Pretty girls and ladies such as Mrs. America grace the lovely 4th of July Parade in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, Calif.―The whole world loves a parade but one very special parade has so much to brag about. Located along a beachfront route that turns down the historic Main Street district of Huntington Beach, this 100-year old institution includes pretty girls and beauty queens, celebrity actresses and drill teams each year.

An estimated 250,000 people come out to watch the celebration, which in recent years (since 2004), culminates in a free fireworks display along the Pacific Ocean waterfront near the Huntington Beach Pier.

If you love a parade, there are hundreds of them throughout the U.S. on America's Independence Day. The event is a national holiday held every July 4 to celebrate the country's independence from England and formation in 1776. Many countries hold independence day celebrations.  The one in the USA normally is associated with picnics, family gatherings and fireworks.  While fireworks are banned in many California cities (including Huntington Beach), you'll see a fair share of them throughout the day of bangs, booms and celebrating.

In addition to the parade, you'll discover lots of vendors with food at the Pier Plaza Expo held adjacent to the Huntington Beach Pier.

Where to stay during the 4th of July:

The first places to sell out rooms are the most expensive and the cheapest at the beach. Hyatt (has walkbridge to beach and ocean view rooms) and Hilton (across the street from beach, ocean view rooms)  often go first, especially if you're booking on a weekend. Best Western Huntington Beach Inn sells out pretty fast, and if you pay nearly as much as the Hyatt or Hilton is charging, you are paying too much. While this hotel is closest to the pier and fireworks show, it doesn't come close in amenities and is lower in AAA rating than the 4 diamond hotels Hyatt or Hilton.

Beyond that, you're going to have to go down coast or inland to book a room.  Down coast will put you at the Ocean Front Ramada on the beach (next to Jack and the Box) or Econolodge another half mile further (also on the beach side of the road).

Inland hotels along Beach Boulevard include to favorites, Howard Johnson or Best Western Regency Inn.

If the Huntington Beach scene is overbooked, check out the hotels next door either north or south in Long Beach or Newport Beach. Newport Beach actually closes its streets early in the day because it is one big party. The hotels down on the beach include Balboa Inn and Portofino B&B. Just across the street is the affordable Best Western Newport Beach Inn.

If you want a room for 4th of July, it doesn't hurt to book ahead...way ahead.