Between your neighbor's questionable amateur pyrotechnics and that one friend who swears their apartment has 'the perfect view,' it's time for a real game plan.
Better Midnight Spots Than Your Apartment Rooftop
1. Griffith Observatory
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Think of Griffith Observatory as your fancy balcony seat to LA's unofficial fireworks competition - you'll catch every illicit display from Echo Park to Downtown, minus the up-close chaos of ground zero. Grab a spot on the lawn or the steps and watch the entire city try to outdo each other.
🪄 Insider Tip: Take the bus to avoid traffic and enjoy free admission to the Observatory while you wait for the fireworks
2. Marina del Rey
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Marina del Rey's NYE bash is serving double fireworks energy (9PM and midnight) over those million-dollar boats, plus enough glow sticks and face painting to make your inner child lose it - meaning you can either bail early with the families or stick around to watch the yacht crowd attempt to dance to Top 40 hits until midnight.
🪄 Insider Tip: The fireworks can be seen from nearly everywhere in Marina del Rey, including the waterfront restaurants.
3. Mulholland Drive Overlook
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Famous for its breathtaking LA views and its nod in David Lynch’s classic film, Mulholland Drive is a 55-mile scenic route with seven overlooks showcasing iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign. This New Year’s Eve, head to the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook for the best vantage point of DTLA’s fireworks, plus views of the Griffith Observatory and more
🪄 Insider Tip: There is a parking lot by Runyon Canyon Park, only a short walk away from the main overlook.
4. Universal CityWalk
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Skip the Universal Studios tickets and head to the Universal CityWalk for a free night of fun, music, and fireworks. Enjoy live performances at the 5 Towers Stage, dine at one of the many restaurants, and cap off the night with a spectacular fireworks show.
🪄 Insider Tip: CityWalk is open for free until midnight on NYE, but Universal Studios Hollywood will be open until 2AM.
5. Angel's Point
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Want DTLA's best fireworks views without throwing elbows with tourists? Angel's Point in Elysian Park is your secret weapon. This local's lookout serves up panoramic money shots of downtown, the Hollywood Sign, and surrounding mountains, plus front-row seats to both DTLA and Dodger Stadium's NYE fireworks shows.
🪄 Insider Tip: Consider going to Angel's Point for a sunset picnic before the countdown to midnight.
6. Santa Monica Pier
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No fireworks? No problem. Santa Monica Pier's Pacific Park flips the NYE script with a Ferris wheel light show that would make Vegas jealous. Catch the midnight countdown surrounded by neon vibes, then pivot to watch distant fireworks paint the coastline. It's coastal California's answer to the ball drop, minus the frostbite and crowds
🪄 Insider Tip: There is a beach parking lot near the Pier, providing easy access for visitors.
7. Baldwin Scenic Overlook
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Why not take in multiple shows at once? The Baldwin Scenic Overlook, also known as the Culver City Stairs, is one of the city’s hidden gems for New Year’s Eve. This serene spot offers panoramic views of the LA Basin, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains, making it the perfect vantage point to catch fireworks displays
🪄 Insider Tip: Parking is available near the visitor center for $2/hour or $6/day.
8. Gloria Molina Grand Park
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Get ready to dance at NYELA 2025, the West Coast's largest free New Year's Eve party at Gloria Molina Grand Park. While there are no on-site fireworks, you can enjoy distant displays from Downtown LA while surrounded by good vibes, great tunes, and bright lights. The 13th annual event runs from 8 PM to 12:30 AM, featuring global music and international DJs, with genres ranging from afro-beats to reggaeton and more.
🪄 Insider Tip: There will be an iconic lineup of female DJs as well as lots of different food trucks to indulge in.
9. Long Beach Waterfront
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Long Beach's waterfront transforms into nature's amphitheater for a free NYE fireworks spectacular over the harbor. Pro tip: Stake out your spot early at prime viewing locations like Shoreline Village, Alamitos Beach, or Rainbow Lagoon Park - these waterfront VIP seats go fast. Whether you're rolling deep with friends or keeping it family-style, the shimmering harbor doubles as a mirror for the midnight show, giving you twice the sparkle for zero dollars.
🪄 Insider Tip: If you're looking for a boat cruise check out The Queen Mary (fireworks included on-ship).
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