What better place to watch Fourth of July fireworks illuminate the Southern California sky than the City of Angels.

Beach outings or backyard-barbecues are ideal for the daytime, but patriotic parades, block parties, and fireworks extravaganzas are what make the holiday weekend memorable. Most are free, other offer low-priced admission, but all are safe alternatives to putting on a show in your driveway.

Here are a few of the celebrations in and around Los Angeles County scheduled for Monday, ranging from Huntington Beach to Santa Barbara.

Block Parties 

There is a reason the Fourth of July Block Party in Grant Park draws so many families every year. The all-day event features hourly concerts, food trucks, and an incredible fireworks show that covers the civic center skyline. This is one of few Metro-accessible shows in downtown. And while it's free, there is a strict no-alcohol policy.

The Park at the L.A. Coliseum has similar family-friendly attractions, only theirs is presented by city councilmembers Curren D. Price and Marqueece Harris-Dawson. The Exposition Park celebration is free and runs from noon to 10 p.m.

At the Rose Bowl, the 90th annual Americafest has everything that makes America, America. It includes a motocross stunt show, a Beatles' tribute band, and a performance of the National Anthem from the Pasadena Symphony's JPL Chorus. Gates open at 2 p.m. and admission runs between $13 and $25.

Not to be outdone, Studio City's Fourth of July Festival has its own musical legend. James "Elvis" Kruk and the Big Boss Men headline a Hawaiian Luau-themed day featuring magicians, pirates, and mermaids. The costume characters aren't much of a surprise given that It takes place at the CBS Studio Center. Tickets start at $25.

Kaboom! In Pomona is the premiere Fourth of July experience for extreme sports lovers. For $17.50, attendees get a monster truck show, a motocross freestyle show, and the thrill of watching a human cannonball soar 150 feet through the air. The fireworks-watching is completed with a buffet, ranging from $28 to $58.

Each part of the Queen Mary's All-American 4th of July takes passengers on a patriotic journey through the United States. In one room, a Louisiana-themed room with New Orleans Marching Band. Another has aerialists and acrobats performing as if they were in a Coney Island style carnival. Once the fireworks starts, all eyes will be on the Long Beach skyline.

Adult tickets are $44 online and $49 at the door.

Patriotic Parades

Surf City U.S.A. annually hosts Southern California's more recognizable Independence Day parade. Past celebrity Grand Marshals include actresses Zsa Zsa Gabor and Natalie Wood, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and - last year - actor Joe Mantegna. This Grand Marshals are a well-known California couple that lives in Disneyland: Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

The parade is part of Huntington Beach's 112th Fourth of July celebration that also includes a 5k, a home decorating contest, and a three-day festival along the pier.

Organizers of the 68th Annual Pacific Palisades parade are kicking things off with a band of skydivers just before 2 p.m. A marching band follows, as does the day-long seaside celebration. While the parade is free, a concert-fireworks show package is available for $10.  

Up in Ventura County, the Ojai Independence Day Parade will hold a self-funded fireworks show at Nordhoff High School. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, though family discounts are available. In Ventura, the Fourth of July Children's Push-Em Pull-Em Parade features food vendors, children's entertainment, and fireworks scheduled to begin at $9. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children.

Westlake Village's parade begins with a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. and ends with 9 p.m. fireworks display at the Westlake golf course. The parade itself includes a flag retirement ceremony provided by Boy Scout Troop #485. The local rotary club will sell $1 hot dogs with proceeds going to the local Veteran's group.

Concerts

Motown act Stone Soul and dueling pianos group The Kings of 88 will play Burbank's Starlight Bowl, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15.

Classic rock group Chicago headlines the Hollywood Bowl all weekend, with a little help from the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West and the L.A. Phil. The ever-changing band has sold over 100 million records worldwide on the strength of hits like "If You Leave Me Now" and "You're the Inspiration." Tickets are still available starting at $14.50.