breakfast at Lake Park from 7 am to 10 am.  Lake Park is along the Huntington Beach Parade route (Main Street between 11th Street & 12th Street) and arriving early for pancakes and then relaxing until the parade starts is a popular way to keep this a stress free day. 

Kiwanis also offers public bleacher seating at Lake Park for a fee.

What is the the Huntington Beach Parade route?

Huntington Beach Parade – Amy Grabow

The Huntington Beach Parade route begins at Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and 9th Street.  The parade will travel south on PCH, turn left on Main Street and continue up Main Street ending past Yorktown Ave (parade route).

For the best viewing, consider areas along Main Street at Lake Park, next to the Huntington Beach Civic Center and HB High School, in front of the commercial property downtown, or along PCH near the start of the parade.  Public bleacher seating is available at Lake Park for a fee. 

Another viewing option for the Huntington Beach Parade is the 4th of July Champagne Brunch event at Fred’s Mexican Cafe benefiting the Bolsa Chica Conservancy.

The City also offers bleacher seating at PCH and Main Street near the beginning of the parade route.  

Avoid areas directly in front of residential homes.  Homeowners often have these areas reserved for their guests.  

Many people will chalk out a saved spot for themselves along the parade route.  Chalking is allowed beginning at 7 am on July 3 (earlier chalking my be erased by the City’s Public works Department).

Where is the best parking for the Huntington Beach Parade?

Huntington Beach Parade – Long Beach Junior Concert Band

Parking for the Huntington Beach Parade can be very difficult so arrive early and be prepared for a walk to the parade route.

Parking is available in the Huntington Beach City beach parking lots (parking fee is $30 on July 4th, cash only).  The City beach lots open at 5 am on July 4th and will fill up.  The corner of Beach Blvd and Pacific Coast Highway will be the only available entrance on July 4th.  Forget about parking overnight from July 3, as the lots will be cleared.  See the Huntington Beach City beach parking map.

Parking for the parade is also available in the Huntington Beach State Park beach lots.  The State Park beach lots may be entered at Beach Blvd and PCH.  See the Huntington Beach State Park parking map and information.

Parking for the parade is also available in the Huntington Beach Downtown Parking Structure (Main Promenade) off of 3rd Street between Walnut Ave & Olive Ave.  The parking fee is $30 (cash only) on July 4th.  The parking garage will open at 5 am.  See the Huntington Beach Downtown Parking Garage map.

Parking is also available at the Stand Parking Structure located at 146 Sixth Street.

Street parking is available but much of it will be full or closed off.  Give it a try if you feel lucky and bring plenty of quarters for meters.

Expect significant delays leaving parking areas particularly after the parade and the fireworks show. 

What are the street closures for the Huntington Beach Parade?

Huntington Beach Parade – Man on Stilts

The Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade route will require various street closures including the closure of PCH from Goldenwest Street to Beach Blvd starting at 5 am on July 4th. 

Through traffic on PCH will be detoured at Goldenwest Street and Beach Blvd up to Garfield Ave.  PCH will be completely open to traffic no later than 2 pm.

The Huntington Beach Parade will officially begin at PCH and 8th Street, going from PCH to Main Street where it will proceed up Main Street through the downtown and residential areas, ending just past Yorktown Ave.

Huntington Beach Parade staging areas will take place on PCH and portions of Walnut, Olive, 8th and 9th Streets.  Orange will remain open east and west to Main Street during the Parade.

Huntington Beach residents and guests coming into the downtown area off of Goldenwest Street should enter at Palm or Orange Ave.  Huntington Beach City beach parking is only accessible at Beach Blvd and gates open at 5 am.   Pacific View will be open for access to the Hyatt and Hilton hotels.  Twin Dolphin will be closed from 5 am until no later than 2 pm.

Huntington Beach Parade Road Closures

Following the Huntington Beach Parade, there will be additional activities in the downtown area around Main Street and PCH.  

The Huntington Beach Pier will be partially closed to the public all day and completely closed at 5 pm.  Fireworks will be launched from the end of the Huntington Beach Pier.  The fireworks will start at 9 pm.

What other activities are going on before and after the Huntington Beach Parade?

Huntington Beach Parade – Huntington Beach High School Cheerleaders

The Huntington Beach Surf City 5K Run will take place from 7 am to 11 am at Worthy Park located at Main Street and 17th Street.  

The Huntington Beach Fireworks Show takes place at 9 pm on the Huntington Beach Pier.  Free public viewing of the fireworks show is available on the beach both north and south of the HB Pier.  After 5 pm the Pier itself will be closed and only accessible to reserved seating ticket holders.  The Huntington Beach Fireworks Show will last about 30 minutes.