Since I’m staying in town this Fourth of July, I researched where some fun Fourth of July food, drink and firework viewing spots are in So Cal. Here’s 10 destinations to cool down and nourish yourself on July 4, 2018 

1.  Marina Del Rey Hotel’s July Fourth Red, White and BBQ Celebration! Enjoy picturesque Marina views, while soaking up the sun at the oceanfront pool. Order BBQ favorites fresh from the grill and visit The Event Lawn’s Beer Garden featuring samplings from 16 breweries. There is live music, and fun for all ages, including a water balloon toss, pie-eating contest and the best view of the fireworks show on the pool deck, beginning at 9 p.m. with synchronized music. For additional information and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-of-july-block-party-tickets-47181134042 
2. Party like a patriot at the greatest pre-firework party on the Westside. Brennan’s is grilling up favorites like hot dogs, brats, burgers, skewers, corn on the cobb, and more! Enjoy Cold Tall Boys, Corn Hole Tournament, Badminton Tournament, and Live Music from 12 to 7 p.m. Brennan’s is at 4089 Lincoln Blvd, Marina del Rey, CA 90292.
   

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3. Start celebrating Independence Day with brunch at The Independence! Santa Monica’s favorite drinking and dining destination will be offering bottomless mimosas, toast towers, banana french toast, hangover poutine, and more from 10 am to 3 pm at their beach side eatery. 205 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401
   (310)458-2500.
4. Red, White & Blue at Viviane – Chef Michael Reed is preparing a gourmet feast of takeaway dishes for your Fourth of July party. Pre-order family-style salads, grain bowls and sandwiches for a picnic at the beach, park or however you plan to celebrate Independence Day. Viviane at the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. so visitors can enjoy dining poolside. 9400 W. Olympic Blvd., (310)407-7791.

   

5. The Larder’s Fourth of July takeaway menu – Let Suzanne Goin’s cuisine delight and wow your guests at your backyard Fourth of July party. The Larder in Brentwood and Burton Way offer takeaway menus for cookouts and picnics. A full array of appetizers, platters, fried chicken, barbecue-ready burgers with toppings, and Larder Baking Company breads and rolls are available. Be sure to pick up some cookies, peach pies with crème fraîche whip or a delicious cornmeal cobbler with summer berries. The Larder’s extensive à la carte menu includes seasonal salads, prepared foods, pastries and desserts. Wines curated by Caroline Styne are ideal for entertaining guests or gifting to a host and hostess. Wines can be added to any takeout order. All July 4 orders can be ordered in person, online or by phone by July 2. Both locations will be open for business on July 4 with limited hours. The Larder at Burton Way is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tavern is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and The Larder at Tavern is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Larder at Burton Way, 8500 Burton Way, Los Angeles, (310)278-8060. Tavern and The Larder at Tavern, 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, (310)806-6464.
6. Sparklers on July 4 at Vinovore – Coly Den Haan’s Virgil Village wine boutique is offering complimentary sparklers on top of 10 percent off every six-pack of wine. Stock up and bring some lady-made red, white and rosé wines, and Champagne to your Independence Day party. This female-driven wine shop is open on July 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 616 N. Hoover St., Los Angeles, (323)522-6713.
7. Fourth of July barbecue at Melody – On July 4 in Virgil Village, chef Justin Abram is grilling out on the patio from 4 to 10 p.m. The new “lazy French” restaurant is serving burger patties, veggies, oysters and wine. Sip red, white and pink wine while playing corn hole. 751 N. Virgil Ave., Los Angeles, (323)922-6037.
8. All-American barbecue at Prank – This fun DTLA location is hosting a barbecue with specials on beer and boilermakers on July 4. Chef Ricardo Sanchez is grilling racks of ribs and chickens to be served alongside mac and cheese, coleslaw and fries. This festive meal is from 2 p.m. to midnight. 1100 S. Hope St., (213)493-4786.
9. Best firework viewing in the valley at Castaway – Celebrate Independence Day at Castaway in the scenic hills of Burbank to watch this year’s fireworks. The restaurant is offering a Fourth of July special celebrating some classic American dishes. In addition to Castaway’s à la carte dinner menu, chef Perry Pollaci is preparing a grilled peach salad with arugula, citrus and ricotta salata. His barbecue Jidori chicken has a Jack Daniel’s maple glaze. Baby back ribs are glazed with chipotle and brown sugar. Burger lovers will enjoy the Castaway house-blend beef burger with pepper jack cheese, smoked bacon, arugula, shallot marmalade and chipotle aioli. Finish with a warm apple pie à la mode. Reservations can be made at OpenTable. The celebration is from 5 to 11 p.m. There is a $20 fee for patio seating and $10 fee for window seating.  1250 E. Harvard Road, (818)848-6691.

10. Trejo’s Donuts for Fourth of July – For Fourth of July, Trejo’s Coffee and Donuts is making a lemon curd doughnut topped with meringue, and a pastry and Chantilly cream doughnut with strawberries, blueberries and toasted coconut. Bring a dozen to your red, white and blue-themed party. 6785 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, (323)462-4600.

This was also featured in the Beverly Press